Asbestos Exposure at Bausch & Lomb Eye Care Manufacturing, Rochester (NY)

Bausch & Lomb, founded in 1853 in Rochester, New York, operated major manufacturing facilities that produced contact lenses, lens care solutions, and optical equipment for over a century. Workers and contractors at Bausch & Lomb's Rochester operations may have faced asbestos exposure when working around older process equipment, insulation, and building materials, especially before modern controls were in place. Inspections at the former Rochester glass plant documented asbestos-containing materials that required abatement during decommissioning in the 1990s.

If you or a loved one worked at Bausch & Lomb's facilities and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related illness, document your work history, speak with your doctor about possible occupational exposure, and contact an experienced New York asbestos attorney to understand your filing options and deadlines.

Who may have been exposed at Bausch and Lomb in Rochester

Potentially exposed groups at or around Bausch & Lomb's Rochester facilities include:

• Production workers in lens and glass manufacturing, furnace and lehr areas, and batch or compressor rooms
• Maintenance and repair crews working on boilers, piping, electrical equipment, and building systems
• Contractors involved in demolition, renovation, or asbestos abatement, including those disturbing pipe insulation or transite panels
• Office or support staff who worked in older on-site buildings where asbestos-containing materials were present or disturbed

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Where asbestos was commonly found in manufacturing facilities

In mid-20th-century manufacturing plants, asbestos was widely used for high-heat and insulation purposes. Common applications included pipe, boiler, and furnace insulation; gaskets and packing in pumps and valves; and fireproofing on structural steel and ceilings. Asbestos was also found in cement panels (transite), ceiling and floor tiles, joint compounds, and insulation on ovens, kilns, and glass-forming or heat-treating equipment.

At the former Bausch & Lomb glass plant on Suntru Street, a 1993 asbestos and metals survey identified asbestos-containing pipe insulation, transite panels, and joint packing materials that had to be addressed during decommissioning and demolition. These findings are consistent with how asbestos was commonly used in industrial glass-manufacturing facilities of that era.

Injured by Asbestos Exposure in Bausch & Lomb Eye Care Manufacturing?

If you or a loved one worked at Bausch & Lomb's manufacturing facilities in Rochester 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.

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, especially in combination with smoking.
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.

Other less common but equally devastating conditions linked to asbestos exposure include ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer, and renal (kidney) cancer, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Suffering from Mesothelioma in Rochester?

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 Bausch & Lomb's manufacturing facilities or other industrial sites in Rochester, 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.

The Discovery Rule for Asbestos Cases in New York

Asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period, often taking decades for symptoms to manifest. This unique characteristic is taken into account by New York's "discovery rule" for asbestos cases. Under this rule, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim begins when the illness is discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence, rather than from the date of exposure.

For personal injury claims in New York, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of discovery. In cases of wrongful death due to asbestos-related diseases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Given the complexity of these timelines and the importance of timely action, it's crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. The Porter Law Group can help you understand how these rules apply to your specific case and ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

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.

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.

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 Rochester, 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.

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.

FAQ

How many years after initial exposure to asbestos?

Federal health agencies describe a long latency period between asbestos exposure and disease, generally 10 to 40 years for many asbestos-associated conditions. Studies of asbestos-exposed workers and patients report mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases often appearing 20 to 50 years after first significant exposure, and sometimes even later. This extended latency period means that workers who were exposed decades ago may only now be experiencing symptoms.

How do I file a mesothelioma or asbestos claim in New York for exposure at a manufacturing plant?

New York applies a "discovery rule" for toxic exposure. The limitations period for a personal injury asbestos or mesothelioma claim generally runs from the date the disease is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, not the date of exposure (see N.Y. C.P.L.R. section 214-c).

A person diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease linked to work at a New York manufacturing plant typically files a civil action in New York Supreme Court alleging negligence, strict products liability, and related claims against responsible product manufacturers and premises owners. An attorney will evaluate venue, identify defendants, and ensure compliance with applicable New York procedural rules and deadlines. The Porter Law Group can guide you through this complex process and help you understand your legal options.

What contaminants were identified at the Bausch & Lomb glass plant and what cleanup occurred?

At the former Bausch & Lomb Glass Plant on Suntru Street (NYSDEC Site No. 828225), historical investigations and the Brownfield Cleanup Program application identified contaminants of concern in soil and groundwater. These included lead and other metals, coal-tar-related polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and chlorinated volatile organic compounds such as tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene, some associated with nearby manufactured gas plant operations.

Decommissioning and remedial actions have included asbestos abatement and demolition of the glass plant, radiological decontamination of thorium-containing process areas, excavation and management of contaminated soils and drainage sediments, and ongoing or planned remedial investigation and cleanup under NYSDEC oversight. The site is being evaluated for potential redevelopment and park use along the Genesee River.

Have You Been Affected by Asbestos Exposure at Bausch & Lomb?

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Contact Asbestos Exposure Attorneys in Rochester

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness after working at Bausch & Lomb's manufacturing facilities or any other industrial site in Rochester, 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 or email info@porterlawteam.com 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.