Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in California
California residents have filed hundreds of mesothelioma lawsuits in recent years. Patients and family members have received millions of dollars from verdicts and settlements. Asbestos victims have also received additional compensation from filing asbestos trust fund claims.
Residents living in over 170 cities and towns in California have filed mesothelioma lawsuits. Attorneys can file a lawsuit or trust fund claim on behalf of asbestos victims. They can also help gather documents and other evidence to help build a strong case.
Key Facts About California Asbestos Litigation
- A California mesothelioma victim has one year from the date of their diagnosis to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, and the family of a deceased mesothelioma victim has one year from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim on the victim’s behalf.
- California has a preference statute for living mesothelioma victims that requires the court to grant a trial date no later than 120 days from the hearing date of the motion.
- California has plaintiff-friendly laws on strict liability, negligence and punitive damages.
- California is regularly home to three of the top fifteen jurisdictions nationwide for asbestos-related disease lawsuit filings; Los Angeles, San Francisco and Alameda County.
During the 20th century, California’s large natural asbestos deposits and diverse industries led to high rates of asbestos use. Many companies put California workers at risk of asbestos exposure at jobsites like shipyards and oil refineries. Asbestos is also present in many older homes, schools and other buildings.
From 2018 to 2022, approximately 1,503 individuals were diagnosed with mesothelioma in California. From 1999 to 2020, 5,484 California died from the disease. California residents or individuals who were exposed to asbestos in California and develop an asbestos-related disease may be eligible for compensation from asbestos companies. Lawyers can help mesothelioma victims navigate lawsuits and asbestos trust claims.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in California?
People exposed to asbestos in California may be able to file lawsuits if they develop an asbestos disease. Family members may be eligible to file a lawsuit after the death of a loved one from mesothelioma.
Many Californians experienced exposure at asbestos jobsites owned by companies such as:
- Duro Dyne Corporation
- The Flintkote Company
- FMC Corporation
- Johns-Manville
- J.T. Thorpe Inc.
- Kaiser Aluminum
- Owens Corning/Fibreboard Corporation
- Union Carbide
California also had a number of active asbestos mines. Naturally occurring asbestos is present in 42 of 58 counties in the state. Asbestos miners were employed at many of these deposits to extract the mineral. For example, the Coalinga Asbestos Mine employed many Californians before the EPA declared it a Superfund Site.
California is also home to a number of shipyards, including Mare Island Naval Shipyard and Naval Base San Diego. Shipyard workers and Navy veterans often experienced exposure while working on ships docked at shipyards.
Californians may also have experienced exposure at any number of other jobsites. Asbestos was common in many industries during the twentieth century.
California residents diagnosed with mesothelioma and living in cities and towns across the state, can seek compensation for their mesothelioma diagnosis. By working with lawyers specializing in mesothelioma, lawsuits can be filed on their behalf against the manufacturers and distributors of asbestos products. Mesothelioma claimants in the following cities and towns have successfully filed lawsuits and received compensation for their injury:
- Anaheim, CA
- Atascadero, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Benicia, CA
- Cerritos, CA
- Chico, CA
- Chula Vista, CA
- Corona, CA
- El Segundo, CA
- Escondido, CA
- Fremont, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Garden Grove, CA
- Huntington Beach, CA
- La Quinta, CA
- Lake Forest, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Mission Viejo, CA
- Modesto, CA
- Monterey, CA
- Murrieta, CA
- Napa, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Palm Springs, CA
- Pittsburg, CA
- Pleasanton, CA
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- Riverside, CA
- Roseville, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Salinas, CA
- San Bernardino, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Santa Rosa, CA
- Santee, CA
- Stockton, CA
- Terminal Island, CA
- Torrance, CA
- Union City, CA
- Whittier, CA
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in California
Laws called statutes of limitations create deadlines for filing California mesothelioma lawsuits. Residents may want to reach out to a lawyer soon after a diagnosis or death. Doing so can help ensure they have a full range of options for seeking compensation.
Mesothelioma patients may be able to file personal injury lawsuits. Family members of deceased patients may be able to file wrongful death lawsuits.
California asbestos victims may also have options for additional compensation via mesothelioma claims. For example, many bankrupt asbestos companies have set up trust funds to compensate victims. California has its own law setting a one-year deadline to file against a trust after a death or diagnosis.
Other potential options for compensation include workers’ compensation and veterans benefits claims. Attorneys can help victims explore all their options for compensation.
Filing VA Claims in California
California veterans may have been exposed to asbestos during their time serving in the military. Asbestos use was common in all branches of the military during the twentieth century. As a result, veterans have a high rate of mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases, like asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits to veterans with diseases caused by asbestos exposure during service. These benefits may also be available to veterans’ family members. In 2021, California had over a million veterans living in the state.
The VA offers tax-free benefits to eligible veterans. These benefits can help pay for health care, housing and other expenses.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in California
Mesothelioma law firms in California can help asbestos victims seek financial compensation. Lawyers at these firms focus their legal practice on helping mesothelioma patients and their families hold companies responsible for exposing people to asbestos. Top firms offer free consultations with asbestos victims to discuss their cases.
California-based law firms are available to help mesothelioma patients and their families. They provide comprehensive services, including filing and negotiating settlements. These firms have some of the most experienced mesothelioma attorneys in the country.
The following law firms can help people living in California receive compensation:
Mesothelioma cases are complex. Working with experienced asbestos attorneys comes with several advantages. For example, they have specialized knowledge of the asbestos liability landscape. This helps them build, file and resolve cases with the highest chance of success.
Asbestos attorneys can also help identify potential sources of exposure. Patients sometimes do not know when or where exposure occurred because of mesothelioma’s long latency period. Attorneys’ knowledge of the industry helps them identify potentially responsible asbestos companies.
More Information About These Top California Mesothelioma Law Firms
It is important to choose an experienced asbestos law firm to handle a mesothelioma case. Attorneys at the following law firms have represented many California mesothelioma victims.
- DOB+S, LLP: Dean Omar Branham Shirley has recovered some of the largest mesothelioma settlements and verdicts in California on behalf of their clients, including $996 million against Johnson & Johnson in Los Angeles in October 2025.
- The Gori Law Firm: The Gori Law Firm is one of the largest asbestos law firms in the country and has extensive experience representing mesothelioma victims out of their California office located at 3848 West Carson Street in Torrance.
- Frost Law Firm, PC: Frost Law Firm has two California offices, one in San Pedro, CA and another in Redondo Beach, CA. As the son of a Southern California construction laborer and contractor diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer, Founding Attorney Scott L. Frost and his firm are dedicated to helping families in California and nationwide affected by asbestos. Frost Law Firm has won several mesothelioma plaintiff’s verdicts in California.
- Shrader & Associates: Shrader & Associates have represented mesothelioma victims in all 50 states including several in California. The firm has recovered over $1 Billion in settlements and trial verdicts.
Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyers Licensed to Practice in California
The following experienced mesothelioma lawyers are all licensed to practice in the state of California:
Scott Frost of the Frost Law Firm is an experienced litigator who has successfully tried asbestos cases in California and across the country since 2000. Attorney Frost is a frequent presenter at asbestos conferences and has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer several times.
Ben Braly of Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP has been serving mesothelioma victims in California since 2008. Attorney Braly has successfully litigated several mesothelioma trials across the country to verdict.
Jessica Dean of Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP is recognized as one of the top mesothelioma litigators in the country and has successfully represented many clients in California. Attorney Dean was part of the trial team that returned the largest single plaintiff mesothelioma verdict against Johnson & Johnson for asbestos-contaminated talc to date; over $1.56 billion in December 2025.
Dimitri Nichols of The Gori Law Firm represents California mesothelioma clients out of the firm’s Los Angeles office. Attorney Nichols attended UCLA as an undergraduate and then graduated Loyola Law School. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Ron Archer of The Frost Law Firm has helped to secure compensation for mesothelioma victims and their families in California. Attorney Archer has secured verdicts and settlements totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of his mesothelioma clients.
Brian Early of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen is the firm’s managing partner and has been representing mesothelioma victims in California since 2001. Attorney Early is a frequent speaker at professional conferences on asbestos litigation and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for mass tort litigation and class actions.
Roger Gold of The Gold Law Firm is the founding partner of his boutique law firm located in San Francisco. Attorney Gold has dedicated his practice to serving California asbestos victims, giving each of his firm’s clients personalized attention.
Mesothelioma Settlements in California
California asbestos victims have received millions of dollars in mesothelioma compensation. A lawsuit may result in compensation from a settlement or verdict. In general, settlements range from $1 to $1.4 million, but individual cases may result in higher amounts.
Settlements are agreements between parties to end a lawsuit before, during or after trial. They are often private agreements between parties, with the exact details of the agreement kept from the public. Some details from California mesothelioma settlements include:
- $13.5 million for a 55-year-old plumber in San Diego and mechanic who used NAPA parts
- $11.6 million for a 48-year-old Navy worker at Long Beach Shipyard Dry Dock and dry wall sprayer at Hemet Dry Wall Co.
- $9.7 million for a 62-year-old Navy veteran and nuclear plant worker
- $9.6 million for a 75-year-old manager and teacher
- $8.9 million for a 56-year-old maintenance worker at Floway Pumps
- $8.8 million for a 56-year-old Navy veteran serving on USS Bon Homme Richard
- $7.6 million for a 63-year-old carpenter and construction worker
- $7 million for a 58-year-old plant worker at King Bearing Inc.
- $6.7 million for a 66-year-old Navy veteran serving on USS Springfield and USS Paul Revere
- $6.5 million for a 68-year-old Navy veteran and plant worker
- $6.1 million for a 62-year-old household worker and technician
- $6.1 million for a 49-year-old Navy watchman and tile setter
- $5.4 million for a 64-year-old welder/pipefitter in oil refineries and shipyards
- $5.1 million for a 62-year-old Navy veteran and electrician
- $4.8 million for a 68-year-old Navy veteran and aircraft mechanic
- $4.5 million for a 60-year-old union plumber
- $4.4 million for an 80-year-old sheet metal worker
- $4.2 million for a 77-year-old Marine veteran and shipyard worker
Mesothelioma settlements can help pay for treatment costs and provide financial security for families.
Mesothelioma Verdicts in California
California juries have found many asbestos companies liable for causing mesothelioma. These companies manufactured asbestos products and employed people to work with asbestos. Mesothelioma verdicts average $2.4 million, but many victims have received much more.
Examples of mesothelioma verdicts in California include:
- $966 million to the family of a woman who used asbestos-contaminated talc powder: In October 2025, a Los Angeles jury awarded a total of $16 million in noneconomic damages and $950 million in punitive damages to the family of a woman who died of mesothelioma in 2021. The jury found that Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder that the woman used regularly contributed to her mesothelioma diagnosis and that the company, and one or more of its officers, directors or managing agents, acted with malice, oppression or fraud.
- $52 million to a woman who used body and face talc-based products: In 2022, a jury awarded a combined $52 million in actual damages and punitive damages to a 76-year-old woman battling mesothelioma. The jury found Avon executives acted maliciously by hiding the potential dangers of asbestos in their talc-based products. As of June 2023, this case is on appeal.
- $24 million to a construction worker: In 2012, a California jury awarded a construction worker $48 million (later reduced to $24 million). The jury found multiple companies, including Union Carbide and Kaiser Gypsum, responsible for his exposure.
- $10 million to a pipefitter: In 2017, a California jury awarded a pipefitter $10 million. The jury found CertainTeed Corporation, an asbestos-cement pipe manufacturer, responsible for his exposure.
- $7 million to a boilermaker’s spouse: In 2015, a California jury awarded the spouse of a deceased boilermaker almost $7 million. The jury found the boilermaker was exposed to asbestos while working for Southern Pacific Railroad.
A mesothelioma lawyer can educate their clients about the process of pursuing a jury verdict award.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable California mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
California Asbestos Laws & Regulations
California has a number of asbestos laws and regulations. Many of these laws are designed to protect California workers and residents from the ongoing risk of asbestos exposure.
The California Health & Safety Code contains asbestos reporting requirements. According to the code, certain California building owners, contractors and other employers must monitor air quality and notify employees about potential exposure.
California also certifies asbestos consultants to handle asbestos removal projects. In the state, only a Cal/OSHA-Certified Asbestos Consultant can consult on asbestos abatement. The state license board also provides guidance on choosing asbestos removal contractors.
The state is also required to adhere to federal laws and regulations related to asbestos.
State Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
Several California laws directly affect asbestos litigation. These include laws related to compensation options, case procedure and taxation. Litigation matters affected by California state law include:
- Expedited trials: California law allows mesothelioma patients to petition courts for expedited trials. If granted, the trial must begin within 120 days. California courts commonly grant motions to expedite mesothelioma trials.
- Pain and suffering damages: In 2022, a California law went into effect allowing families to recover damages for the pain and suffering of deceased loved ones. Pain and suffering damages are compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress.
- Punitive damages: California law is strict when it comes to allowing juries to award punitive damages. Punitive damages punish a company and are awarded in addition to any compensation for injury or death. California law requires clear evidence of malicious behavior for punitive damages to be awarded.
- Taxation of compensation: In general, California does not tax money given as compensation for a personal injury or wrongful death. This is similar to federal tax policy.
The above is a partial list of California laws and regulations related to asbestos lawsuits. Lawyers can explain all relevant state and federal laws to mesothelioma patients and their families.
Asbestos Litigation Trends in California
California has a long, robust history of asbestos litigation. California courts have made a number of generally plaintiff-friendly decisions about how asbestos cases operate in the state. They have also been at the forefront of litigation trends, including the increase in talc litigation in recent years.
Talc Exposure in California
Recent years have seen a surge in cases alleging mesothelioma caused by talcum powder. This surge occurred after reports of a cover-up by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to hide asbestos contamination in its talc products. California has seen a large number of cases alleging asbestos exposure from talc. Los Angeles had the third most talc filings in the country between 2018 and 2022, totaling 142 cases.
In 2025, a Los Angeles jury awarded a total of $966 million to the family of a woman who died of mesothelioma due to her exposure to talc powder produced by Johnson & Johnson.
In 2022, a California jury awarded a woman over $52 million in a talc exposure case. The jury found the cosmetic company Avon liable for selling talc products contaminated with asbestos.
In 2023, California became the first state to restart litigation against J&J after bankruptcy proceedings halted lawsuits against the company. The company is attempting to avoid asbestos liability using a controversial legal scheme. In April 2023, the company also offered to settle with asbestos victims in an attempt to end the lawsuits against it. This new case suggests California does not wish to allow the company to avoid fairly compensating its victims.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure in California
In 2016, the California Supreme Court issued an opinion on secondary asbestos exposure cases. Secondary exposure occurs when an asbestos worker brings the mineral home on their clothes or in their hair. When this happens, family members may inhale asbestos fibers.
The court in this case found that employers could be held liable for secondary exposure when their workers bring home asbestos. As a result of this case, a lower court in California reversed a previous decision holding that employers could not be held liable for secondary exposure.
In 2022, a California jury awarded $43 million to a woman with mesothelioma who experienced secondary exposure. The jury found Algoma Hardwoods Inc. liable for the woman’s asbestos exposure, which occurred while laundering her husband’s work clothes.
