Hiring a Sacramento Mesothelioma Lawyer

A skilled Sacramento mesothelioma lawyer can help you and your family pursue justice in the wake of a mesothelioma diagnosis. These lawyers bring specialized skill sets to complex legal cases, offering you guidance and compassion throughout the process.

Many major law firms have a significant presence in California, a major location of asbestos exposure. California is home to several industries that have worked with the dangerous fibers in the past, and it also has a high rate of naturally occurring asbestos. According to the Environmental Working Group, California has had more than 27,000 asbestos-related deaths from 1999 to 2017. More than 1,000 of those came from Sacramento County, making it the 8th-highest among all California counties.

When you work with a Sacramento asbestos lawyer, they can use their knowledge of the region and experience with similar asbestos cases to assist you and your family in successfully filing a lawsuit. They can also determine where it would be best to file your case, which can make a big difference. This underscores the importance of knowing the California court landscape. Identifying the location of your exposure and the defendants responsible for that exposure plays a role in where your case is filed.

Your case may be heard in Sacramento County Superior Court. But California also has a specialized court that coordinates many asbestos-related lawsuits across the state. Your case could also be filed in federal court. You may also be eligible for trust fund claims

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When to Hire an Asbestos Attorney

If you live in Sacramento and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there could be some urgency to getting in touch with a lawyer. California does not have a particularly friendly statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases. If you aren’t sure if you qualify, an experienced lawyer can review your case and help determine if you are able to file.

Mesothelioma Law Firms in Sacramento

When choosing a law firm, it’s critical to consider firms that specialize in mesothelioma litigation and have a strong track record of successfully litigating asbestos cases. Several law firms that fit this description have offices in California and service Sacramento residents.

Firms like Simmons Hanly Conroy, Weitz & Luxenberg and Meirowitz & Wasserberg can bring national resources and years-long experience to your case.

Weitz and Luxenberg
  • $26 Billion Recovered Overall Verdicts & Settlements
  • $13 Billion Recovered for Asbestos Victims
  • Rated #1 by U.S. News & World Report for 2022
Simmons Hanly Conroy Logo
  • $10.3 Billion Recovered
  • Serves Clients Nationwide
  • Rated a Tier 1 Law Firm in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report

Law firms that devote significant time and resources to litigating mesothelioma cases can be a strong choice. When narrowing down your options, be sure to ask each firm you speak with about its mesothelioma experience and the cases it’s represented in the state. You should also look for client reviews and testimonials of the law firms you are considering to learn more about their reputation.

Working With a Sacramento Asbestos Lawyer

Once you are in touch with a California mesothelioma attorney, they will get to work on building your case. Expect to be asked about documentation that could be relevant to your lawsuit. This might include:

  • Medical records related to your diagnosis.
  • Any work or exposure records.
  • Financial records.

A lawyer can help you determine where to track down this information if you aren’t sure how to get it on your own. Your case will then be filed, and your attorney will begin the litigation process.

Am I Eligible for Compensation?

Your mesothelioma lawyer will help determine if you’re eligible for compensation, which can depend in part on the strength of your case and the litigation process.

Mesothelioma Verdicts in California

  • $10 million: A 65-year-old Alameda County man diagnosed with mesothelioma after installing asbestos-containing cement pipes
  • $7 million: In 2016, this amount was rewarded to a man and his wife after multiple defendants were found liable for his mesothelioma.
  • $8.6 million: This amount went to a former U.S. Navy machinist in 2005.

Many asbestos lawsuits settle before reaching trial. The average mesothelioma settlement is $1 million to $2 million. While rare, some cases proceed to trial if a settlement isn’t reached. A positive verdict can result in a significant payout.

Asbestos Exposure in Sacramento

California is a state known for asbestos exposure. Part of this is because, unlike other regions of the country, California has numerous natural asbestos deposits. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, natural asbestos is present in 42 of the state’s 58 counties. In 2006, the California Department of Conservation determined that naturally occurring asbestos was likely present in eastern Sacramento County. 

Older buildings in Sacramento are another common source of asbestos exposure. When buildings containing asbestos are demolished, the fibers can be released into the air and pose a threat to people in the area.

Much of asbestos exposure that results in a mesothelioma diagnosis also may come from certain occupations. At-risk industries include:

  • Pipefitting
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Military Work

It’s also important to be aware of the risk of secondary asbestos exposure, which can occur when asbestos is carried away from a primary exposure site. When someone works in an asbestos-contaminated environment, there is a risk of the fibers attaching to their hair or clothes. They could carry the asbestos home with them, where it may break off and settle onto furniture or carpeting and put others in the home at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a mesothelioma lawsuit take in California?

Most mesothelioma cases settle within 6 to 12 months of being filed. Trust fund claims are usually processed within 3 to 6 months.

What evidence is needed to prove asbestos exposure in Sacramento?

You will typically need documented work records, testimony or interviews demonstrating that you were exposed to asbestos in Sacramento. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you track down and gather the relevant information.

Can I still file a claim if I don’t remember exactly where I was exposed?

Yes, a trusted mesothelioma lawyer can still assist you in filing a claim even if you don’t yet know where you were exposed. They can learn more about you and help track down where your exposure took place.

How much does it cost to hire a Sacramento mesothelioma lawyer?

Sacramento mesothelioma lawyers generally work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay nothing for their services upfront. If you win compensation, their fees are deducted from that amount.

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