California Mesothelioma Lawyers

Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in California

California has long been one of the leading jurisdictions for asbestos lawsuit filings, which include personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. This state’s laws are generally considered favorable for asbestos lawsuits, leading to yearly increases in new in-state and out-of-state claimants filing.

In response, California courts have taken measures to manage large asbestos caseloads and expedite claims. For example, “fast-track” scheduling allows mesothelioma cases to go to trial within 120 days. Some California judges encourage parties to resolve cases quickly through settlement.

The statute of limitations in California sets a deadline for filing personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. A California qualified mesothelioma attorney can determine how these deadlines apply to your specific mesothelioma case. An attorney can help you file a mesothelioma claim for compensation in California or another state.

You should not rely on any information herein to make a determination about your legal rights. Please speak to an attorney licensed to practice law in your area to best understand your legal options.

Asbestos Exposure in California Among Highest in US

California ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths. It has the most naturally occurring asbestos of any state in the country. California also led the nation in shipyard asbestos exposure during World War II and beyond.

During the peak of U.S. asbestos use, many mines and processing plants developed around California’s countless asbestos deposits. Most of these locations closed down in the 1990s or early 2000s.

Many veterans have been exposed to asbestos in California shipyards and military bases. Veterans who develop asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma may file a VA claim for benefits and have access to VA health care throughout California.

Mesothelioma lawyers have helped people in California get compensation for many types of asbestos exposure. Most cases are based on occupational asbestos exposure or exposure that happened when veterans served in the armed forces.

California Industries Known for Asbestos Exposure

Former construction workers, shipyard workers and veterans are particularly at risk. Children and spouses may also be able to file a lawsuit if they develop mesothelioma because of secondary asbestos exposure.

Companies that sell dangerous consumer products have been held liable for mesothelioma claims. Recent cases involve asbestos-contaminated talcum powder.

Mesothelioma Law Firms Practicing in California

Lawyers at a national mesothelioma law firm like Weitz & Luxenberg or Simmons Hanly Conroy specialize in asbestos litigation and have offices in California. These mesothelioma attorneys understand federal asbestos regulations and California state statutes.

California residents with asbestos-related diseases should choose a nationwide asbestos law firm because they have the experience and reach that local law firms can’t match. Firms that practice nationwide have the knowledge and resources necessary to take on large corporations that acted negligently in exposing you or a loved one to asbestos.

Most nationwide mesothelioma law firms have office locations in California. For example, Weitz & Luxenberg has an office in Los Angeles. Cooney & Conway has several offices in central and Southern California, including Pasadena and San Diego. Additionally, Simmons Hanly Conroy has offices in San Francisco and El Segundo, California.

A benefit of choosing a nationwide firm is that they will come to you if you don’t happen to live near an office. They travel to their clients regularly to conduct depositions and they won’t charge you for such travel expenses.

Asbestos Verdicts Awarded to California Workers

These verdicts represent some of the highest compensation awarded at trial, but most mesothelioma lawsuits are settled out of court. Law firms specializing in asbestos cases are known to secure mesothelioma settlements worth over a million dollars for clients.

These law firms are also known to secure six-figure payouts from trust funds for asbestos victims.

Certain jurisdictions in California require plaintiffs to disclose trust fund claims when they file a lawsuit. An experienced California asbestos lawyer can offer guidance on what trust funds a patient may be eligible for.

California Asbestos Laws and Regulations

Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations requires employers to take specific steps to ensure proper air quality and document all levels of potential exposure. Title 8 also governs registration and certification of asbestos contractors and consultants.

Title 8 Regulations Governing Asbestos in California

A mix of federal and state laws govern California asbestos claims. Over the past few decades, California has enacted new laws, regulations, safety standards and programs aimed at reducing exposure.

State Departments Overseeing California’s Asbestos Laws

A number of state agencies uphold California’s laws and regulations concerning asbestos use, abatement, exposure and injuries. These include:

Anyone who needs to remove asbestos from a building in California should contact a Cal/OSHA-Certified Asbestos Consultant. These consultants are the only professionals in the state who are qualified to advise on asbestos abatement.

California Laws Affecting Asbestos Lawsuits

A California mesothelioma attorney with a nationwide firm has the background to explain how California’s laws affect your case.

Experienced law firms can help secure the maximum value of your individual case in California. It’s in your best interest to hire a top mesothelioma attorney to represent you against the companies that caused you or your loved one to develop mesothelioma.