Buffalo Mesothelioma Attorneys

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can feel overwhelming. At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, we understand the emotional and financial strain this disease can place on you and your family. Our experienced Buffalo mesothelioma attorneys guide victims and their families through the complex legal process, ensuring every claim is handled efficiently and compassionately.

WNY-Specific Asbestos Exposure History

Western New York has a significant history of asbestos exposure, making it essential to work with attorneys familiar with local risks. Common sources of exposure in Buffalo include:

• Buffalo Naval Reserve: Veterans may have been exposed to asbestos during ship maintenance, repairs, or construction activities.
• Bethlehem Steel: One of Buffalo’s largest employers, workers were exposed to asbestos in machinery insulation, steel production, and other industrial operations.
• Ford Motor Company Plant in Lackawanna: Assembly line and maintenance workers, as well as contractors, faced asbestos exposure in various areas of the plant.

Understanding these local exposure points allows our attorneys to investigate claims effectively and link your diagnosis to specific workplaces or facilities.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused primarily by asbestos exposure. Knowing the type of mesothelioma is critical for medical treatment and legal claims:

• Pleural Mesothelioma: Affects the lining of the lungs. This is the most common form of mesothelioma and often linked to occupational exposure.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Affects the lining of the abdominal cavity. It may require more specialized treatment and is often diagnosed later than pleural mesothelioma.
• Pericardial Mesothelioma: Affects the lining of the heart. This rare type is especially challenging, but claims can still be filed with proper documentation.

Including the mesothelioma type in your claim helps our Buffalo attorneys determine the appropriate compensation path and medical documentation needed.

Who Can File a Claim

Mesothelioma claims are not limited to the individual diagnosed. Potential claimants include:

• Workers: Employees directly exposed to asbestos in workplaces like factories, shipyards, or industrial plants.
• Family Members / Secondhand Exposure: Spouses, children, or other relatives who lived with someone who brought asbestos fibers home on clothing or personal items.
• Veterans: Former service members exposed at facilities such as the Buffalo Naval Reserve may be eligible for VA benefits in addition to other compensation.

Our attorneys work closely with all eligible claimants to ensure no opportunity for compensation is missed.

Types of Compensation

Victims of mesothelioma may be entitled to various forms of financial recovery. Our Buffalo mesothelioma attorneys help clients pursue:

1. Asbestos Trust Funds: Many companies that declared bankruptcy due to asbestos liabilities have trust funds to compensate victims. Filing claims with these trusts requires careful documentation.
2. Lawsuits: Personal injury and wrongful death claims against negligent companies or employers. These can result in substantial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
3. Veterans’ Benefits: Eligible veterans may receive additional compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for asbestos-related illnesses.

Understanding the options ensures that victims receive full financial recovery for all damages suffered.

How Our Buffalo Attorneys Can Help

Our attorneys guide you through every step of the mesothelioma claim process:

1. Case Evaluation: We start with a free consultation to evaluate your exposure history, medical records, and potential claims.
2. Evidence Gathering: We investigate local exposure sources, employer histories, and veterans’ records to build a strong case.
3. Filing Claims: Whether it’s a trust fund, lawsuit, or VA benefits claim, we prepare and file all documentation accurately and efficiently.
4. Negotiation & Litigation: We negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to secure maximum compensation. If needed, we are prepared to take your case to trial in Buffalo or WNY courts.
5. Support & Guidance: Beyond legal representation, we provide ongoing support, answering questions and helping families navigate the process.

The team is very personable, patient and empathetic with their clients. They are upfront with you and will explain the entire process with you, they never lead you to believe otherwise, they tell you like it is and will not sell you a million dollar dream. Trust in Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, they work for you and he looks out for your best interest.”

- Jane D.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis in Buffalo, NY

Suffering from mesothelioma can be overwhelming, and the steps you take immediately after a diagnosis can have a major impact on your case. Many victims do not realize that even small missteps can affect the outcome of a claim or delay critical treatment. Understanding common mistakes and avoiding them is essential to protecting both your health and your legal rights.

1. Hiring an Attorney Who Isn’t a Trial Attorney

One of the most common mistakes people make is hiring a lawyer who does not regularly go to trial. Insurance companies are aware of which attorneys in Buffalo have trial experience and which do not. If an insurance company believes that your attorney is unlikely to take a case to court, they may offer a much smaller settlement, even if your claim is strong. Selecting a lawyer who does not have trial experience can limit your negotiating power and reduce the amount of compensation you may receive for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is important to understand that trial experience matters because it signals to insurance companies that your claim will be taken seriously, and they cannot easily dismiss or undervalue your case.

2. Not Getting Immediate Medical Treatment

Delaying medical care after a mesothelioma diagnosis can have serious consequences. Mesothelioma is an aggressive illness, and timely medical intervention is critical for both treatment and legal documentation. Skipping tests or postponing treatments can allow the disease to progress faster and can also weaken your injury claim. Insurance companies often review medical records closely to evaluate the severity of your condition and the damages you are claiming. Failing to seek treatment promptly may raise questions about whether your injuries are as serious as claimed or whether they were aggravated by neglect, which could reduce potential compensation and make your case more complicated to prove.

3. Not Following Doctor’s Orders

Another common mistake is not adhering to a physician’s treatment plan. Missing appointments, skipping medications, or ignoring instructions from healthcare providers can negatively affect your health and can also undermine your case. Insurance companies look at the consistency of medical care when evaluating claims, and if it appears that you did not follow recommended treatments, they may argue that your condition worsened due to your own actions. It is important to take every treatment seriously and document your medical visits and procedures carefully. Following your doctor’s recommendations ensures that your health is protected and that your legal claim accurately reflects the impact of mesothelioma on your life.

4. Talking to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer

Speaking with insurance representatives without legal guidance is one of the riskiest mistakes you can make. Insurance companies may contact mesothelioma victims immediately after a diagnosis and ask questions about how the exposure happened, your current condition, or even your personal life. These conversations can be recorded and used against you, and quick settlement offers may not reflect the full value of your claim. Without a lawyer, it is easy to provide statements or accept agreements that inadvertently reduce your compensation. Insurance companies are skilled at finding small details to justify lower payouts, and having no attorney present can leave you vulnerable to these tactics. It is crucial to handle all communications carefully to avoid undermining your claim.

5. Missing Important Deadlines

Every mesothelioma case has strict legal deadlines, including statutes of limitations for filing claims in New York. Missing these deadlines can prevent you or your family from seeking compensation altogether. Many people underestimate how quickly time can pass after a diagnosis, and they assume there will be flexibility. In reality, failing to file a claim on time can permanently bar you from pursuing legal action, regardless of the strength of your case. Understanding these timelines and taking prompt action is essential to preserving your rights. Documentation of exposure, medical records, and filing forms must be submitted within the required period to ensure that your claim remains valid and enforceable.

• 

  Do You Need Legal Help?

  
  Please leave this field empty.
  

• Client Reviews

  

  “Couldn’t be happier with the way my case was handled. A very thorough, encouraging , professional and hands-on firm to work with. You are treated with respect, and not merely as a number here.”

  – Todd Hannel

  Read More Reviews

• Latest Blogs

  • 

    Summer Slip and Fall Accidents at Pools, Waterparks, and Hotels: Liability and Legal Options in New York

  • 

    What Happens if You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver During a Summer Holiday Weekend in New York?

  • 

    Blacktop Burns and Playground Injuries: Summer Risks for Children in New York

  • 

    Injured at a Summer Festival or Concert in Buffalo? What You Need to Know

  • 

    How Summer Road Construction Leads to More Car Accidents in Buffalo