A Buffalo mesothelioma lawyer can help if you received a diagnosis of an asbestos illness, like mesothelioma. Buffalo was once a major center for the construction, transportation, manufacturing, steel, and railway industries. The city’s economy is now less industrialized, but this past left behind a deadly legacy of asbestos exposure.
If you or a loved one have mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation.
Understanding the full spectrum of illnesses that can arise from asbestos exposure is crucial. These conditions can vary and impact your life in numerous ways. Here’s a closer look at the types of asbestos-related illnesses:
- Mesothelioma: A severe cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Specific to the abdominal lining, this type can cause significant discomfort and complications.
- Malignant Mesothelioma: Known for its aggressive nature, it requires immediate medical attention.
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: A rare form that’s particularly challenging to treat.
- Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer: Often indistinguishable from other lung cancers but directly linked to asbestos.
- Second-Hand Asbestos Exposure: Even indirect contact can lead to serious health issues.
- Environmental Asbestos Exposure: Occurs when asbestos fibers are present in your surroundings.
- Talc & Asbestos Exposure: Common in certain consumer products, leading to unexpected exposure.
- Railroad Asbestos Exposure: Historically prevalent in the railroad industry, affecting workers and their families.
- Other Asbestos Injuries: Various other health problems can arise, underscoring the importance of awareness and early detection.
By recognizing these conditions, you can better understand your rights and the potential avenues for compensation. Stay informed and consult with professionals who can guide you through the complexities of asbestos-related health issues.
Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in Buffalo, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
Top 8 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers Serving Buffalo, NY
Jeffrey B. Simon
- Licensed to practice in New York, Texas, and California
- Graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1993
- Founding partner of Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC
- Named among Top Lawyers Under 40 by D Magazine in 2003 and 2004
- Named a Texas Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers (a Thomson Reuters service), 2006 to 2009 and 2014 to 2016
- Awarded a Dallas County Special Civil Service Commission from 2011 to 2013
- Awarded National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers Award in 2016
- Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by America’s Top 100 Attorneys in 2016
Jeffrey B. Simon is a founding partner of Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC. He is licensed to practice in California, Texas, and New York. He has worked on mesothelioma cases for over 20 years. Simon received a lifetime achievement award from America’s Top 100 Attorneys in 2016.
Paul Danziger
- Founding member of Texas-based law firm that handles asbestos and mesothelioma cases throughout the United States
- Over two decades of experience in mesothelioma litigation with more than 1,000 mesothelioma patients helped
- His law firm, Danziger & De LLano, has won more than $1,000,000,000 in mesothelioma-related claims
- Graduated with honors from the University of Texas, 1989
- Law degree from Northwestern University, 1993
- Bar admission in Texas
- Member of the American Association of Justice and Texas Trial Lawyers Association
- Recognized among Top 100 Trial Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers, 2017-2019
Working from his law offices in Texas, Paul Danziger handles mesothelioma cases throughout the United States. He has focused on mesothelioma litigation for over 25 years, and has recovered significant compensation for victims of mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Paul Danziger earned a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago in 1993.
Joseph W. Belluck
- Graduated State University of New York School of Law, magna cum laude in 1994
- Founding partner at Belluck & Fox, LLP
- Helped win significant compensation in multiple asbestos and personal injury cases
- More than 22 years of experience working with asbestos victims
- Represented New York state in a successful case against tobacco companies
- Volunteered at Trial Lawyers Care
- Earned the highest possible rating for legal abilities and ethical standards by Martindale-Hubbell since 2007
- New York Best and Super Lawyers, 2007 to the present (Thomson Reuters)
- Bar admissions in New York, Vermont, Colorado, and Washington
Belluck earned a degree in sociology from the State University of New York (SUNY) Binghamton in 1989 and a law degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Law in 1994.
He is a founding member of Belluck & Fox and has spent his entire career advocating for victims in personal injury and asbestos cases. He helps patients from his office in New York City, NY.
Lou Black
- Partner at Black Law Group
- Focuses solely on asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cases
- Graduate of Texas Christian University and South Texas College of Law, 1990 and 1993
- A career dedicated to asbestos cases and victims of mesothelioma and lung cancer
- Admissions in Texas and Pennsylvania
- Member, board of directors and executive committee of Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Lou Black is a partner and founding member of Black Law Group, with offices in New Mexico and Texas. A graduate of the South Texas College of Law, Black has been practicing law since 1993. She has dedicated her career to helping victims of mesothelioma and lung cancer from asbestos exposure seek justice and recover damages. She is an expert in asbestos litigation.
Lou is nationally-recognized asbestos attorney who frequently assists on cases around the country.
Chris J. Panatier
- Graduated from the University of Texas Law School in 2001
- Founding partner in Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC
- Won verdicts with significant damages
- With practice partner, brought the first verdict against Colgate-Palmolive for mesothelioma caused by talcum powder
- Named a Thomson Reuters Texas Rising Star, 2005 to 2012
- Named Thomson Reuters Texas Super Lawyer from 2013 to 2019
- Top Lawyer Under 40, as named by D Magazine for 2006
Chris J. Panatier is a partner in the trial law firm Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC. He focuses on asbestos and mesothelioma, toxic tort cases, products liability, and pharmaceuticals. With a partner he helped to win the first talcum powder and mesothelioma verdict against Colgate-Palmolive. Panatier earned his law degree from the University of Texas in 2001.
Michelle Whitman
- Secured millions of dollars in settlements for victims of asbestos exposure, including workers in construction, shipbuilding, and power plants
- Working through Danziger & De LLano, a mesothelioma law firm with over a billion dollars won in asbestos and mesothelioma cases
- Over two deceased of experience
- Licensed through the Texas State Bar
- Active member of American Bar Association, American Association for Justice, and Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Michelle Whitman is a skilled attorney at Danziger & De Llano, LLP, specializing in Mesothelioma and Asbestos litigation. With over a decade of experience in the field, Michelle has built a strong reputation for securing justice and substantial compensation for victims of asbestos exposure. Her expertise in asbestos-related cases has led to millions of dollars in settlements for clients suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Peter A. Kraus
- Founding partner at Waters, Kraus & Paul
- Admitted to the State Bar of Hawaii, California, Missouri, Texas, and Virginia, as well as several U.S. Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court
- Involved in numerous mesothelioma cases with significant compensation for victims
- Graduated University of Texas School of Law, 1985
- Awarded Above and Beyond Award by the American Association for Justice in 2017
- Appointee to the Federal Judicial Center Foundation Board, 2014 to the present
- Named a Texas Top Rated Lawyer by Lexis Nexis, 2013 through 2016
- Listed Best Lawyer in Dallas by D Magazine, 2001, and 2011 to 2019
Peter Kraus is a founding partner with the Waters, Kraus & Paul law firm serving Houston from their Dallas, Texas office. He focuses on litigating cases related to harmful exposure, particularly asbestos. His nearly 30 years of work on behalf of asbestos and mesothelioma victims has led to major wins and jury awards. He is active in his community and spends time on pro bono work and in serving on boards of directors and trustees for a number of charitable organizations.
Ross Stomel
- Accreditation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for excellence in representing veterans
- Recovered over $250 million in verdicts and settlements related to asbestos exposure
- Named among the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by National Trial Lawyers Association
Ross Stomel is a leading expert in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation who practices in Houston, Texas. He has made a career of working with victims of personal injury and wrongful death, with special expertise in asbestos exposure. He has litigated throughout the U.S. and helped his clients recover more than $250 million in settlements and jury awards.
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Buffalo Asbestos Facts
- The state of New York had over 15,000 deaths from asbestos-related illnesses between 1999 and 2017.
- Erie County and Buffalo accounted for 1,417 of those deaths, the highest number in the state.
- Several industries in the Buffalo area contributed to deadly asbestos exposure, including chemical manufacturing and steel.
How Does Asbestos Exposure Lead to Mesothelioma?
Asbestos, a mineral found naturally in the environment, poses significant health risks when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. When these microscopic fibers enter the lungs, they can cause severe damage at a cellular level.
The Process of Damage
- Inhalation: Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lodge deep in the lung tissue. The body struggles to expel these persistent fibers.
- Scarring and Inflammation: Over time, the presence of these fibers leads to inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue. This condition is known as asbestosis.
- Cellular Damage: The ongoing irritation and scarring disrupt normal cellular processes, potentially leading to genetic mutations.
- Cancer Development: These genetic mutations can trigger the uncontrollable growth of cells, which may eventually result in mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer primarily affecting the lining of the lungs.
Long Latency Period
It’s important to note that mesothelioma can take decades to develop after initial asbestos exposure. This delayed onset makes early detection challenging but underscores the importance of regular medical screenings for those at risk.
In summary, the inhalation of asbestos fibers initiates a cascade of cellular damage in the lungs, gradually setting the stage for mesothelioma to develop even many years after the exposure.
Understanding Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Injuries
When it comes to mesothelioma and asbestos-related injuries, several distinct types and conditions merit attention. Here’s a comprehensive look at these serious health issues:
Types of Mesothelioma
- Pleural Mesothelioma
- This type affects the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. It’s the most common form of mesothelioma.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Occurring in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, this form is less common but still significant.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma
- This rare type impacts the pericardium, the lining around the heart.
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
- Known for its aggressive nature, this form tends to have a poorer prognosis.
Asbestos-Related Injuries
- Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
- While distinct from mesothelioma, lung cancer can also be caused by asbestos exposure.
- Secondary Asbestos Exposure
- This occurs when individuals are exposed to asbestos indirectly, often through contact with someone who has had direct contact.
- Environmental Asbestos Exposure
- Individuals can encounter asbestos in the environment, such as in older buildings or industrial areas.
- Talc and Asbestos Exposure
- Some talc products are contaminated with asbestos, leading to unexpected exposure.
- Occupational Asbestos Exposure
- Jobs in railroads and other industries often involve high levels of asbestos exposure, posing a significant risk.
Other Related Injuries
The nature of asbestos exposure can lead to a variety of injuries beyond those directly linked to mesothelioma or lung cancer. Each case is unique, impacting health in multiple ways and requiring specific legal and medical attention. Understanding these variations can guide both prevention and treatment efforts.
Understanding the Risks of Second-Hand and Environmental Asbestos Exposure
When discussing the potential health risks associated with asbestos, many people assume that only direct contact, such as working with asbestos materials, could lead to conditions like mesothelioma. However, second-hand and environmental exposures present significant risks as well.
Second-Hand Exposure
If you lived with or near someone who worked with asbestos, you might have been exposed indirectly. Workers often carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair, or belongings. Family members could then inhale these fibers, unknowingly increasing their risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Environmental Exposure
Living near facilities that utilized or manufactured asbestos can also be hazardous. Asbestos fibers can become airborne and settle on surfaces, including freshly laundered clothes left to dry outside. This type of environmental exposure can be just as dangerous, as asbestos fibers are microscopic and highly durable, persisting in the air and soil for extended periods.
Key Takeaways
- Indirect Risks: You don’t have to work directly with asbestos to be at risk.
- Living Proximity: Simply residing near asbestos-handling facilities increases exposure chances.
- Family Transmission: Asbestos fibers can travel from workplace to home, affecting family members.
Understanding these risks is crucial for taking appropriate precautions and seeking early medical consultation if you suspect asbestos exposure, regardless of whether it was direct, second-hand, or environmental.
When Do I Need a Buffalo Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you have a diagnosis of mesothelioma, contact a Buffalo asbestos attorney right away. Mesothelioma is overwhelmingly caused by negligent workplace asbestos exposure. You have a right to take legal action and to seek compensation.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to top Buffalo mesothelioma lawyers. There is no charge to talk to a lawyer and no obligation. There are time limits on filing asbestos lawsuits, so reach out now.
How a Buffalo Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
Seeking compensation for related expenses is the main reason people sue for mesothelioma. Asbestos illnesses are considered personal injuries. You can sue for damages or file a claim with an asbestos trust fund.
You need an experienced mesothelioma lawyer for the best chance of a successful lawsuit or claim. A Buffalo asbestos attorney or law firm will help you and your family in several ways:
- Provide a free initial consultation to review your case, answer questions, and provide guidance
- Explain your options, which might include filing a lawsuit, making an asbestos trust fund claim, or seeking VA benefits
- Put decades of experience in action to get you a good result
- Utilize expert investigators and medical professionals to build a case with solid proof that the defendants exposed you to asbestos and caused your illness
- Maximize the amount of compensation you receive
- Litigate your case in court if necessary
- Offer contingency payment, so you pay nothing until you win compensation
Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Buffalo, New York?
Buffalo has a long history of industrial workplaces. Many people were exposed to asbestos on the job. Older buildings and homes also put people at risk of exposure.
Dupont Yerkes Plant
For more than 100 years, the DuPont Corporation employed many workers in and around Buffalo. The DuPont Yerkes Plant, which opened in the 1920s, initially made rayon materials for tires.
DuPont then began manufacturing cellophane, followed by Tedlar, a weather-resistant vinyl chloride film, and Corian.
As with most industrial plants before strict regulations enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the DuPont Yerkes Plant relied on asbestos in machinery, equipment, building materials, and products.
Numerous former workers at the Dupont Yerkes Plant developed life-threatening illnesses after prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers while at work.
Bethlehem Steel
Steel was another important industry in the Buffalo area, and Bethlehem Steel employed many residents for years. The company used asbestos to protect against heat and fire.
Workers from the plant are now getting sick and recalling the toxic dust they inhaled for years on the job. Thousands have filed claims for compensation through a government program, but many have been denied.
Durez Plastics
Durez Plastics operated in North Tonawanda, just outside of Buffalo, until 1994. The company employed more than 1,000 people. Durez manufactured items out of plastic using molding compounds with asbestos.
Workers mixed asbestos into other materials to make these compounds. This put workers and others in the area at risk of asbestos exposure. Durez faced many asbestos lawsuits as a result.
For a place that takes pride in being the city of good neighbors, job sites like Durez Plastics did their neighbors an injustice. They spewed asbestos fibers all over the surrounding area, putting those communities at risk. The impact extended beyond just the workers, seeping into the lives of families and neighbors who lived nearby.
The shuttered site at Durez left many contaminants, including asbestos, which continued to put nearby residents at risk. A $7.4 million clean-up of the area began in 2017. This effort was crucial in addressing the lingering dangers that had silently threatened the health of the surrounding community.
In the end, the story of Durez serves as a stark reminder of how the reach of asbestos contamination can extend far beyond the factory walls, underscoring the importance of vigilance and responsibility in industrial operations.
Occidental Chemistry (OxyChem)
Located in nearby Niagara Falls, the OxyChem plant used asbestos for many years and continued using it long after other industries stopped. OxyChem announced it would close the plant in 2021. Until then, it used asbestos to make chlorine.
Using asbestos in chlor-alkali plants, like OxyChem’s New York facility, is still legal. Stringent safety rules supposedly protect workers, but they report that the rules are not always followed. They continued to face exposure risks through 2021.
Other Buffalo Job Sites Associated with Asbestos
Buffalo was home to several job sites, buildings, and companies that once heavily used asbestos in products and equipment. Many are still in use today.
Schools, Churches, and Hospitals
- Ascension Church
- Bennett High School
- Buffalo Technical High School
- Burgard Vocational High School
- Hutchinson High School
- Maryvale High School
- South Park High School
- Buffalo City Hospital
- Columbus Hospital
- Deaconess Hospital
- Sisters of Charity Hospital
- VA Western New York
- Buffalo State College
- Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral
- University of Buffalo
- Beth Zion Temple
- Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
- Mercyhurst University
Electric Companies
- Buffalo General Electric Company
- Western Electric Corporation
Chemical Companies
- Allied Chemical and Dye
- Hooker Chemical Plant
- Schoellkopf Aniline and Chemical Works Inc
- Shell Chemical Company
Oil and Steel Companies
- Felmont Oil Company
- Ashland Oil
- Mobil Oil Corporation
- Acme Steel
- Bethlehem Steel Corporation
- Donner Steel Works
- Eastern Concrete Steel Company
- Lackawanna Iron and Steel Company
- Ramco Steel
Additional Companies
- Buffalo Athletic Club
- Buffalo Cold Storage Company (Elmwood Warehousing)
- Buffalo Color Corporation
- Buffalo Crushed Stone, Inc.
- Buffalo Furnace Company
- Buffalo St. Railway Company
- Buffalo Y.M.C.A.
- Buffalo Waterworks
- Claxton Asbestos
- Colonel Ward Pumping Station
- Davis‐Fetch & Company, Incorporated
- Donner Union Coke Corporation
- Dunkirk Steam Station
- East Buffalo Brewing Company
- Eastman Kodak
- Fidelity Trust Company
- General Motors Chevrolet Plant
- General Railway Signal Company
- Gioia Macaroni Company, Inc
- Hanna Furnace
- Hinde and Dauch Paper Company
- Hudson Plastering Corporation
- Sorrento Cheese Factory
- Spencer Kellogg and Sons
- Mckinnon Dash and Hardware Company
- Rogers, Brown, and Iron Company
Getting Mesothelioma Treatment In Buffalo
The Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) is backed by the National Cancer Institute as an innovative, cutting-edge cancer center. It is one of only 39 cancer centers designated by NCI.
RPCI offers innovative treatment for every kind of asbestos-related disease, including malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis. There are several discipline areas and treatment options at RPCI, including:
- Radiology
- Blood and marrow transplants
- Oncology
- Radiation and radiation medication
- Chemotherapy
- Clinical Genetics
- Neurosurgery
- Microneurosurgery
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Elm & Carlton Street
Buffalo, NY 14263
Phone: 1- 877-275-7724 (ASK-RPCI)
In nearby Rochester, the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center is considered among the best for cancer treatment centers in the Western New York area. Patients are offered innovative treatment options and services in state-of-the-art buildings that consist of:
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Immunotherapy
- Clinical trials
- Surgery
- Cancer counseling
- Out-of-town lodging assistance
- Financial counseling
Wilmot Cancer Institute – University of Rochester Medical Center
601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 704
Rochester, NY 14642
Phone: 585-275-5830
This firm was extremely professional and responsive. If you have any meso questions, I’d highly recommend them
– Michael L.
Work with a Top-Rated Mesothelioma Lawyer in Buffalo, NY
Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. For questions and assistance, feel free to contact us at 800-793-4540.
