The Empire State Plaza is an office complex in Albany, New York, which is comprised of 10 buildings, including numerous state office buildings; a world-class modern art collection; New York State’s Museum; Library and Archives; a performing arts center; convention center; and other public structures.  Covering almost 100 acres, the Empire State Plaza is home to the offices of over 10,000 state employees.  Empire State Plaza, also known as the South Mall, was the brainchild of New York Governor Nelson D. Rockefeller who worked with local and state leaders in order to facilitate the construction of the Plaza between 1965 and 1976.

During the construction of Empire State Plaza, workers complained of poor working conditions and some filed lawsuits.  Prior to federal regulations placed on asbestos in the late 1970s, asbestos was incorporated into numerous building materials. Asbestos-containing fireproofing was one of the most widely used and most dangerous materials used throughout many of the buildings in the Empire State Plaza.  During the fireproofing process, a building’s structural steel is coated with an asbestos-containing fire resistant material, which protects it from high temperatures or fire damage. The application process emitted large clouds of asbestos dust and fibers into the air, which workers inhaled. Even long after this material was applied, the smallest vibrations had the potential to dislodge fibers into the air. In addition to fire proofers, iron workers, plumbers and electricians who worked with rebar and conduits on or in the vicinity of fireproofing material, were also put at risk for exposure to asbestos.

In 1986, a fire in Agency Building 4 caused severe damage to two floors of the building and released asbestos fibers into the air even as firefighters battled the blaze. Exposure to asbestos-containing materials can lead to the development of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.

Our clients understand the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you or a loved one were once employed in connection with construction or maintenance projects at at the Empire State Plaza, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.