As a Buffalo resident, you may be exposed to asbestos in your own home, at work, or in any other building you enter. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you may be at risk for developing mesothelioma, a rare but deadly form of cancer. This tragic and preventable condition has no cure, which could lead to extensive treatment and emotional damages to victims and their families.
These losses deserve recognition, and an experienced Buffalo mesothelioma lawyer can help you seek justice. Our dedicated Buffalo asbestos lawyers at The Williams Law Firm, P.C., can help you achieve the compensation you deserve. We understand the frightening and stressful times you are going through, so we are prepared to build a strong claim and fight for you. With our personalized services and proven track record of never losing a mesothelioma case, you can trust us to handle your claim with the utmost care and compassion. We want you to feel confident and stress-free throughout the legal process, so we communicate honestly and consistently. This way, you can make informed decisions about your future and understand your legal options.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring carcinogenic mineral that contains heat, electricity, and corrosion-resistant fibers. It was commonly used in the 19th and 20th centuries for insulation, pipe coverings, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and more. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled can embed themselves in a person’s respiratory tract. This exposure could make people more vulnerable to serious diseases, often resulting in extensive medical expenses and long-term treatment costs, including the following:
People can be exposed to asbestos and these conditions in many ways. In addition, these diseases may take years to show symptoms, making them difficult to identify. They also require extensive and expensive treatment, often creating significant financial burdens for families already dealing with emotional trauma.
Those most at risk of developing mesothelioma are those who worked in industrial jobs. Family members of these workers are also at risk of secondary exposure due to asbestos on work clothing. Anyone living in areas where asbestos was mined or those in a home containing asbestos is also at risk of developing mesothelioma. We understand the dangers of asbestos exposure and have handled cases in the Western New York area for decades, so we know what it takes to achieve a successful outcome.
Unfortunately, Buffalo has been affected by asbestos and mesothelioma, with an estimated 1,417 asbestos-related deaths in Erie County, NY from 1999 to 2017. Many of these deaths represent potential legal claims where families could have pursued compensation from responsible parties. Known sites in the area with asbestos include the following:
If you have worked at one of these locations or lived with someone who worked at one of these sites, you may have been exposed to asbestos and be at risk of mesothelioma. It’s crucial to see a doctor right away so they can run the proper testing and prevent your condition from worsening. After seeking medical attention, contact The Williams Law Firm, P.C. for a free consultation with a caring attorney who will listen to your story and determine the best course of action to achieve a successful outcome.
In New York State, mesothelioma victims generally have three years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury claim, while families who have lost someone to mesothelioma have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Understanding these time limits is crucial to protecting your right to seek compensation.
New York law imposes strict deadlines for filing mesothelioma claims. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period—often 20 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure—determining when to file can be complex and requires legal guidance. Contact our office immediately to ensure your claim is filed within New York’s statute of limitations.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma in New York, you have the right to file a claim and seek financial compensation for economic and non-economic damages. A skilled mesothelioma attorney can help you pursue multiple sources of compensation, including lawsuit settlements, trust fund claims, and veterans benefits. Depending on the severity of your condition and other details of your claim, you may recover the following costs:
While some of these damages, like medical expenses and lost wages, are relatively straightforward to calculate, others, like pain and suffering, are often more complicated due to their abstract nature. Fortunately, our knowledgeable team understands how to calculate your claim’s worth accurately so you have the best chance of achieving a fair settlement.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, you may feel unsure about where to start in seeking justice. With help from our team at The Williams Law Firm, P.C., you don’t have to go through the process alone. We handle every aspect of your claim and will fight for you so that you can focus on recovery and treatment.
Our team manages all aspects of the legal process, including investigating your asbestos exposure history, identifying liable parties, gathering medical documentation, consulting with medical specialists, and negotiating with insurance companies and trust funds. Our communicative and knowledgeable team can also help you understand the following options to receive compensation:
We have worked on all types of mesothelioma claims, including the most complicated and complex. Our asbestos lawyers take every case seriously and work directly with you to develop a customized legal plan tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.
Many companies responsible for asbestos exposure in Buffalo have filed for bankruptcy and established trust funds to compensate mesothelioma victims. Buffalo residents diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for compensation from multiple trusts, as many industrial companies that operated in Western New York have established these funds. Over $30 billion has been set aside in asbestos trust funds nationwide.
Companies that operated in the Buffalo area, including Bethlehem Steel and other industrial manufacturers, have established trusts that continue to compensate victims. Our team has extensive experience navigating the trust fund claims process and can help you identify all available sources of compensation, often recovering funds from multiple trusts for a single client. Trust fund claims can proceed simultaneously with lawsuits, potentially maximizing your recovery.
Trust fund claims offer several advantages for mesothelioma victims in Western New York. They typically resolve faster than traditional lawsuits, don’t require going to court, and can provide compensation even decades after a company has ceased operations. Many area residents were exposed through companies like Bethlehem Steel, which maintained significant operations in the region for decades. Our attorneys have successfully recovered trust fund compensation for hundreds of mesothelioma victims throughout the state.
Getting diagnosed with mesothelioma can be devastating, and you may worry about how the condition will affect your future. If you were exposed to asbestos due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve representation that will fight for you and manage all aspects of your claim, so you can focus on recovery. Our mesothelioma attorneys at The Williams Law Firm, P.C. do just that. We have won every case we worked on, so you can rest assured your claim is in the right hands.
We strive to go above and beyond for Buffalo mesothelioma victims by supporting them every step of the way. Joe Williams has 30 years of experience working on all types of mesothelioma claims and will meet with you personally to work on your case. This dedication and commitment to achieving the compensation you deserve can give you peace of mind that your claim is being handled properly and with compassion. We also offer free consultations, so we can listen to your story and review your legal options. Schedule yours by calling us or filling out our contact form.
Mesothelioma patients in Buffalo may pursue compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit, which can cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Legal options include filing personal injury claims, seeking compensation from asbestos trust funds, and in some cases, pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. An asbestos law firm familiar with asbestos litigation can guide you through each step of the legal process to improve your chance of receiving compensation.
A mesothelioma law firm helps by handling the legal complexities of asbestos cases, collecting evidence, filing paperwork, and negotiating settlements. They can also identify all sources of liability, including companies responsible for your exposure and available asbestos trust funds. Firms like The Williams Law Firm, P.C. are familiar with industrial sites throughout New York State and know how to navigate the unique challenges of mesothelioma cases, making them key allies in your fight for justice.
Yes, many mesothelioma cases stem from exposure that occurred decades ago due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases. If you’ve recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you still may have legal rights. A mesothelioma law firm can assess your case and determine the best way to seek compensation, even if the exposure happened years ago. It’s critical to act promptly due to time-sensitive legal deadlines in asbestos litigation.
Asbestos trust funds were established to compensate mesothelioma patients and others harmed by asbestos exposure when responsible companies went bankrupt. These funds can offer significant payouts, depending on the circumstances of each case. A qualified mesothelioma law firm can help identify and file claims with the correct trust funds, ensuring you don’t miss out on this vital source of compensation during your mesothelioma lawsuit or personal injury claims process.
If someone you care about died from mesothelioma or lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases seek compensation for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and lost income, as well as the pain and suffering your family member endured. A mesothelioma law firm familiar with New York asbestos cases can walk you through the legal process and help hold negligent parties accountable. Prompt action can protect your family’s rights and financial future.
The Joseph Williams Law Office has been very kind, professional, and knowledgeable. They have helped our family through a very difficult time and I would recommend their services to anyone that needs help.
– Lindsta Ann
