How Meirowitz & Wasserberg Helps Queens Mesothelioma Families
Meirowitz & Wasserberg represents Queens clients diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Our attorneys investigate decades-old exposure, identify responsible companies and pursue the right compensation options for you.
We have tried cases in New York City Asbestos Litigation, the coordinated docket that hears asbestos claims from every borough. This means that we understand exactly how Queens cases move through the system.
Our attorneys have recovered more than $800 million for clients nationwide. We’ve handled more than 300 mesothelioma cases and 650 asbestos-related cases.
We do not ask for any money upfront. Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Request a Free ConsultationWhere Asbestos Exposure Happened in Queens
Asbestos exposure in Queens happened at power plants, railroad yards, factories, on the waterfront and in older schools and housing. Insulation, boilers, gaskets and building materials in these locations contained asbestos for decades.
Anyone who worked in one of these industries in Queens, even decades ago, may have been exposed. Mesothelioma can take 20 to 60 years to develop after exposure, which is why so many people are receiving diagnoses today.
Queens Asbestos Exposure Categories
| Category | Exposure Context |
|---|---|
| Astoria Generating Station | Workers at this power generation station were exposed when working on boiler and turbine insulation. |
| JFK & LaGuardia Airport and Highway construction | Workers in building-trades faced asbestos exposure. |
| Long Island Railroad Hillside Maintenance Facility / Rail Yards | Railroad equipment maintenance on items like brake linings, gaskets and insulation potentially exposed workers to asbestos. |
| Queens Public Schools & NYCHA Housing | Older building materials contained asbestos, causing exposure during maintenance and renovation. |
| Ravenswood Generating Station or “Big Allis” | Large-scale power generation plant that had asbestos in boilers, turbines, pipe and equipment insulation. |
| Rockaway / Waterfront | Maritime and older residential construction put workers at risk. |
| Steinway & Sons | Manufacturing locations had asbestos in industrial insulation and other materials. |
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Queens and the NYCAL Court
Most Queens mesothelioma cases move through NYCAL, which handles asbestos claims in New York City. When you hire an attorney, they determine your exposure history, identify every company that may be responsible and file your case with the court.
Many Queens cases settle without reaching a jury. However, your attorney will take your case to trial if the companies responsible for your exposure won’t offer a fair resolution.
Your exposure doesn’t need to occur entirely within New York for you to have a claim in the state. If any company responsible for your exposure operates in New York or if part of your exposure history took place in the state, you may be able to file a claim.
Compensation for Queens Mesothelioma Clients
Queens clients diagnosed with mesothelioma may seek compensation through lawsuits, asbestos trust funds and wrongful-death claims. Most clients pursue more than one type of compensation simultaneously.
The value of a mesothelioma lawsuit varies between cases. How much your claim is worth depends on how you were exposed, the severity of your diagnosis and which companies are responsible for your exposure.
Asbestos Exposure Compensation Options
- Asbestos trust funds: More than 60 companies that made or sold asbestos products have gone bankrupt. Federal law under Section 524(g) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code required many of them to set aside funds to pay future claims. This code is a compensation framework, not a guaranteed payout. Pursuing a trust claim in addition to a lawsuit is common.
- Lawsuits: An asbestos lawsuit against solvent companies is usually the largest source of compensation. Most of these cases end in a negotiated settlement rather than a trial.
- Wrongful death claims: For families who lost a loved one, a wrongful death claim can pursue damages tied to medical costs, lost income and the loss of that person’s companionship.
Meirowitz and Wasserberg walk every client through which of these compensation routes may apply to their specific situation during our free case review. Our attorneys have won cases ranging from $2.3 million to more than $32 million for individual clients. However, past results don’t guarantee future outcomes.
Get a Free Case EvaluationNew York Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations
New York law sets deadlines called statutes of limitations for filing a mesothelioma claim. It’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as you receive a diagnosis so that you don’t miss any deadlines.
If you’re worried that too much time has passed, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In most cases, the statute of limitations generally starts when doctors diagnose you, not when you are exposed.
You may have the option to file in a different state, depending on where your exposure happened or where a liable company operates. Additionally, asbestos trust funds have separate deadlines that don’t follow the same rules as a lawsuit.
Secondhand and Household Asbestos Exposure in Queens
Queens asbestos workers may unintentionally expose their family members to asbestos by bringing home dust on their clothing, hair and tools. These family members can have valid mesothelioma claims due to secondary exposure.
We’ve represented clients whose mesothelioma diagnosis traced back to a family member’s work. This includes a case that resulted in a verdict of more than $32 million for someone who developed the disease after years of laundering a relative’s contaminated clothing.
Why Choose Our Queens Mesothelioma Attorneys
Meirowitz & Wasserberg has asbestos litigation experience, NYCAL and New York exposure-site track records, resources to pursue a national defendant list and clear contingency terms. Asbestos litigation comes with its own rules, deadlines and a long list of potential defendants. The firm you choose should have real experience navigating these factors.
Attorney Selection Criteria
- Asbestos case experience you can actually verify, not just claims of experience
- Clear contingency terms with no fee unless they win your case
- Multilingual staff who can work with you and your family in your preferred language
- NYCAL trial experience specific to New York asbestos claims
- Willingness to travel to you
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, Daniel Wasserberg leads our asbestos practice. He holds law licenses in New York, New Jersey, Texas and Illinois. Samuel Meirowitz spent four years as a Bronx prosecutor before shifting his trial skills toward representing asbestos clients. He’s also taught law at CUNY Queens and the Interboro Institute.
Legal directories have named both founders Super Lawyers Rising Stars. Additionally, Wasserberg has earned recognition as a Top 10 Mesothelioma Lawyer.
Our Mesothelioma Case Results
Meirowitz & Wasserberg has recovered significant results for mesothelioma and asbestos clients, with verdicts worth more than $32 million. This includes cases that other firms declined.
Recent Case Highlights
- $4.3 million: Secondary exposure settlement for the wife of the owner of a produce trucking company.
- $28.5 million: Verdict against three defendants for an asbestos-related lung cancer case in New York.
- $4.4 million: Settlement for a Puerto Rican sugar mill mechanic after another firm had already turned down his case.
These results reflect the range of outcomes we’ve achieved across different exposure histories, diagnoses and defendants. Every client’s circumstances are different.The value of your case will depend on the specific facts about your exposure.
Queens Mesothelioma FAQ
Do I need a Queens mesothelioma lawyer, or can any personal injury attorney help?
It’s important to have a mesothelioma lawyer. Asbestos cases involve specialized rules, defendants and evidence. A firm with mesothelioma and NYCAL experience knows how to trace exposure that happened decades ago and pursue every company that may be responsible.
How much does a mesothelioma lawyer cost?
Meirowitz & Wasserberg work on a contingency fee, so there’s no upfront cost to you. We only collect a fee if we win your case. We also cover the costs of building your case.
What is the average mesothelioma settlement?
There’s no single average since your diagnosis, exposure history and the companies involved impact what a case is worth. Your outcome depends on the specific facts of your case.
Where were people exposed to asbestos in Queens?
People in Queens faced asbestos exposure while doing railroad and rail yard maintenance, power plant work and construction. They also may have encountered asbestos in older schools and public housing developments across the borough.
How do I file a mesothelioma lawsuit in New York?
Most Queens cases move through NYCAL, the coordinated court docket that handles asbestos claims in New York City. Your attorney builds your case by investigating your exposure history and identifying the companies responsible before.
Can I file a claim if my Queens asbestos exposure happened decades ago?
Yes. Mesothelioma often takes 20 to 60 years to develop after exposure, so a decades-old work history doesn’t disqualify you from filing. New York’s filing deadline generally runs from your diagnosis date, not from when the exposure occurred.
Can I file a claim for a family member who has passed away from mesothelioma?
Yes. Surviving spouses, children and estate representatives can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one who died from mesothelioma. These claims can seek compensation for medical bills, funeral costs and the loss your family has experienced.
Free Queens Mesothelioma Consultation
If you or a family member were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Meirowitz & Wasserberg for a free, confidential consultation about a Queens asbestos claim. We are available 24/7, and you pay no fee unless we win your case.
Our team serves clients in 14 languages. We have a main office in Manhattan at 1040 6th Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018, but we work with families across Queens and every other borough.
Whether your exposure traces back to a job at a local power plant decades ago or you’re helping a parent navigate a new diagnosis, we’re ready to help you navigate what comes next.
Call 212-897-1988 or complete our online form for a free consultation.About The Author
Daniel Wasserberg
Founding Partner
Daniel Wasserberg, a founding partner of Meirowitz & Wasserberg, is a Best Lawyers-recognized and Super Lawyers-rated mesothelioma attorney with over 20 years of experience. Named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and Top 10 Asbestos-Mesothelioma Lawyer, he leads the firm's national asbestos practice.
