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Personal Injury
North Carolina State University
Poe Hall Cancer Claims
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If you or a loved one spent time in Poe Hall and are now facing health issues, you may have a claim. Schedule a consultation to learn your legal options.
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Former students and staff at NC State’s Poe Hall deserve answers and justice.
If you spent time at Poe Hall on North Carolina State University’s campus between 1971 and 2023, you may have been exposed to dangerous levels of PCBs—toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health problems.
Since the building’s closure in November 2023, over 225 former students and staff have reported cancer diagnoses that may be connected to their time in this contaminated building.
Don’t face this battle alone. You’ve been wronged—we’re here to make it right.
In November 2023, North Carolina State University closed Poe Hall after tests revealed dangerously high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) throughout the building. These toxic chemicals were found at levels up to 38 times higher than EPA safety limits.
Poe Hall, built in 1971, housed the university’s Education and Psychology departments for over 50 years. During this time, thousands of students, faculty, and staff spent countless hours in classrooms, offices, and labs, potentially being exposed to these cancer-causing chemicals.
The primary PCB found at Poe Hall was Aroclor 1262, which was commonly used in building materials like caulking, sealants, and paints before being banned in 1979. Unfortunately, these chemicals don’t break down easily and can remain toxic for decades.
A federal investigation into cancer cases at Poe Hall was halted in April 2025 due to budget cuts—leaving victims without answers. Nearly a month later, NC State announced the investigation would resume. If you’ve been affected, our attorneys are here to demand answers and protect your rights.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are man-made chemicals that were widely used in construction materials until they were banned in 1979 due to their toxicity. The World Health Organization and other health agencies classify PCBs as known carcinogens.
Exposure to PCBs can occur through:
The health risks associated with PCB exposure include:
The health effects of PCB exposure can take years or even decades to appear, which is why many former Poe Hall occupants are only now being diagnosed with cancer and other conditions.
You may have a valid Poe Hall claim if:
You spent time in Poe Hall between 1971 and 2023 as a:
No minimum time requirement exists for exposure—even if you only took one class in Poe Hall, you may still have been exposed to dangerous levels of PCBs.
If you spent time in Poe Hall and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult with a healthcare provider:
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but they warrant medical attention, especially given your potential exposure to PCBs.
If you’ve spent time at Poe Hall and are concerned about PCB exposure, taking prompt action is crucial. Here’s what you should do:
Consult with healthcare providers who specialize in environmental medicine. Request testing for PCB exposure and related health effects. Provide your doctor with details about your time at Poe Hall and discuss any concerning symptoms.
Create a timeline showing when you attended or worked at Poe Hall. Record which rooms you regularly used and calculate your approximate exposure hours. Note any building renovations you witnessed that may have increased exposure risks.
Collect transcripts, schedules, or employment records proving your presence in Poe Hall. Find photographs or social media posts showing you in the building. Contact classmates or colleagues who can verify your time there.
Obtain copies of all medical records related to your diagnosis and treatment. Ask doctors to note the potential PCB connection in your records. Keep a symptom journal and save all medical bills and insurance statements.
Be aware of strict deadlines for claims against state institutions. Former employees should investigate workers’ compensation requirements. Consider filing with the North Carolina Industrial Commission and report to the Poe Hall health investigation registry.
Contact an attorney experienced with toxic exposure cases before making statements to any officials. Bring your timeline and medical records to your consultation and discuss all potential legal options.
Determine with your attorney whether to pursue an individual case or join with others. Consider claims against multiple responsible parties, including chemical manufacturers.
If you or a loved one spent time in Poe Hall at NC State University and have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious health condition, don’t wait to explore your legal options. The attorneys at DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall will guide you through each step of the process with the care and respect you deserve.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your potential Poe Hall cancer claim. Contact us to speak with a dedicated North Carolina personal injury lawyer about your Poe Hall cancer claim.
Serving clients in Raleigh, Durham, Orange, Carteret, and Chatham Counties, and throughout North Carolina.
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Establishing a connection between your cancer and PCB exposure at Poe Hall involves several factors, including:
Our attorneys work with medical experts who can help evaluate this connection. Even if you’re uncertain, it’s worth consulting with our team to explore the possibility.
Yes. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. However, toxic exposure cases can be complex, and multiple legal theories may apply with different deadlines.
Potential compensation depends on many factors, including the severity of your illness, your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. In similar toxic exposure cases, victims have received compensation for:
While there isn’t currently a certified class action specifically for Poe Hall victims, multiple law firms are representing groups of affected individuals. These cases may eventually be consolidated in some form for more efficient handling. Our attorneys can advise you on the best approach for your specific situation, whether that’s an individual lawsuit or joining with other victims in a group action.
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