Asbestos Exposure at Smith Corona Factories, Cortland (NY)

Smith Corona, once a prominent typewriter manufacturer, operated factories in Cortland, New York, for several decades. These facilities played a significant role in the local economy, employing thousands of workers throughout their operational years.

Exposure Summary

Asbestos was commonly present in industrial manufacturing facilities like Smith Corona through pipe insulation, boilers, gaskets, electrical components, and thermal insulation systems. Workers in maintenance, electrical, mechanical, and machine repair roles faced the highest exposure risk, particularly when disturbing or removing deteriorating asbestos-containing materials. Taking prompt action including medical evaluation, documentation of work history, and legal consultation is essential for former workers concerned about potential exposure.

Like many industrial facilities of the 20th century, Smith Corona factories may have used asbestos-containing materials in their operations, potentially exposing workers to harmful asbestos fibers. This exposure could have occurred during the manufacturing process, maintenance work, or through the use of asbestos-containing equipment and insulation.

Asbestos exposure can lead to severe health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Other less common but equally devastating diseases linked to asbestos exposure include ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer, renal (kidney) cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Asbestos Exposure Risks at Smith Corona in Cortland

Where Asbestos Was Commonly Found in Industrial Facilities

Industrial facilities similar to Smith Corona typically contained asbestos in multiple locations throughout their operations. Common asbestos-containing materials included pipe and boiler insulation, industrial furnace coverings, duct insulation, and gaskets. Manufacturing plants often used asbestos in electrical insulation, heat-protective equipment, and refractory materials around annealing furnaces and heating equipment. Workers faced potential exposure when these materials deteriorated, required repair or replacement, or when maintenance work disturbed asbestos-containing insulation.

Jobs and Work Areas with Higher Exposure Risk

Specific trades and occupations experienced elevated asbestos exposure in industrial settings. High-risk positions included insulators, sheet metal workers, carpenters, welders and cutters, plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, and boilermakers. Electricians, maintenance workers, and mechanics also experienced significant exposure, particularly when performing repairs in areas with asbestos insulation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that 1.3 million construction and general industry workers in the United States continue to face potential asbestos exposure during repair, renovation, removal, or maintenance activities.

About the Porter Law Group

The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.

Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.

You only get one chance to hire the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that obtains superior results.

When you or a loved one's life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in Cortland, don't hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.

What to Do If You Were Exposed at Smith Corona

If you or a loved one worked at Smith Corona factories in Cortland and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. The Porter Law Group has extensive experience in handling complex personal injury cases. We understand the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by these devastating diseases and are committed to fighting for your rights.

Don't let the statute of limitations prevent you from seeking justice. Reach out to the Porter Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless we win your case. To learn more about our track record of success, view the results we've achieved for previous clients throughout the State.

What to Document About Your Work History

Comprehensive documentation of your asbestos exposure is critical for medical and legal purposes. You should record the source, intensity, frequency, and duration of any exposures, along with the time elapsed since first exposure. Important details include specific job duties, work areas where you encountered asbestos, whether you used personal protective equipment, and any workplace dust measurements or fiber exposure data. Additionally, document other potential exposure sources including paraoccupational exposures from household members who worked with asbestos, and any environmental exposures from living near asbestos-using facilities.

When to Talk to an Asbestos Attorney

New York's statute of limitations for asbestos-related claims operates under CPLR 214-c, which provides a three-year period computed from the date of discovery of the injury or when the injury should have been discovered through reasonable diligence. The discovery rule in New York means the limitations period begins when you are diagnosed with the primary condition for which damages are sought, not when you first experience minor or isolated symptoms. Because asbestos-related diseases have long latency periods, often developing 20 to 50 years after initial exposure, consulting an attorney promptly after diagnosis is essential to preserve your legal rights.

Concerned About Asbestos Exposure at Smith Corona Factories?

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Injuries Caused by Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure can lead to a range of serious health conditions, including:

1. Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, or heart.
2. Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
3. Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties.
4. Pleural Plaques: Thickened areas of the lung lining, which can cause chest pain and breathing problems.
5. Pleural Thickening: A condition where the lining of the lungs becomes thicker, restricting breathing.

Suffering from Mesothelioma in Cortland?

Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer with a long latency period, often taking 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure for symptoms to appear. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and have a history of working at Smith Corona factories or other industrial facilities in Cortland, you may be eligible for compensation.

The Porter Law Group understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that mesothelioma takes on patients and their families. We are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn about your legal options.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Asbestos Exposure?

Several parties may be held liable for asbestos exposure, including:

1. Former employers: Companies that knowingly exposed workers to asbestos without proper protection.
2. Manufacturers: Companies that produced asbestos-containing products.
3. Suppliers: Businesses that distributed asbestos-containing materials.
4. Property owners: Individuals or entities responsible for maintaining asbestos-containing buildings.
5. Contractors: Companies involved in the installation or removal of asbestos-containing materials.

Determining liability in asbestos cases can be complex, requiring thorough investigations and research. The Porter Law Group has the resources and expertise to identify potentially responsible parties and build a strong case on your behalf. Don't hesitate to contact us for assistance in navigating this challenging process.

NY Filing Timing

Under New York law, asbestos injury claims are governed by CPLR 214-c, which establishes a three-year statute of limitations. The clock starts running from the date you discover your injury or when you reasonably should have discovered it, whichever comes earlier. Discovery occurs when you are diagnosed with the primary asbestos-related condition, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. The law recognizes that early, isolated symptoms may be too inconsequential to trigger the limitations period, but formal diagnosis of a serious asbestos-related disease begins the three-year window.

What Damages Can You Receive Compensation For?

In asbestos exposure cases, you may be eligible for compensation for various damages, including:

1. Medical expenses: Past, current, and future medical costs related to your asbestos-induced illness.
2. Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to your illness and inability to work.
3. Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by your condition.
4. Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner.
5. Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible parties.

FAQs

Is One Time Asbestos Exposure OK?

A single, brief asbestos exposure poses minimal risk to the general population. Research examining occasional asbestos exposure found that the risk of lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and mesothelioma increases with cumulative exposure to asbestos fibers over time. The study concluded that "occasional exposure to asbestos poses hardly any risk for the general population," though the risk increases significantly with prolonged exposure duration combined with smoking. However, rules and regulations for asbestos removal remain important as occupational asbestos exposure continues to present serious health risks, especially for smokers.

Which Group of Workers Is Most at Risk from Asbestos Exposure?

Construction and building maintenance workers currently face the highest asbestos exposure risk in the United States, comprising an estimated 1.3 million workers. Historically, the most heavily exposed occupations included insulators, sheet metal workers, carpenters, welders, plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, boilermakers, and electricians. Approximately 96% of all U.S. asbestosis deaths have occurred among workers in occupations that historically involved working with asbestos insulation. Today, most occupational exposures occur during repair, renovation, removal, or maintenance of asbestos-containing products installed decades ago.

How Do I File a Mesothelioma/Asbestos Lawsuit in New York?

To file an asbestos lawsuit in New York, you must act within three years of discovering your asbestos-related injury under CPLR 214-c. The first step is consulting with an asbestos attorney who specializes in toxic tort litigation to evaluate your case and identify liable parties. Your attorney will need comprehensive documentation including your complete work history, medical records showing diagnosis, evidence of asbestos exposure at specific worksites, and records of employers or product manufacturers responsible for the exposure. New York courts require proof that you discovered the injury (typically through formal medical diagnosis) within the statute of limitations period, though isolated early symptoms may not trigger the deadline.

Why Choose the Porter Law Group?

At the Porter Law Group, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation to individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure. Our team of skilled attorneys has extensive experience in handling complex personal injury cases throughout New York State. We understand the unique challenges faced by asbestos victims and are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. With our resources, expertise, and commitment to client satisfaction, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

How We Can Help

The Porter Law Group offers comprehensive legal support for asbestos exposure victims. We handle all aspects of your case, from conducting thorough investigations and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary. Our team works diligently to build a strong case, proving the connection between your asbestos exposure and your illness. We aim to secure fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your condition.

Have You Been Affected by Asbestos Exposure at Smith Corona Factories?

Reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation to explore your legal options and potential compensation.

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Contact Asbestos Exposure Attorneys in Cortland

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness after working at Smith Corona factories or any other industrial facility in New York, don't face this challenging time alone. The Porter Law Group is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at 833-PORTER9 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't pay unless we win your case. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you and your family.