Astoria Generating Station, New York’s largest power plant, has played a key role in shaping the city’s energy infrastructure as it is today. That said, the company has a dark history involving the widespread use of asbestos, a toxic, carcinogenic mineral.
If you or a loved one worked at Astoria Generating Station, New York, and has developed a health condition due to asbestos exposure, you have a right to seek compensation. This short guide explains the history of Astoria Generating Station asbestos exposure and how you can seek justice.
Astoria Generating Station’s History With Exposure
Astoria Generating Station is a large power-generating complex in Queens, New York, originally owned by Consolidated Edison (Con Ed). The plant was built in stages, with its initial units commissioned in December 1958, and later units in 1961, 1962, and 1970.
Unfortunately, when the plant was constructed, asbestos was widely used in industrial settings for insulation and fireproofing. As a result, asbestos-containing materials were used in steam units, boilers, piping, and other high-heat equipment.
Over time, during renovation or demolition, asbestos fibers became airborne and were inhaled by hundreds of workers at the power plant. Since the fibers are invisible and odorless, identifying asbestos exposure at early stages is almost impossible.
How Did Asbestos Exposure Occur?
Individuals who work or have worked at Astoria Generating Station were exposed to asbestos fibers in the following ways:
- Maintenance tasks, such as inspecting, repairing, or replacing components at the station that may contain asbestos.
- Removal of old equipment. This would release a large amount of asbestos fibers or dust into the air.
- Coming into contact with asbestos-containing products, such as boiler insulation, pipe insulation, electrical wiring, or valve packing.
Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Direct and even second-hand exposure to asbestos fibers can be life-threatening. Asbestos fibers can lodge in the lungs and irritate lung tissue. Exposure can lead to the following diseases:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Pleural disease
As hinted earlier, confirming asbestos exposure is an uphill battle. This is why subsequent diseases, especially mesothelioma, have a long latency period. Symptoms could appear nearly 15 years after the initial exposure.
Taking Legal Action
Over the years, numerous lawsuits have been filed by former workers of Astoria. If you’re one of them, you can recover the following asbestos-related costs:
- Medical expenses, including medical bills for treatments, hospital stays, or necessary surgeries.
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death (if your loved one has passed away due to an asbestos-related condition)
Ready to take legal action against Astoria Generating Station? Follow these steps:
- Confirm exposure and diagnosis. You will need contractor or employment records. And make sure you have detailed medical records, including X-rays and CT scan results.
- Look for lawyers specializing in asbestos litigation in New York.
- File a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit.
- Make sure you comply with the statute of limitations.
Seeking compensation after being exposed to asbestos is your legal right. Work with a reliable law firm like ELSM Law to increase your chances of fair compensation.
