01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in California
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in California
California ranks first in the country for the most mesothelioma cases and deaths. For instance, 5,227 Californians passed away from mesothelioma between 1999 and 2019. As such, the state also sees high numbers of mesothelioma and asbestos claims.
According to reports, several counties in California were in the top 15 jurisdictions for asbestos claims in 2020. Los Angeles, San Francisco and Alameda, California, all ranked for the most asbestos filings for the year.
According to a newsletter produced via California’s Judicial Branch, these counties historically saw large numbers of asbestos-related claims.
Residents and workers in cities throughout California have filed mesothelioma and asbestos claims. For instance, Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen has represented clients throughout more than 130 cities and towns in California. A mesothelioma lawyer at an experienced law firm will provide guidance about filing options, where to file a claim and the current statutes of limitations.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in California?
Individuals who were exposed to asbestos in California may be able to make a mesothelioma claim. Individuals who face exposure and later develop an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, may be eligible to make a claim. If an individual passed away due to an asbestos illness, their loved ones may be able to file a claim.
Californians risk asbestos exposure in areas throughout the state, such as Vallejo, Oakland, Novato and Redondo Beach. There are dozens of other cities and worksites in the state where asbestos exposure has occurred.
For instance, California is home to various shipyards that used asbestos, including Mare Island Naval Shipyard and Naval Base San Diego. Until around 1980, asbestos was often used in dozens of products for shipbuilding. Insulation, boilers and pipes may have contained asbestos. Shipyard workers and Navy veterans may have been exposed to asbestos while at the shipyards or working on the ships.
California also has more than 240 natural asbestos deposits. As a result, mines, such as the John D. Hoff Mine, opened up in the state for some time. Although the last asbestos mine in the United States closed in 2002, former miners may still risk developing an asbestos disease.
California residents living in the following towns and cities have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to protect their rights and seek compensation from manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- 29 Palms, CA
- Alta Loma, CA
- Altadena, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Antioch, CA
- Apple Valley, CA
- Aromas, CA
- Atascadero, CA
- Auburn, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Benicia, CA
- Buellton, CA
- Carlsbad, CA
- Carson, CA
- Cazadero, CA
- Ceres, CA
- Cerritos, CA
- Chatsworth, CA
- Chico, CA
- Chula Vista, CA
- Citrus Heights, CA
- Clovis, CA
- Coalinga, CA
- Concord, CA
- Corona, CA
- Coronado, CA
- Costa Mesa, CA
- Covina, CA
- Del Mar, CA
- Diamond Bar, CA
- Discovery Bay, CA
- Dorris, CA
- Duarte, CA
- El Cajon, CA
- El Cerrito, CA
- El Dorado Hills, CA
- El Segundo, CA
- El Sobrante, CA
- Elk Grove, CA
- Escondido, CA
- Fair Oaks, CA
- Fallbrook, CA
- Fontana, CA
- Foresthill, CA
- Fremont, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Garden Grove, CA
- Georgetown, CA
- Glendale, CA
- Glendora, CA
- Grass Valley, CA
- Hayward, CA
- Hayward, CA
- Hemet, CA
- Hesperia, CA
- Hidden Hills, CA
- Huntington Beach, CA
- Igo, CA
- Keyes, CA
- La Mirada, CA
- La Puente, CA
- La Quinta, CA
- Laguna Hills, CA
- Lake Forest, CA
- Lakeside, CA
- Lakewood, CA
- Landers, CA
- Lincoln, CA
- Lodi, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Madera, CA
- Manhattan Beach, CA
- Maricopa, CA
- McKinleyville, CA
- Meadow Vista, CA
- Menifee, CA
- Merced, CA
- Milpitas, CA
- Mission Viejo, CA
- Modesto, CA
- Montara, CA
- Montebello, CA
- Monterey, CA
- Moreno Valley, CA
- Mountain View, CA
- Murrieta, CA
- Newark, CA
- Newcastle, CA
- Oak Park, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Orange, CA
- Orangeville, CA
- Palm Desert, CA
- Palm Springs, CA
- Pasadena, CA
- Paso Robles, CA
- Penn Valley, CA
- Pioneer, CA
- Pismo Beach, CA
- Pittsburg, CA
- Placentia, CA
- Placerville, CA
- Pleasant Hill, CA
- Pleasanton, CA
- Pomona, CA
- Poway, CA
- Ramona, CA
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Rancho Mirage, CA
- Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- Redding, CA
- Redwood City, CA
- Rescue, CA
- Richvale, CA
- Ridgecrest, CA
- Riverside, CA
- Roseville, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Salinas, CA
- San Bernardino, CA
- San Carlos, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Dimas, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Juan Capistrano, CA
- San Marcos, CA
- San Mateo, CA
- San Pedro, CA
- San Rafael, CA
- San Ramon, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Santa Clara, CA
- Santa Paula, CA
- Santa Rosa, CA
- Santee, CA
- Sebastopol, CA
- Sierra Madre, CA
- Simi Valley, CA
- Sonoma, CA
- South Lake Tahoe, CA
- South San Francisco, CA
- Stockton, CA
- Studio City, CA
- Sylmar, CA
- Taft, CA
- Tarzana, CA
- Terminal Island, CA
- Torrance, CA
- Tracy, CA
- Trinity Center, CA
- Truckee, CA
- Tulare, CA
- Union City, CA
- Upland, CA
- Vacaville, CA
- Vallejo, CA
- Venice, CA
- Villa Park, CA
- Visalia, CA
- Vista, CA
- Walnut Creek, CA
- Watsonville, CA
- Westlake Village, CA
- Westminster, CA
- Whittier, CA
- Wilmington, CA
- Wilton, CA
- Woodcrest, CA
- Woodland Hills, CA
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in California
Mesothelioma patients and patients with other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to file a claim in California. For instance, individuals may be able to file a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit. Claimants should reach out to an experienced attorney who understands how to file a complaint, gather the right evidence and engage with the court.
An experienced California mesothelioma attorney can help protect victims and their families while handling the claim from start to finish.
Every state has its own deadlines for filing an asbestos claim. In California, claimants have one year following a mesothelioma diagnosis or asbestos-related death to make a claim.
If this deadline has already passed, claimants may be eligible for other types of claims, such as claims against asbestos trust funds. Mesothelioma lawyers in California will help claimants understand their options and eligibility. Even once a deadline has passed, there may be exceptions or other options to help a person or their family get the compensation they deserve.
02. California Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in California
Those who live or work in California and have now developed mesothelioma or other related illnesses can seek help from local or national law firms. These firms offer highly experienced mesothelioma lawyers that can help with the claim process. Local or national mesothelioma law firms can help claimants understand filing options and state laws that may impact the claim.
Californians continue to file many asbestos claims. In 2020, there was a substantial increase in filings in San Francisco, with 35% more filings than in 2019. A dedicated, experienced lawyer can help gather the right evidence and file on the claimant’s behalf.
The following law firms can help people living in California file their claims:
There are several advantages to selecting a nationwide law firm to handle your mesothelioma lawsuit. As these firms are always traveling around the country meeting with clients, rest assured, they will come to you so that you don’t have to worry about getting to a local office. Their sole focus is to make the process easy and effortless for you.
In addition, the large volume of cases that they regularly handle means they have the most comprehensive knowledge about where to file your case so that you receive the most favorable financial outcome.
There are time limits to make claims. Reaching out to an experienced lawyer or law firm will help move the claim forward before that deadline passes.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. California Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in California
Victims of asbestos exposure throughout California have been awarded millions of dollars in compensation. As a reference point, we have provided below a sampling of mesothelioma settlements achieved on behalf of California residents who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace:
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Verdicts in California
In April 2021, a California jury awarded Willie McNeal, Jr. $4.8 million. McNeal developed pleural mesothelioma after exposure to talc from the producer Whittaker, Clark & Daniels. He was exposed when he used the company’s Old Spice talcum powder for more than 22 years.
Getting compensation helps asbestos victims cover lost income, medical bills, funeral costs and many other financial losses.
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.
04. Asbestos Laws in California
California Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Due to the high number of asbestos-related claims and natural asbestos in the state, California’s asbestos laws have been influenced over time. In addition to the general federal guidelines for asbestos, California has its own asbestos regulations in place.
Asbestos regulations in California are handled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the state’s Health & Safety Code.
California’s major asbestos information and requirements are listed in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations and the California Health & Safety Code.
After changes were made to Title 8 in 2007, employers in California are now required to report any asbestos exposure. Employers must also take steps to limit asbestos exposure and to document exposure when it does occur.
Because asbestos may be present in school buildings, schools are also required to keep abatement records for 30 years or longer.
The laws listed above are not exhaustive, and legislation is updated regularly in California.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
