Texas Mesothelioma Lawyers

Our team of Texas mesothelioma attorneys specializes in representing people diagnosed with mesothelioma stemming from asbestos exposure. We’re dedicated to securing justice and compensation for our clients.

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Mesothelioma Attorneys in California

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in California, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Our experienced California mesothelioma attorneys have helped families across the state hold asbestos companies accountable and recover millions in verdicts and settlements.

We understand the devastating impact a mesothelioma diagnosis brings. That’s why our team is dedicated to making the legal process as stress-free as possible while aggressively fighting for your rights.

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California has long been at the center of asbestos use, exposure, and litigation. From the shipyards of San Diego and San Francisco to the oil refineries in Richmond and Long Beach, countless workers and families were exposed to asbestos throughout the 20th century. The state also has naturally occurring asbestos deposits, further increasing exposure risks.

Today, California ranks among the states with the highest number of mesothelioma and asbestos-related deaths in the nation. Thousands of families have already filed claims, and many more are still eligible to pursue justice.

If you or your loved one is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s critical to work with a law firm that understands both the medical challenges and the legal complexities of asbestos claims in California.

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Why Choose Our California Mesothelioma Attorneys

Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Here’s why families across California turn to us:

  • Proven Track Record – We’ve recovered billions of dollars nationwide for asbestos victims, including multi-million-dollar results in California.
  • California Case Experience – Our attorneys have successfully represented shipyard workers, Navy veterans, refinery employees, and construction workers throughout the state.
  • No Upfront Costs – We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
  • Personalized Support – We’ll travel to meet you at home or virtually anywhere in California, so you can focus on treatment and family.
  • National Resources, Local Focus – While we are a national firm, our deep knowledge of California courts, asbestos exposure sites, and state regulations gives us an edge in maximizing results.

Some of Our Results

$9,170,022 – For a 21-year-old man paralyzed in a one-car accident caused by a faulty ignition switch in his GM Saturn Ion. The airbags failed to deploy and the seatbelt did not engage.

$6,142,500 – For a 68-year-old woman who developed mesothelioma after secondhand asbestos exposure from her husband’s contracting work and asbestos dust on his clothing.

$5,939,010 – For a 46-year-old man diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure while repairing boats and performing demolition work on damaged buildings.

$4,750,000 – For a 49-year-old Navy veteran who developed mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos products during his military career.

$3,921,750 – For a 68-year-old man with mesothelioma who was exposed in the Navy, as an auto mechanic, and while working in construction.

History of Asbestos in California

Asbestos was once considered a “miracle mineral” for its heat resistance and durability. Unfortunately, it was widely used in California industries and workplaces for decades, putting millions at risk.

  • Shipyards & Navy Bases – California’s coastal shipyards, including San Diego Naval Base, Long Beach Naval Shipyard, and Hunters Point, were major sources of asbestos exposure.
  • Oil Refineries & Power Plants – Refineries in Richmond, El Segundo, and Wilmington relied heavily on asbestos insulation.
  • Construction Boom – The post-WWII housing boom in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento saw asbestos used in flooring, ceiling tiles, drywall, and insulation.
  • Natural Deposits – California contains the largest natural asbestos deposits in the U.S., with areas like El Dorado Hills and Coalinga known for environmental exposure risks.

 

As awareness of the dangers grew in the late 20th century, lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers surged. California courts became one of the nation’s most active venues for mesothelioma litigation, with fast-track procedures to prioritize cases for victims.

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How We Support You After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

When you choose our firm, we are dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Here’s how we help:

Common Asbestos Exposure Sites in California

Over 9,000 job sites across California have been linked to asbestos exposure. Some of the most well-known include:

  • Shipyards & Navy Facilities
    • Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (San Francisco)
    • Long Beach Naval Shipyard
    • San Diego Naval Base & 32nd Street Naval Station
    • Mare Island Shipyard

  • Oil Refineries & Industrial Plants
    • Chevron Refinery (Richmond)
    • Shell Oil Refinery (Martinez)
    • ARCO Refinery (Wilmington)
    • Standard Oil facilities

  • Construction & Manufacturing
    • Johns-Manville Corporation plants
    • Owens Corning facilities
    • California Steel and cement plants

  • Universities & Schools
    • University of California campuses (Berkeley, UCLA, San Diego)
    • Los Angeles and San Francisco public schools built before 1980

  • Hospitals & Government Buildings
    • Veterans Administration Hospitals across California
    • State and federal courthouses built in the mid-20th century

 

Even today, asbestos-containing materials remain in older California buildings. Renovations, demolitions, or natural disasters (like wildfires or earthquakes) can disturb these materials and release dangerous fibers.

Jobs at Higher Risk in California

According to the CDC, most asbestos exposures occurred in the workplace. In California, the following jobs carried particularly high risks:

  • Navy Veterans – Ship engine rooms, boilers, and insulation.
  • Shipyard Workers – Pipefitters, welders, insulators.
  • Construction Workers – Roofers, drywall installers, electricians, plumbers.
  • Oil Refinery & Power Plant Workers – Asbestos used in turbines, boilers, and pumps.
  • Auto Mechanics – Brake linings and clutches often contained asbestos.
  • Teachers & Custodians – Schools built with asbestos flooring, insulation, and ceiling tiles.
  • Miners – Exposure from California’s asbestos-rich soil and mining operations

 

Secondhand exposure also remains a major issue. Many spouses and children were exposed to fibers carried home on work clothes, putting entire households at risk.

Consultation,And,Conference,Of,Stressed,Business,Woman,And,Lawyers,Working

Health Risks & Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Symptoms often appear 20–50 years after exposure, making early detection difficult.

Common signs include:

  • Persistent chest pain or tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen
  • Chronic cough or wheezing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Lumps under the skin of the chest or abdomen

 

Because these symptoms mimic other illnesses, many Californians are misdiagnosed before receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis.

There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and once fibers lodge in the lungs or abdomen, they remain there permanently, increasing the risk of disease over time.

Treatment Centers in California

California is home to some of the nation’s top mesothelioma treatment centers and specialists:

  • UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (San Francisco) – Offers surgery, chemotherapy, and clinical trials.
  • UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (Los Angeles) – Known for leading-edge mesothelioma research.
  • Stanford Cancer Institute (Stanford) – Provides multi-disciplinary care with thoracic oncology specialists.
  • City of Hope (Duarte) – Nationally recognized for innovative treatments and compassionate care.

 

Our attorneys often work hand-in-hand with medical providers to ensure clients get access to the best care while we pursue compensation to cover costs.

Legal Options for California Victims

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in California, you may be entitled to compensation through several legal avenues:

  • Mesothelioma Lawsuits – Filed against manufacturers that produced or sold asbestos products.
  • Settlements vs. Trials – Most cases settle, but our firm is always ready to go to trial if necessary.
  • Asbestos Trust Funds – Over $30 billion remains available in trust funds established by bankrupt asbestos companies.
  • VA Benefits for Veterans – Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for disability benefits and free medical care.
  • Wrongful Death Claims – Families may pursue compensation if a loved one passes away from asbestos-related disease.

Statute of Limitations in California

California law places strict deadlines on how long mesothelioma victims or their families have to file a lawsuit. These deadlines are known as the statute of limitations.  California Statute of Limitations for asbestos claims are somewhat complicated.  If you have questions please call to get more information.

These deadlines in some cases may be shorter than in many other states, making it critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. If you miss the filing window, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

Our California asbestos attorneys act quickly to preserve your claim and ensure all deadlines are met.

Case Results & Settlements

Our law firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients across California and nationwide. Below are a few examples that highlight the life-changing compensation we’ve secured:

  • $6,142,500 – For a woman exposed to asbestos through her husband’s contracting work and secondhand fibers on his clothes.
  • $5,939,010 – For a 46-year-old man exposed while repairing boats and performing demolition work.
  • $4,750,000 – For a Navy veteran exposed to asbestos during ship service.
  • $3,921,750 – For a Navy veteran, auto mechanic, and construction worker.
  • $3,600,450 – For a Navy veteran and California contractor.
  • $3,310,650 – For a man exposed while installing industrial furnaces and air conditioning units.
  • $2,715,915 – For a Navy veteran exposed during ship repairs.
  • $1,886,580 – For a woman who suffered secondhand asbestos exposure through her husband’s shipyard work.

 

These examples demonstrate that both direct and secondhand exposures can lead to significant financial recoveries for California families.

California Asbestos Laws & Regulations

California has some of the strictest asbestos regulations in the nation, designed to protect workers and the public.

  • Cal/OSHA – Requires licensing and certification for asbestos abatement contractors.
  • Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations – Governs asbestos safety standards, including air quality testing, protective gear, and removal procedures.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) – Federal rules that also apply to California demolition and renovation projects.
  • California Civil Code Section 1714 – Defines negligence standards, often used in asbestos lawsuits.

 

Despite these protections, thousands of California residents continue to be diagnosed with mesothelioma each year due to past exposures.

Compensation for California Families

Mesothelioma compensation is designed to help victims and their families cover the immense financial and emotional costs of the disease.

Compensation may include:

  • Medical Expenses – Surgeries, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and travel costs.
  • Lost Wages & Future Earnings – For those unable to work.
  • Home Care & Support – In-home nursing and assistance with daily living.
  • Pain & Suffering – For the physical and emotional toll of the illness.
  • Wrongful Death Damages – For funeral costs and loss of companionship.

 

Avenues for Compensation

  1. Mesothelioma Lawsuits – Often resolved through settlements averaging $1 million to $1.4 million, but jury verdicts can be much higher.

  2. Asbestos Trust Funds – More than $30 billion is available for victims, and claims can often be resolved faster than lawsuits.

  3. VA Benefits – Veterans make up nearly one-third of all mesothelioma cases. Eligible California veterans may qualify for monthly payments and free treatment.

Local Areas We Serve in California

While we represent clients statewide, here are some of the major California cities and regions where we’ve helped families

Southern California

  • Los Angeles
  • Long Beach
  • San Diego
  • Anaheim
  • Riverside
  • Santa Ana

Central California

  • Fresno
  • Bakersfield
  • Modesto
  • Stockton
  • Visalia

Northern California

  • San Francisco
  • Oakland
  • San Jose
  • Sacramento
  • Berkeley

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win compensation for you.

Some California clients begin receiving payments in as little as 90 days, though timelines vary depending on whether the claim is filed through trust funds, settlements, or trial.

Yes. Spouses, children, or estate representatives can file wrongful death lawsuits to recover compensation.

Nationwide, the average is $1–1.4 million for settlements and $5–11 million for verdicts. California juries have awarded much higher amounts in some cases.

No. Our attorneys handle the entire process and will travel to meet you in person or virtually. Most cases are resolved without clients ever stepping into court.

Mesothelioma is a devastating diagnosis, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed in California, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.

Contact Us Today for a free consultation. Our California mesothelioma attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and begin fighting for your family’s future.

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Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Asbestos. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asbestos/
  3. Environmental Working Group (EWG). Asbestos Nation: California. https://www.ewg.org/asbestos/
  4. California Department of Industrial Relations. Asbestos – Cal/OSHA. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/asbestos.html 
  5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos NESHAP. https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-neshap
  6. California Code of Civil Procedure §340.2. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=340.2