Asbestos Exposure Sites in New Jersey: Where Workers Were at Risk and How to Take Legal Action

For decades, New Jersey’s industrial economy powered the nation — and put thousands of workers in harm’s way. From the shipyards of Camden to the refineries of Linden, from the factories of Manville to the power plants of Perth Amboy, asbestos was woven into the fabric of New Jersey’s working life. The workers who built and maintained these facilities were never told the truth about what they were breathing.

Today, New Jersey has one of the highest mesothelioma death rates in the country — 11.8 deaths per million residents, nearly 50% above the national average. Between 1999 and 2017, more than 2,000 New Jerseyans died from mesothelioma. Many more have been diagnosed with asbestosis, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases that take 20 to 50 years to appear after exposure.

If you or a loved one lived near or worked at any of the sites described in this article, you may have legal rights to pursue compensation. This guide identifies the most significant asbestos exposure sites across New Jersey, explains why these locations were so dangerous, and outlines the legal options available to you today.

Why New Jersey Has One of the Highest Mesothelioma Rates in America

New Jersey’s long industrial history made it a hotspot for asbestos use. The state’s economy was built on shipbuilding, oil refining, chemical manufacturing, and power generation — all industries that relied heavily on asbestos for insulation, fireproofing, and heat resistance throughout the 20th century.

According to the CDC, New Jersey consistently ranks among the top 10 states for mesothelioma incidence and mortality. The highest mortality rates are concentrated in Somerset County in northern New Jersey (home to the Johns-Manville plant) and Gloucester and Salem Counties in southern New Jersey, where petrochemical and manufacturing operations were concentrated.

But the danger was not limited to workers inside these facilities. Family members were exposed when workers brought asbestos dust home on their clothing — a form of secondary exposure that New Jersey courts have recognized as a basis for legal claims.

Who Was Most at Risk for Asbestos Exposure in New Jersey?

Certain occupations carried a dramatically higher exposure risk:

• Shipyard workers: Pipefitters, insulators, welders, boilermakers, and general laborers at Camden, Hoboken, and Burlington shipyards.
• Refinery workers: Maintenance crews, pipefitters, and insulation workers at petroleum refineries along the northern corridor.
• Factory workers: Employees at asbestos manufacturing plants, particularly Johns-Manville in Manville.
• Construction workers: Electricians, plumbers, drywall installers, roofers, and demolition workers who handled asbestos-containing building materials.
• Power plant workers: Boiler operators, turbine mechanics, and electricians at power generation facilities statewide.
• Military veterans: Servicemembers who worked in shipyards or aboard vessels built or repaired in New Jersey.
• Family members: Spouses, children, and other household members exposed to asbestos dust on workers’ clothing, hair, and skin.

Your Legal Rights After Asbestos Exposure in New Jersey

New Jersey law provides several legal avenues for people harmed by asbestos exposure:

Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease, you may file a personal injury lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. New Jersey’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of diagnosis to file your claim (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). New Jersey applies the “discovery rule,” which means the clock does not start until you knew or should have known about your diagnosis.

Importantly, New Jersey recognizes a separate statute of limitations for each distinct asbestos-related disease. If you were previously diagnosed with asbestosis, you can still bring a new claim if you later develop mesothelioma.

Wrongful Death Claims

If a loved one has died from an asbestos-related disease, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. These claims can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, funeral costs, and the loss of companionship.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Many companies responsible for asbestos exposure have filed for bankruptcy and established trust funds to compensate victims. More than $30 billion remains available in asbestos trust funds nationwide. Claims can often be filed without going to court and may provide compensation more quickly than litigation. An experienced asbestos attorney can identify which trusts apply to your specific exposure history.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service—including those who worked at New Jersey shipyards or aboard Navy vessels—may be eligible for VA disability compensation and healthcare benefits in addition to civil legal claims.

What to Do If You Were Exposed to Asbestos in New Jersey

If you believe you were exposed to asbestos at any New Jersey jobsite, take these steps:

1. See a doctor. Tell your physician about your asbestos exposure history. Early detection of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can expand your treatment options.
2. Document your work history. Write down every job site where you worked, the dates, your job duties, and the products or materials you handled. This information is critical for both medical evaluation and legal claims.
3. Contact an experienced asbestos attorney. New Jersey’s two-year statute of limitations means time is limited. An attorney who specializes in asbestos litigation can evaluate your case, identify responsible parties, and pursue all available compensation—at no upfront cost to you.
4. Preserve evidence. Keep any employment records, union cards, pay stubs, medical records, or photographs that document your time at an asbestos exposure site.
5. Notify family members. If you brought asbestos dust home on your clothing, family members who lived with you may also be at risk and should be evaluated.

Cohen, Placitella & Roth: New Jersey’s Asbestos Litigation Leaders

For more than four decades, Cohen, Placitella & Roth has represented families affected by asbestos exposure across New Jersey and nationwide. Our attorneys have secured landmark verdicts and settlements against the manufacturers, suppliers, and property owners who put profits ahead of worker safety.

We understand the science, the medicine, and the law behind these cases, and we bring that knowledge to every client we serve. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease after working at a New Jersey jobsite, we are here to help.