Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Los Angeles

The top law firms for mesothelioma claims in Los Angeles include several nationwide practices that have offices in or near Los Angeles County. Weitz & Luxenberg has an office in Los Angeles, Cooney & Conway has an office in Pasadena and Simmons Hanly Conroy has an office in El Segundo. These firms can help Los Angeles residents file a claim in other states if necessary, even if their exposure occurred elsewhere. Nationwide asbestos law firms are often more qualified than small local law firms because their network of mesothelioma attorneys have experience managing cases in multiple states.

Weitz and Luxenburg

Weitz & Luxenberg

  • $8.5 Billion Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated #1 by U.S. News & World Report for 2022
Simmons Hanly Conroy Logo

Simmons Hanly Conroy

  • $8.9 Billion Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated a Tier 1 Law Firm in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report
Cooney & Conway Logo
  • $7 Billion Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated a National Tier 1 Firm by U.S. News & World Report in 2022
meirowitz & wasserberg logo

Meirowitz & Wasserberg

  • $200 Million Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated in the Top 10 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers
Nemeroff Law Firm Logo
  • $500 Million Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated a “Hall of Fame” law firm by The Legal 500

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a leading jurisdiction in the U.S. for asbestos claims, which include personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. In 2022, Los Angeles was the eighth-most popular jurisdiction for all types of asbestos claims and the fourth-most popular for mesothelioma claims, according to an industry report from KCIC. 

The Los Angeles area is a popular place to file asbestos claims because many people experienced exposure to asbestos in Los Angeles County that resulted in illness. Approximately 255 women and 797 men died of mesothelioma in Los Angeles County between 1999 and 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Los Angeles residents diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. California sets a deadline for filing mesothelioma lawsuits known as the statute of limitations. It is important to ensure you file on time. A lawyer can help if you missed the deadline by determining if you qualify to file in other jurisdictions.  

Speaking with a qualified Los Angeles mesothelioma attorney is the best first step in exploring your legal options.  

Mesothelioma Compensation Awarded to Los Angeles Residents 

Compensation may come from asbestos trust funds, lawsuit verdicts or mesothelioma settlements. Los Angeles juries issued the following verdicts, but most mesothelioma lawsuits are settled before trial.

$52.1 million in 2022: A Los Angeles jury awarded $52.1 million to Rita-Ann Chapman, who claimed she developed mesothelioma through direct exposure to asbestos-contaminated talc in Avon cosmetics. She also had secondary exposure through her husband who used asbestos-lined brakes, clutches and gaskets to make forklifts for Hyster Company.

$43 Million in 2022. Weitz & Luxenberg secured a $43 million mesothelioma verdict when a Los Angeles County jury found Algoma Hardwoods Inc. responsible for Deanne Warren’s secondary asbestos exposure. She was exposed while washing her husband’s asbestos-contaminated work clothes.

$11 Million in 2018: Alfred Mata and his wife received an $11 million verdict from a Los Angeles jury in a lawsuit against Liberty Utilities Corp. Secondary asbestos exposure through Mata’s father, who worked with Liberty’s asbestos pipes, caused him to develop mesothelioma. 

$48 Million in 2012: Bobbie Izell’s family received a $48 million verdict from the Los Angeles Superior Court because his exposure to asbestos in construction materials led him to develop mesothelioma. The lawsuit involved significant defendants such as CalPortland, Riverside Cement and Union Carbide.  

Los Angeles courts saw a 50% increase in asbestos lawsuit filings from 2021 to 2022, according to an industry report from KCIC. It was also among the top jurisdictions with the most asbestos-contaminated talc lawsuits, which made up 54% of asbestos claims filed in Los Angeles in 2022.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Los Angeles

Several industries, job sites and sources of asbestos exposure in Los Angeles have put residents and workers at risk of developing mesothelioma. These include:

  • Asbestos Deposits. Los Angeles County is home to five natural asbestos deposits, one of them with amphibole fibers, in addition to a former asbestos mine. Asbestos deposits exist in 42 of 58 counties in California.
  • Construction Sites. Construction materials commonly contained asbestos as a fireproofing agent. Contaminated tiles, insulation, adhesives, walling, flooring and roofing materials put workers at risk of exposure.
  • Factories. Asbestos’ heat resistance made it a popular component in factory equipment. Workers at manufacturing factories and industrial facilities were exposed while servicing equipment.
  • Power Generation Plants. Arc chutes, panels, firebricks, gaskets and boilers in power plants contained asbestos. Workers using and maintaining these products were exposed in tight quarters.
  • Public Buildings. Government buildings and military bases were constructed with asbestos building materials before the 1980s.
  • Residential Homes and Dwellings. Homes, condos and apartments built before the 1980s likely contain asbestos construction materials.
  • Shipyards: Navy veterans and civilian workers experienced asbestos exposure in Los Angeles shipyards, including Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Todd Pacific Shipyards.

Asbestos exposure, even in small amounts or through secondary exposure, may cause mesothelioma and other serious diseases. Residents of Los Angeles diagnosed with such illnesses should seek the assistance of a skilled attorney. 

These legal professionals can assist in identifying the origin of your exposure, whether in Los Angeles or elsewhere. They will hold accountable any companies that may be responsible for negligent asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma can be an overwhelming experience for patients and their families. Legal remedies are available for those affected by asbestos exposure. An experienced Los Angeles mesothelioma attorney can establish liability, secure compensation and help families receive compensation by holding negligent corporations accountable.