Hiring a San Jose Mesothelioma Lawyer

Hiring a San Jose mesothelioma lawyer is a key step in pursuing justice if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. More mesothelioma claims have been filed in California than in most other states.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the state has experienced more than 27,000 asbestos-related deaths from 1999 to 2017. Santa Clara experiences an average of 59 asbestos-related deaths per year. San Jose is home to several occupations connected to asbestos exposure. The 550-acre South Bay Asbestos Superfund site also sits in the city’s Alviso District, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. California is also under threat from naturally occurring asbestos, which is present in most of the state’s counties.

Many law firms specializing in mesothelioma have offices in California, offering you access to mesothelioma lawyers who can provide the guidance and compassion necessary to seek compensation. Mesothelioma lawyers specialize in complex asbestos cases. A San Jose asbestos attorney can take advantage of their understanding of the local landscape and court system to ensure that your case gets the proper attention and expertise that it needs to succeed.

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Working With a San Jose Asbestos Lawyer

A San Jose asbestos attorney can guide you through the entire litigation process, from gathering the information needed for filing a claim to pursuing compensation. After you choose a mesothelioma lawyer, their first step will likely be learning more about you and gathering critical documentation for your case. This typically includes medical record related to your diagnosis, financial records and any records or documentation of your exposure.

A trusted California lawyer can help you determine where to find this information if you aren’t sure how to get it on your own. If you are not yet sure where you were exposed to asbestos, a lawyer can assist you in determining that as well.

Your attorney will then evaluate where filing your case makes the most sense. The location of your exposure and the number of defendants involved in your exposure play a role. Your case could be filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court or possibly in federal court. California also coordinates some asbestos lawsuits together.

Compensation Eligibility

Your mesothelioma lawyer will help determine your eligibility for compensation. The strength of your case, the severity of your illness and evidence showing your exposure can all play a role. The average mesothelioma settlement generally ranges from $1 million to $2 million. It can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to reach a settlement.

Past California Asbestos Trial Verdicts

  1. $21.17 million (verdict): In 2017, a 72-year-old man died from mesothelioma after working as a paint tinter. 
  2. $10 million (verdict): In 2017, this amount was allotted to a 65-year-old man diagnosed with mesothelioma after a career installing pipes.
  3. $8.6 million: A former U.S. Navy machinist in 2005 was diagnosed with mesothelioma. 

In rarer instances, your case could advance all the way to trial if a settlement agreement is not reached. This process takes much longer, but it can result in a significantly higher payout.

Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in San Jose

Given the high mesothelioma rates in California, many reputable law firms are available to state residents. Some of these firms specialize in mesothelioma and have a long history of litigating these cases. Top firms include Simmons Hanly Conroy, Weitz & Luxenberg and Meirowitz & Wasserberg.

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

A top law firm can be a strong choice given its track record of handling mesothelioma lawsuits. These are very complex cases that can require specialized expertise. These law firms devote significant time and resources to seeking compensation for mesothelioma clients.

Asbestos Exposure in San Jose 

One major source of asbestos exposure in San Jose is the South Bay Asbestos Area site. For almost 30 years, the area operated as an asbestos-cement pipe manufacturing plant, producing asbestos-contaminated waste that was sent to nearby landfills.

In the 1980s, soil samples revealed that asbestos had been distributed throughout Alviso. Significant effort was put into cleaning up the site, including paving nearly 130,000 yards of an asbestos-contaminated truck yard, industrial yard and wet sweeping streets monthly. Officials also monitored the air quality.

Unlike in some other parts of the country, California residents may also be at risk from naturally occurring asbestos deposits in the state. When asbestos-containing materials in the earth are disturbed, they can release the fibers into the air, allowing them to spread and potentially be inhaled. Once they are released, they can linger in the environment for a long time. Unpaved roads are a particular risk area. Driving or biking over them can risk releasing the fibers into the air.

San Jose also presents some common exposure risks, including older buildings that may still contain asbestos. It can enter the air when those buildings are worked on or demolished. Common professions that may have resulted in asbestos exposure include military services, plumbing, pipefitting and electrical work.

Secondary Exposure

Secondary exposure to asbestos is a very real concern to be aware of, as it can affect the health of family members and those who may believe they have never been around asbestos. When someone works in an industry or at a site with asbestos, the fibers may cling to them. A worker may unknowingly bring asbestos back into their home. They can attach to hair, skin and clothes. 

From there, it may settle onto furniture, carpeting or be further dispersed throughout the home. If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, don’t know where your exposure took place, and had a family member who worked an at-risk job, you may have experienced secondary exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a San Jose mesothelioma lawyer do?

A San Jose mesothelioma lawyer can litigate your case, helping you gather what you need, determining where your lawsuit should be filed and handling the legal process as you seek compensation. It is generally a very hands-off process.

How much compensation can mesothelioma patients receive in California?

The average settlement for a mesothelioma claim is $1 million to $2 million. Settlements may take around six to 12 months to be completed after a lawsuit is filed.

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

Because the California legislature can change the state’s statute of limitations at any time, it’s best that you consult with your mesothelioma attorney to see if you meet the limitations. If you don’t, your attorney will work with you to perhaps file in a different jurisdiction.

Are there known asbestos jobsites in San Jose?

The South Bay Asbestos Area Superfund Site is located in Alviso, California, and it has significant asbestos contamination from industrial activities.

Do mesothelioma lawyers work on contingency fees?

Yes, mesothelioma lawyers work on contingency fees. When you hire a lawyer, you generally pay nothing upfront. If they win you compensation, they then take a percentage of that amount.

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