Mesothelioma & Asbestos Law Firm In California

Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen, a nationally recognized mesothelioma law firm, is proficient in handling asbestos-related cases across California, from San Diego to Los Angeles to Sacramento.

Our mesothelioma lawyers are adept in California-specific litigation, legislation, and liability issues, and we are committed to helping victims in the Golden State secure timely compensation. With extensive knowledge of the numerous asbestos companies in California, we understand the impact that their operations have caused. Our asbestos lawyers are dedicated to seeking justice for our clients.

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Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in California

In general, mesothelioma victims or their survivors can submit an asbestos claim in any state where they have worked, resided or provided military service. Even if you are not currently living, employed or stationed in California, you may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim if the relevant asbestos exposure occurred in the state.

Our experienced lawyers can help you choose the appropriate venue for your mesothelioma lawsuit. We can also provide guidance about the best court in which to file your claim.

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Mesothelioma Compensation in California

In California, individuals affected by mesothelioma have several avenues for seeking compensation. These include personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims and workers' compensation.

Compensation can help cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain, suffering and other costs

It's important to note that California has specific laws and regulations regarding asbestos litigation, including time limits known as statutes of limitations for filing claims. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer familiar with these laws can help you receive the maximum compensation you're entitled to. Our dedicated asbestos lawyers bring extensive experience to guide you through this complex process.

Meet Our Mesothelioma Lawyers

The legal team at ELSM is passionate about advocating for victims of asbestos exposure, delivering favorable verdicts for our clients for more than four decades.

California Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma

In California, the statute of limitations for mesothelioma and asbestos claims is 1 year from the date of diagnosis. For wrongful death claims, victims’ families have 1 year from the time their loved one passes away to file a claim, according to the statute.

Because there is only a short time to gather evidence and file a claim, mesothelioma victims in California and their families are encouraged to act quickly to find a mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced with asbestos-related claims. Failing to act before the statute of limitations runs out could result in a loss of rights to compensation for you or your family.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, it’s important to contact a qualified mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.

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Settlements for Mesothelioma Clients Living in California

The following table represents some of the clients our California mesothelioma lawyers have had the privilege of representing.

State	Disease	Occupation / Exposure	Age	~ Monies to Date
CA	Mesothelioma	Plumber / Mechanic	49	~$13,500,000
CA	Mesothelioma	Pipefitter	65	~$12,000,000
CA	Mesothelioma	Navy Veteran / Dry Wall Sprayer	48	~$11,700,000
CA	Mesothelioma	Surgeon / Army Veteran	62	~$11,500,000
CA	Mesothelioma	Navy Veteran / Nuclear Plant Worker	59	~$9,900,000
CA	Mesothelioma	Warehouse Worker	63	~$9,600,000
CA	Mesothelioma	Navy Veteran	57	~$9,500,000
CA	Mesothelioma	Air Force Veteran / Laborer	77	~$9,200,000

Jobsites in California with Documented Mesothelioma Cases

One of the highest-risk places for asbestos exposure is on the job in areas such as Oakland, Modesto, San Diego, and others. Thousands of major jobsites in California have put unsuspecting workers at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Our attorneys have represented mesothelioma clients who have worked at some of the largest sites in California where asbestos exposure occurred:

• Alcoa Building - San Francisco
• Bethlehem Steel Corporation - Alameda
• California Gas and Electric Company - San Francisco
• Department of Water & Power - Los Angeles
• Golden Gate Bridge - Toll Station - San Francisco
• Hamilton Field Air Force Base - Novato
• Kaiser Shipyard - Richmond
• Lawrence Livermore Radiation Labs - Livermore
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Los Angeles
• Los Angeles Pacific Railway Company - Los Angeles
• Mare Island Naval Shipyard - Vallejo
• Miramar Naval Air Station - San Diego
• Moore Dry Dock - Oakland
• Naval Air Station - Oakland
• North Island Naval Air Station - San Diego
• Pacific Gas & Electric Company - San Francisco
• San Diego Marine Shipyard - San Diego
• San Diego Naval Shipyard - San Diego
• San Francisco Naval Shipyard - San Francisco
• Southern California Edison - Redondo Beach
• Standard Oil Company - El Segundo, Richmond
• Todd Shipyard - Alameda
• Treasure Island Naval Station - San Francisco
• Vandenberg Air Force Base - Vandenberg

ELSM Clients Living in California

The law firm of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen has represented hundreds of mesothelioma clients in the state of California — helping them to secure financial assistance for their loved ones. Our clients live in the towns and cities of California below:

California Asbestos Laws

California strictly regulates the use of asbestos through everything from air quality and asbestos removal programs to litigation related to asbestos injury through exposure. The state's history with asbestos is significant and includes prominent cases such as that of the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, which from 1940 to 1997 exposed thousands to asbestos — a popular ship-building material.

Asbestos Litigation in California

According to an analysis in DataPoints, an occasional newsletter produced by California’s judicial branch, most asbestos litigation in the state has historically originated in three counties — Alameda, Los Angeles and San Francisco. These were also three of the top five venues in the country for asbestos lawsuits through the 1980s.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, asbestos claims in California dropped significantly compared with other areas of the country. In recent years, California filings related to asbestos and mesothelioma have started to rise again, with cities like Bakersfield, Sacramento and Modesto reporting increased cases.

Today, the Superior Court of San Francisco County hears a large majority of asbestos cases in California. To help manage the large volume of cases, San Francisco County uses a system of electronic filing and case management. The San Francisco courts also group similar cases to help streamline the caseloads moving through the system. The courts also offer preference to plaintiffs who have short life expectancies. Few asbestos cases in California go all the way to a trial verdict.

Asbestos Safety Guidelines in California

Given its size, California has implemented two separate sets of safety regulations to help protect its citizens from naturally occurring asbestos, which is found in at least 45 of the state’s 58 counties. These laws, known as Asbestos Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCMs), specifically apply to two different classes of activity:

Surfacing Applications

This applies to the production, sale, or use of "aggregate material" (i.e., gravel, sand, etc.) in geographic areas where ultramafic rock is known to be located, or where an air pollution control officer has otherwise determined that asbestos is present.

Construction, Grading, Quarrying, and Surface Mining

This rule applies to construction and mining-related activities in areas where ultramafic rock or asbestos occurs naturally.

While some exceptions are allowed, generally companies and individuals in California must work together with an air quality control officer to make sure they remain compliant with these ATCMs.

In addition to regulating activities around naturally occurring asbestos, the California code includes a chapter on General Industry Safety Orders, which contains rules about asbestos and other regulated carcinogens. These state-specific laws build on federal laws and regulations provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agencies.

California also follows standards set forth by the following:

• National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): These U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines seek to minimize airborne contaminants known to be health hazards.
• Air Resources Board (ARB): Part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), this board provides statewide NESHAP oversight. The state is broken up into 35 local air districts, each of which may have its own guidelines that must be followed when renovating or demolishing a building. Nineteen California counties are not part of an air district, and companies in those counties must work directly with the ARB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue for mesothelioma in California?

Yes, individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma in California have the right to file a lawsuit against the parties responsible for their asbestos exposure. These lawsuits can help victims and their families recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

How do I file a mesothelioma claim in California?

Filing a mesothelioma claim in California involves several steps. First, you'll need to identify when and where you were exposed to asbestos. Then, with the help of a mesothelioma lawyer, you'll file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Your lawyer will guide you through the process, gathering necessary medical records and evidence of your asbestos exposure.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to mesothelioma is 1 year from the date of diagnosis. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is 1 year from the date of death.

Can family members of mesothelioma victims file a claim in California?

Yes. As a surviving family member, you can file a wrongful death claim in California if your loved one has died from mesothelioma. This type of claim can help recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship. It's best to consult with an asbestos law firm to understand your rights and the process involved.