NEW YORK — A leading Mesothelioma Law Firm New York has sounded the alarm on a significant uptick in asbestos-related lawsuits across the state, with filings climbing 1.9% for mesothelioma and 2.3% for lung cancer from 2023 to 2024, according to a report by Reuters on August 22, 2025. The surge, detailed in the latest KCIC industry report, underscores the lingering health crisis tied to asbestos exposure, a known cause of the deadly cancer mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
The Mesothelioma Law Firm New York, specializing in asbestos litigation, attributes the increase to historical exposures in industries like shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing, particularly in high-risk areas like Buffalo. “We’re seeing cases from exposures decades ago, with many victims only now diagnosed due to the disease’s 20- to 50-year latency,” a firm spokesperson told Reuters. New York City ranks as the second-most popular jurisdiction for mesothelioma lawsuits, trailing only Madison County, Illinois, with 317 filings in 2024, per KCIC.
Key trends driving the litigation boom include:
- Talc-Related Claims: A 20% rise in talc lawsuits linked to asbestos contamination.
- Trust Fund Payouts: Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds for victims.
- Veteran Cases: VA benefits provide $3,800 monthly for veterans with mesothelioma.
The Mesothelioma Law Firm New York notes that settlements average between $1 million and $11.4 million, with some verdicts, like a $60 million award for a Brooklyn laborer, reflecting the state’s robust legal framework, per asbestos.com. Posts on X highlight public concern over exposure risks at sites like the Brooklyn Navy Yard. As New York’s specialized Asbestos Litigation Court manages the influx, firms urge victims to act swiftly within the state’s three-year statute of limitations from diagnosis.
Source: Reuters
