Asbestos exposure has left a lasting mark on Queens, particularly in neighborhoods where shipyards, construction sites, and industrial facilities once thrived. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after working in these environments, you have the right to pursue compensation from the companies responsible for your exposure.
At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we fight for mesothelioma victims throughout Queens and the surrounding areas. Led by founding partner Joseph P. Williams, our firm has never lost a mesothelioma case and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients. With 30 years of experience and a commitment to personalized service, we meet clients in their homes and treat every case as our personal cause.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart after prolonged asbestos exposure. This disease often takes 20 to 50 years to develop, meaning many Queens residents are only now facing diagnoses from exposure that occurred decades ago.
Queens has a long history of industrial activity that puts workers at risk. The Brooklyn Navy Yard, though technically in Brooklyn, employed thousands of Queens residents who worked on ships containing the following:
Construction workers built landmarks like LaGuardia Airport and the Unisphere at Flushing Meadows, both of which used asbestos-containing materials extensively during their construction.
Workers in certain trades faced particularly high exposure risks. Steamfitters and pipefitters who worked on heating systems in Queens apartment buildings and commercial properties handled asbestos pipe insulation daily. Electricians who renovated older buildings in neighborhoods like Astoria and Long Island City disturbed asbestos materials hidden in walls and ceilings. Boilermakers who maintained heating equipment in schools, hospitals, and office buildings throughout the borough also encountered dangerous asbestos products.
Attorney Williams uses actual naval archive records that include complete equipment lists from ships, which becomes particularly valuable when representing Navy veterans who lived in Queens and worked at nearby shipyards. These historical documents help establish exactly which asbestos products were present on specific vessels and when workers would have encountered them.
Building a successful mesothelioma case requires a detailed investigation into where and when you were exposed to asbestos. We start by thoroughly documenting your work history throughout Queens and the surrounding areas. This includes identifying specific job sites, the companies you worked for, and the products you handled.
Our firm conducts comprehensive research into the asbestos products used at Queens’ worksites during your employment. We review building records, product databases, and historical documents to establish which manufacturers supplied the dangerous materials you encountered. When multiple defendants are involved, we pursue claims against every company responsible for your exposure.
Medical documentation forms another crucial element of your case. We work with your doctors to obtain records showing your diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis. Expert medical testimony helps explain to juries how asbestos exposure caused your mesothelioma and the impact this disease has on your life and your family’s future.
New York law provides mesothelioma victims with specific protections and deadlines. You generally have three years from your diagnosis date to file a lawsuit. If a loved one has passed away from mesothelioma, family members may file a wrongful death claim within two years of the death.
The litigation process typically begins with filing a complaint in New York Supreme Court. During discovery, both sides exchange information and take depositions. Many mesothelioma cases settle before trial, but Attorney Williams has successfully tried hundreds of cases before New York juries when settlement offers don’t adequately compensate his clients.
Mesothelioma victims may recover several types of damages. Economic damages cover medical expenses, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and ongoing care. You can also recover lost wages if you’ve had to stop working due to your illness, along with compensation for reduced earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your previous occupation.
Non-economic damages address the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by mesothelioma. This includes compensation for the anxiety and distress that comes with facing a serious diagnosis, the impact on your quality of life, and the strain on your relationships with family members.
In cases where a company showed deliberate disregard for worker safety, punitive damages may apply. These damages punish particularly reckless conduct and help deter similar behavior by other companies. When employers or product manufacturers knew about asbestos dangers but failed to warn workers or provide protective equipment, punitive damages become more likely.
Many companies that manufactured or used asbestos products have filed for bankruptcy due to the volume of mesothelioma claims against them. As part of their bankruptcy proceedings, these companies established trust funds to compensate future victims. More than 60 asbestos trust funds exist today, holding billions of dollars for qualified claimants.
Filing trust fund claims requires detailed documentation about your exposure to specific products. We identify all relevant trusts based on your work history and the products you encountered, then prepare comprehensive claims to maximize your recovery. Trust fund claims can proceed simultaneously with litigation against solvent defendants, providing multiple paths to compensation.
LaGuardia Airport represents one of Queens’ most significant asbestos exposure sites. During its construction in the 1930s and subsequent renovations through the 1970s, workers installed asbestos fireproofing, floor tiles, ceiling panels, and insulation throughout the terminals. Electricians, plumbers, and maintenance workers faced ongoing exposure during repair and renovation projects.
The Port of New York and New Jersey facilities in Queens employed longshoremen, crane operators, and warehouse workers who handled asbestos-containing cargo. Ships docking at these ports often contained asbestos insulation, and workers who loaded and unloaded maritime equipment encountered these dangerous materials regularly.
Queens’ industrial areas housed numerous factories that used asbestos in their operations. Metal fabrication plants used asbestos gloves, aprons, and blankets to protect workers from heat. Chemical plants incorporated asbestos gaskets and packing materials in their processing equipment. Workers in these facilities faced daily exposure without adequate warnings or protective equipment.
Power generation facilities in Queens also created substantial exposure risks. Con Edison power plants throughout New York used asbestos insulation on boilers, pipes, and electrical equipment. Maintenance workers, electricians, and plant operators who worked at these facilities encountered asbestos materials throughout their careers.
Joseph P. Williams brings three decades of experience specifically focused on mesothelioma litigation. His track record includes representing members of nearly every New York union, giving him deep familiarity with the worksites and exposures that Queens workers faced. This experience translates into more effective representation and better results for clients.
Our firm handles mesothelioma cases individually rather than processing them in bulk. Attorney Williams meets clients in their homes, understanding that travel to a law office may be difficult when dealing with a serious illness. This personalized approach ensures that your unique circumstances and concerns receive the attention they deserve.
We have never lost a mesothelioma case, a distinction that reflects our commitment to thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy. We don’t shy away from taking cases to trial when insurance companies and defendants refuse to offer fair settlements. Our willingness to fight in court often leads to better settlement offers before trial.
A mesothelioma diagnosis changes everything, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The Williams Law Firm, P.C., provides the experienced, compassionate representation you need during this difficult time. We handle all aspects of your case while you focus on your health and your family.
Attorney Williams’ 30 years of experience and undefeated record in mesothelioma cases mean you can trust your case to a proven advocate. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our commitment to personalized service ensures that your case receives the individual attention it deserves, not assembly-line treatment. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Get a copy of our FREE mesothelioma e-book by attorney Joseph Williams
