John Richmond, Co-Founding Member
- May 9, 2025
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma? You could have a valid claim against a party that exposed you to asbestos and caused your cancer. At Richmond Vona, LLC, our New York mesothelioma lawyers have ample experience managing complex claims and lawsuits for people in situations much like yours. Let us provide you with the same robust and tenacious representation, too. We serve clients in Buffalo, Rochester, and throughout New York.
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Many cases are linked to people unknowingly breathing in asbestos fibers in their own homes or workplaces. The asbestos industry can often be held liable for this damage because many manufacturers intentionally hid information from the public about the dangers of their products. Reach out to our skilled team of attorneys to learn more.
Different Forms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that grows in the mesothelium, a tissue covering most internal organs. It most commonly begins in the lungs due to asbestos inhalation, but can develop in other major organs and body parts like the heart, abdomen, and reproductive organs.
There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, making it a terminal illness. It is also known to progress quickly in some patients. To seek justice and fair compensation, it is important that you explore your legal options as soon as possible. Our New York mesothelioma attorneys are here to discuss what you should do next to get compensation for your pain, hardships, medical costs, and more. Richmond Vona has experience taking cases for a variety of mesothelioma cases, including:
- Pleural mesothelioma: Occurs in the lining of the lungs
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: Occurs in the lining of the abdomen
- Pericardial mesothelioma: Occurs in the lining of the heart
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on where the cancer manifests. If you have been experiencing unexplained symptoms and have worked around asbestos or lived in a property with asbestos insulation, you should always speak to a trusted medical provider. You might be experiencing mesothelioma symptoms, and catching them early can help slow the cancer.
A few common signs of mesothelioma are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Chronic coughing and wheezing
- Sudden or dramatic weight loss
- Nausea and fatigue
- Abdominal swelling
Asbestos Might Be In Your Property
For decades, asbestos was one of the most popular fireproofing and insulation materials in the United States, and New York was no exception. Manufacturers, construction companies, and other industries often turned to the material due to its low cost, availability, and reliability for its intended purposes. If the asbestos industry had been honest about the carcinogenic properties of its products, it might not have been as popular.
Today, countless buildings across New York are lined with asbestos insulation, especially those built before the 1980s. Because of New York’s high volume of older buildings, the asbestos problem is assumed to be widespread, even with government efforts to remove and replace asbestos wherever it is found.
Buffalo, New York, is known as “Asbestos Alley,” as it was filled with factories during the Industrial Revolution, many of which contained asbestos. Workers from these factories often transported asbestos fibers home on their clothing or skin, potentially exposing their families.
Our mesothelioma attorneys have experience in Buffalo and know the major corporations throughout Western New York where asbestos exposure has been documented. If you suspect asbestos is in your property, you can file a complaint with the New York Asbestos Control Bureau.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure
A number of occupations faced higher rates of asbestos exposure throughout the 20th century due to the nature of their work. Workers in construction, manufacturing, maintenance, factory work, firefighting, and the military often worked directly with or near asbestos, unknowingly inhaling its invisible fibers. If you worked with asbestos in manufacturing and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, contact Richmond Vona today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Mesothelioma FAQ
For convenience, our New York mesothelioma attorneys have provided answers to several frequently asked questions about mesothelioma below.
What Evidence Is Needed for a Mesothelioma Claim in New York?
Because asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, all the evidence you will need to prove your claim is that you were exposed to asbestos and subsequently diagnosed with mesothelioma. Evidence to prove this can include work history, medical records, and evidence that the job site or sites you worked on contained asbestos. When consulting an attorney about a potential mesothelioma lawsuit, come with any documentation you have and let our expert investigation team handle the rest.
Due to statutes of limitations in New York, your claim will most likely require you to have received a mesothelioma diagnosis within the last three years. However, your exposure to asbestos can have occurred much earlier without invalidating your claim–mesothelioma typically has a latency period of 10 to 50 years.
Is There a Time Limit for Mesothelioma Claims in New York?
Liability claims related to cancer have a statute of limitations that begins when the cancer was noticed or diagnosed, not when the person was exposed to what caused the cancer. This extension exists because many cancer patients do not know about their illness until many years pass, and it progresses to the point of pain or debilitation.
What Is The Value of My Mesothelioma Claim?
You should always explore your legal options when another party has caused you to suffer financially, physically, and emotionally. Every mesothelioma claim differs from the next, and the value of total damages will also change. At Richmond Vona, we have recovered more than $175 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients across our years of practice. However, it’s important to know that no law firm can guarantee any amount of winnings.
Can I File a Claim if I Worked With Asbestos, Then Was Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?
If you can uncover evidence that you worked with asbestos and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are likely eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. However, other factors, such as the statute of limitations, do come into play.
If I Am a Veteran Who Was Exposed to Asbestos, Will That Impact My Claim?
Veterans exposed to asbestos while on active duty may be eligible to recover compensation from mesothelioma lawsuits and Veterans Affairs claims. The VA provides funding for medical expenses and some other compensation for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma.
If My Loved One Passed Due to Mesothelioma, Can I File a Claim on Their Behalf?
Yes, if your loved one passed away from mesothelioma, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for their medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
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John Richmond has been extremely helpful on several occasions with matters we presented to him. I was very impressed with the exceptional diligence and professionalism he exhibited in successfully handling those issues. He took into consideration my thoughts and reasons behind the items I felt needed to be addressed. He went out of his way to make meeting with us a very convenient and pleasant experience. When our son required assistance with a custody issue we again went to Mr. Richmond. As it was an issue that was outside the scope of his expertise he did not hesitate to recommend another attorney in the field which was needed. That attorney was also exceptional and that case was also successfully resolved and for that recommendation we truly thank him. We will, beyond any doubt, utilize his firm and services for any matters that may arise in the future. I do not hesitate to highly recommend Mr. Richmond and his firm.
My experience with Richmond Vona was exceptional. Keith and John gave my case all the attention required to bring about a successful result. They were a calming and confident presence during a very difficult time in my life. I was never treated like a number, but more like family. They were in constant communication with me to make sure that everything I was going through was taken care of. I appreciate all of the support I received from Keith and John. I am proud to be part of the Richmond Vona family, and would highly recommend them to anyone
Let me be honest, I’ve been skeptical of attorneys in the past…. but Keith Vona and Richmond Vona, LLC changed that. They are professional, caring, thorough and trustworthy. They assisted me and my family with a challenging mesothelioma case. Challenging why, because my father passed before he could testify. Keith remained in contact, updated us regularly and I believe went above and beyond normal due diligence. I would highly recommend Richmond Vona, LLC. Thank you for all you have done for our family!!
Contact a New York Mesothelioma Attorney for Legal Help
With decades of combined legal experience, Richmond Vona’s New York mesothelioma lawyers are on a mission to amplify the voices of our neighbors who were wrongfully exposed to asbestos, causing mesothelioma years down the line.
As compassionate and aggressive advocates for mesothelioma patients, we offer fully personalized legal guidance with open, honest communication throughout the legal process. Our attorneys have the skills, experience, and tenacity to go up against large corporations and insurance companies to fight for the justice you deserve.
Put fighters on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.
