Troy has one of the highest asbestos-related death rates in upstate New York. Rensselaer County recorded an estimated 245 asbestos-related deaths from 1999 to 2017, with a death rate of 8 deaths per 100,000 people — among the highest of any county in New York State. Troy’s industrial heritage as a center for iron stove manufacturing, steel production, and waterfront industrial operations put generations of workers in contact with asbestos-containing materials throughout the 20th century. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after living or working in Troy, you may be entitled to significant compensation from the companies responsible for your exposure.
Attorney Joseph P. Williams and The Williams Law Firm, P.C. have represented over 1,000 mesothelioma victims and their families throughout New York, including workers from Troy’s stove foundries, steel operations, and construction projects across Rensselaer County. Attorney Williams has never lost a mesothelioma case in over 30 years of practice, and our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients. Learn more about your options as a New York mesothelioma victim or contact us today for a free consultation.
⚠ Time-Sensitive — New York Law Limits Your Window to File
Diagnosed with mesothelioma in Troy? New York’s 3-year statute of limitations runs from your diagnosis date, not your exposure date.
Over 1,000 families represented. Hundreds of millions recovered. Joseph P. Williams has never lost a mesothelioma case. No fees unless we win.
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart after prolonged asbestos exposure. Symptoms typically do not appear until 20 to 50 years after initial contact with asbestos fibers, meaning that many Troy workers who were exposed during the industrial peak of the mid-20th century are only now receiving diagnoses. Troy’s death rate of 8 deaths per 100,000 people is one of the highest in New York State, reflecting the intensity of asbestos use throughout Rensselaer County’s industrial history.
Troy was historically known as the “Stove Capital of the World,” with multiple iron and steel foundries producing stoves, radiators, and industrial castings that used asbestos-containing insulation and gaskets throughout the manufacturing process. Workers at these foundries, along with those in Troy’s construction, waterfront, and utility industries, were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis. According to the New York State Department of Health, over 150 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in New York State each year, and Rensselaer County workers account for a disproportionate share relative to the county’s population.
The following are documented asbestos exposure sites in Troy and Rensselaer County. If you worked at any of these locations, you may have a viable mesothelioma claim:
These are among the documented sites, but Troy’s long industrial history means that many other locations throughout the city and county were also significant sources of asbestos exposure. You can also view our complete New York asbestos job site inventory.
Workers in the following trades and occupations faced elevated asbestos exposure rates in Troy throughout the mid-20th century:
Family members of workers in these trades also faced secondary or take-home exposure from asbestos fibers carried home on work clothing. Learn more about second-hand asbestos exposure and whether it can support a legal claim.
Many Troy mesothelioma cases involve secondary or take-home asbestos exposure. Workers at Troy’s iron foundries, construction sites, and waterfront industrial facilities regularly carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing and equipment. Courts in New York have long recognized secondary exposure as a valid basis for mesothelioma claims, and The Williams Law Firm has recovered compensation for Capital Region family members who developed the disease through this type of indirect contact.
Troy mesothelioma lawsuits are filed through the New York City Asbestos Litigation docket, known as NYCAL, which is administered through Manhattan Supreme Court. NYCAL has specialized procedures for expediting cases involving seriously ill plaintiffs, and Attorney Williams has navigated this docket extensively throughout his career. The process begins with a free case evaluation, followed by a thorough investigation of your work history, employment records, union archives, and the specific asbestos products involved in your exposure. Troy foundry cases frequently involve claims against multiple product manufacturers, and we pursue civil litigation and trust fund claims simultaneously to maximize your recovery. Learn more about your mesothelioma lawsuit options.
In New York, the statute of limitations for mesothelioma personal injury claims is three years from the date of diagnosis. For wrongful death claims, surviving family members have two years from the date of death. New York applies the discovery rule, meaning the clock begins at diagnosis, not at the time of your original asbestos exposure. You can verify current filing deadlines through the New York Courts statute of limitations chart. Missing this deadline is irreversible.
Troy mesothelioma victims and their families may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, household services, punitive damages where applicable, and wrongful death damages. View our client success stories to understand the results we have achieved for New York families.
Many manufacturers whose asbestos-containing products were used at Troy’s foundries, utility plants, and construction sites have declared bankruptcy and established compensation trusts. Over 60 active trusts currently hold billions of dollars for mesothelioma victims. We pursue trust fund claims simultaneously with civil litigation. Learn more about asbestos trust funds and how they work alongside New York mesothelioma litigation.
Joseph P. Williams has dedicated his entire 30-year legal career to asbestos and mesothelioma litigation in New York. His experience with foundry workers, construction trades, and utility workers throughout the Capital Region gives him deep familiarity with the specific exposure patterns in Troy and Rensselaer County. He handles every case personally, meets clients at home, and has never lost a mesothelioma case.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Client Review: 5/5
“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, Verified Client
Rensselaer County’s death rate of 8 per 100,000 people is one of the highest in New York State. Troy was historically the “Stove Capital of the World,” with multiple iron foundries producing stoves, radiators, and industrial castings using asbestos-containing insulation and gaskets throughout the manufacturing process. Workers at these foundries, along with those in Troy’s waterfront and construction industries, faced intensive asbestos exposure across entire careers.
Yes. Troy’s iron and steel foundry operations are among the most significant asbestos exposure sources in Rensselaer County’s history. Workers who handled asbestos insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing materials in foundry operations and who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may have viable claims against the manufacturers of those products. Attorney Williams can investigate your specific work history and identify every responsible party.
Under New York law, you generally have three years from the date of your mesothelioma diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, surviving family members have two years from the date of their loved one’s passing. New York applies the discovery rule, so the clock starts at diagnosis, not at the time of your original asbestos exposure. These deadlines are strictly enforced.
There is no upfront cost. The Williams Law Firm, P.C. handles all mesothelioma cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Attorney Williams also meets clients in their Troy homes so there are no logistical barriers to getting the representation you deserve.
Yes. Secondary asbestos exposure, where a worker carries fibers home on their clothing from a foundry, construction site, or utility facility, is a recognized basis for mesothelioma claims in New York. If a family member developed mesothelioma through this type of indirect contact, they may be entitled to compensation. Surviving family members can also file wrongful death claims if a loved one passed away from mesothelioma.
A mesothelioma diagnosis changes everything, but you do not have to face this challenge alone. The Williams Law Firm, P.C. provides the experienced, dedicated representation you need during this difficult time. Attorney Williams’ 30 years of experience, undefeated record in mesothelioma cases, and membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and National Trial Lawyers Top 100 reflect a career built entirely on fighting for asbestos exposure victims across New York and the country.
We handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on your health and your family. Attorney Williams will personally meet with you at your Troy home to begin evaluating your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Schedule a free consultation to 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
