St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse

St. Joseph’s Hospital was founded in 1869 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Located on Prospect Avenue in Syracuse, New York, the hospital was originally a fifteen-bed facility housed in a converted saloon. As Syracuse’s population grew, St. Joseph’s Hospital underwent a series of expansions and renovations. The hospital currently has a 431-bed capacity, and it offers numerous outpatient clinics and treatment facilities.

Prior to the late 1970s, asbestos-containing pipe covering, block insulation and insulating cement were utilized in the construction and maintenance of the ten buildings on the St. Joseph’s Hospital campus. Workers who applied and maintained asbestos-containing materials are at risk for developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Steam was used to heat the buildings at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Boilers produced steam, which was delivered to radiators through a network of pipes. Asbestos-containing insulation was applied to pipes, valves, pumps and boilers in order to maintain a stable internal temperature within the steam system. During maintenance and repair procedures, workers removed asbestos insulation in order to access equipment within the system. New insulation was applied when the repairs or maintenance were completed. Applying and removing asbestos-containing insulation caused asbestos dust and fibers to become airborne, which workers inhaled.

Many union and non-union laborers who worked on construction projects for St. Joseph’s Hospital were employed by various contractors throughout Central New York. If you or a loved one were once employed in connection with the construction and maintenance of St. Joseph’s Hospital and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.