Mesothelioma in Bakersfield, California
Since the 1900s, many oil refineries operated in Bakersfield, California. For decades, asbestos use was common at oil refineries. Workers may be at risk of developing mesothelioma from workplace asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma victims in Bakersfield can find local treatment and legal resources below.
Learn More About Asbestos and Mesothelioma in Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California Mesothelioma Treatment
Bakersfield mesothelioma patients may seek treatment at several different cancer centers in California. Treatment protocols can vary from patient to patient depending on various factors. These factors include patient age, mesothelioma cell type, stage and location of the disease.
Experienced mesothelioma cancer specialists can discuss and recommend treatments. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and/or clinical trials. If experts recommend surgery, patients may consult renowned mesothelioma surgeons in southern California.
Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield mesothelioma patients may opt to travel to Los Angeles or the Bay Area to consult with a specialist. There are several prominent cancer centers in these areas that specialize in mesothelioma. These facilities offer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, surgical oncology services and more.
Patients can find renowned mesothelioma experts at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center. Military veterans may also seek specialized care at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. In northern California, the Stanford Cancer Center offers expert care for mesothelioma.
Bakersfield, California Mesothelioma Doctors
Each mesothelioma case is unique, and care depends on a wide range of factors. Experienced mesothelioma doctors can create a personalized plan for each patient. They strive to improve patients’ length and quality of life by optimizing treatment plans.
Due to the nature of mesothelioma, it is important to find a specialist who has treated mesothelioma patients in the past. A Bakersfield patient may already be under the care of a local medical oncologist. A mesothelioma specialist may be able to review their oncologist’s treatment plan. A specialist will understand the latest treatments and can determine the best options to potentially extend survival.
Bakersfield, California Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Mesothelioma victims may be eligible to file mesothelioma lawsuits to secure financial compensation. Victims of asbestos exposure in Bakersfield may qualify to file their case in California.
Those who worked in Bakersfield but moved out of state may still qualify to file in California. For instance, individuals exposed to asbestos at a jobsite in California could file a lawsuit in the state. Victims may also be eligible to file a lawsuit in other states depending on their unique circumstances.
An experienced law firm can find the most favorable jurisdiction for a case. Mesothelioma lawyers can review details, such as the victim’s past asbestos exposure. Nationwide mesothelioma law firms can handle cases in California or other states. They will work with victims to secure the compensation they deserve.
Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in Bakersfield, California
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is important for victims to speak with a qualified attorney. Asbestos lawyers have experience handling mesothelioma cases. Mesothelioma law firms are familiar with viable defendants and asbestos jobsites in Bakersfield.
Past cases have shown specific Bakersfield companies exposed their workers to asbestos. Victims may be able to file lawsuits against these companies. Some asbestos companies have set up asbestos bankruptcy trust funds to compensate victims. A mesothelioma law firm can explain individuals’ eligibility and guide them through the legal process.
Deadlines for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Bakersfield, California
Mesothelioma victims must file lawsuits by a specific deadline, called statutes of limitations. Statutes of limitations vary by state and by type of lawsuit. Individuals should contact a mesothelioma attorney to learn more about their filing options.
Claims must be filed within 1 year after an asbestos-related diagnosis.
Claims must be filed within 1 year after an asbestos-related death.
Successful lawsuits and claims may result in financial compensation and other benefits. This compensation may help patients and their families pay for treatment-related costs and other expenses. Successful cases may result in mesothelioma settlements or verdicts for the victims.
Examples of clients served in the greater Bakersfield area include:
Age: 70
Occupations: Railroad, Electrician
Jobsite Worked at: Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic (1997 – 1998)
Settlement: ~$3,782,533
Age: 67
Occupations: Plant worker, Inspector
Jobsites Worked at: Boothe-Twining Inc. (1975 – 1978); High Mountain Inspection (1987 – 1990); Kern Power Plant (1975 – 1978); Richardson X-Ray, Inc. (1986 – 1987); Tosco Oil Refinery (1975 – 1978); Unitech Services Group (1978 – 1986)
Settlement: ~$3,241,241
Age: 62
Occupations: Insulator, Construction
Jobsites Worked at: Marinello Comer Beauty School (1964); United States Army Reserves (1962 – 1968)
Settlement: ~$2,529,589
Age: 79
Occupation: Railroad
Jobsite Worked at: Southern Pacific Railroad (1985 – 1990)
Settlement: ~$1,865,112
Asbestos Use in Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield, California, is home to various industries that used asbestos, including oil production and agriculture. Until the 1980s, asbestos was frequently used at these and other jobsites. Asbestos use put workers and residents at risk of exposure.
Bakersfield is in Kern County, which is home to the Kern River Oil Field and the Midway-Sunset Oil Field. Kern County is the largest oil producer in the state of California. Since the early 1900s, oil drilling and refining has been a major industry here.
For decades, oil companies used asbestos heavily due to the mineral’s heat resistance. This often exposed oil refinery workers to high amounts of asbestos.
Kern County is also an important agricultural hub. It is the fourth most productive agricultural county in the United States. Manufacturers often added asbestos parts to farming equipment. As a result, San Joaquin Valley farmers and tradesmen may have experienced asbestos exposure.
| Gender | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Male | 58 |
| Female | 17 |
Bakersfield, California Oil Refineries and Asbestos Exposure
The oil industry in Kern County dates back to the early 20th century. Until the 1980s, asbestos materials were regularly used in oil refining. The mineral was popular for its resistance to the high heat of refining processes.
Refinery equipment and machinery often had asbestos-containing components including pipes, gaskets and pumps. Many safety products worn by workers for fire protection also contained asbestos. Refinery workers and equipment repairmen may have handled asbestos daily.
More than 25 Bakersfield oil companies can be found on qualifying jobsite lists for asbestos bankruptcy trusts. This includes Mohawk Refinery, Signal Oil & Gas Co. and Tosco Oil.
Asbestos victims who worked for these oil companies may be eligible to file claims with those trusts. They may also be eligible to file a lawsuit. Bakersfield workers who develop mesothelioma should talk to an asbestos attorney to understand their options.
Bakersfield, California Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred
- Amax Carbon Products, Inc.
- Anheuser-Busch Companies, LLC
- Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO)
- Bakersfield Federal Courthouse
- Bankline Oil Company
- Belridge Oil Company
- Big West of California, LLC
- Carbon Black Plant
- Carbon Products, Inc.
- Cascade Carbon
- Coastal Petroleum Refinery Company
- Continental Carbon Company
- Douglas Oil Company
- E. & J. Gallo Winery
- El Tejon Oil & Refining Company
- Equilon Enterprises LLC
- Golden Bear Oil Specialties
- Gundlach's Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning
- Hopper Machine Works
- Independent Valley Energy Company
- Isotherm Company, Inc.
- IVEC refinery
- JM Covington Corporation
- Kern General Hospital
- Kern Oil & Refining Company
- Mercy Hospital Downtown
- Mobil Chemical Company
- Mohawk Petroleum Company
- North American Power Group
- Oilfield Construction Company
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
- Pacific Light & Power, Inc.
- Pacific Southern Foundry, Inc.
- Palomar Refining Company
- San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation
- San Joaquin Refining Company, Inc.
- Shell Oil Company
- Signal Oil & Gas Company
- Smith-Mabry Company
- South Coles Levee Gas Plant
- Standard Oil Company
- Sunland Refining Corporation
- Texaco Oil Refinery
- Tosco Corporation
- Union Oil Company of California
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020. CDC Wonder Online Database.
Melley B. Kern County OKs plan for thousands of new oil and gas wells over environmental objections. Los Angeles Times. March 2021.
Thuot K. Half of US Oil Production Comes From These 20 Counties. Enverus. April 2014.
Financial Assistance for Mesothelioma Patients
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Reviewed by
Jennifer Lucarelli
Mesothelioma Lawyer and Legal Advisor
For more than two decades, Jennifer Lucarelli has served as Legal Advisor at Mesothelioma.com. She has advocated for more than 1,000 asbestos victims, securing millions in settlements and helping them access quality medical care.
