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Mesothelioma on Terminal Island, California

Linda Molinari
Author: Linda Molinari
Jennifer Lucarelli
Last Updated: 11/20/2025

Before 1980, asbestos was used in structures, equipment and machines at jobsites on Terminal Island, California. Asbestos was popular due to its heat and chemical resistance. Shipyard workers, Navy personnel and others exposed to asbestos may be at risk for mesothelioma. Find treatment options and legal resources near Terminal Island below.

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Asbestos use in California

Terminal Island, California Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma patients on Terminal Island have several options for treatment in the area. As a rare disease, it can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma. It is important to find doctors and cancer centers with experience diagnosing and treating malignant mesothelioma. Treatment for mesothelioma cancer typically involves a combination of therapies. Surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation may be recommended as options.

Although there is no cure, continued research has helped improve mesothelioma prognosis in recent years. This is due to the development of experimental mesothelioma treatments, new diagnostic methods, clinical trials and other mesothelioma research.

Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving Terminal Island, California

Top mesothelioma cancer centers are located near Terminal Island in southern California. These centers offer multidisciplinary teams of specialists who focus on personalized patient care and palliative care support. These centers may also provide patients access to mesothelioma clinical trials.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center are two nearby centers with comprehensive mesothelioma programs.

Photo of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Photo of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Duarte, CA 91010
Photo of University of California, Irvine
University of California, Irvine
Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Orange, CA 92868
Photo of Sanford Burnham Prebys
Sanford Burnham Prebys
Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, CA 92037
Photo of St. Joseph Hospital of Orange
St. Joseph Hospital of Orange
Orange, CA 92868
Photo of University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Photo of University of California San Diego (UCSD) Health
University of California San Diego (UCSD) Health
Moores Cancer Center
La Jolla, CA 92093
Photo of University of Southern California (USC)
University of Southern California (USC)
Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
Los Angeles, CA 90033

Terminal Island, California Mesothelioma Doctors

Patients seeking medical care at cancer centers near Terminal Island have access to mesothelioma doctors with expertise in treating mesothelioma. Specialists involved in a mesothelioma patient’s treatment plan may include medical oncologists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons and pain-management experts, among others.

Photo of Dr. Michael Yuechia Chang
Dr. Michael Yuechia Chang
Thoracic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA
Photo of Dr. W. Charles Conway, II
Dr. W. Charles Conway, II
Surgical Oncologist
Santa Barbara, CA
Photo of Dr. Ravi Salgia
Dr. Ravi Salgia
Medical Oncologist and Associate Director for Clinical Sciences
Duarte, CA
Photo of Dr. Jyoti Malhotra
Dr. Jyoti Malhotra
Medical Oncologist
Irvine, CA
Photo of Dr. Robert B. Cameron
Dr. Robert B. Cameron
Chief of Thoracic Surgery
Los Angeles, CA
Bio
Photo of Dr. Joel M. Baumgartner
Dr. Joel M. Baumgartner
Surgical Oncologist
San Diego, CA
Photo of Dr. Jula Veerapong
Dr. Jula Veerapong
Surgical Oncologist
San Diego, CA
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Terminal Island, California Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Asbestos victims on Terminal Island, California, who want to file a mesothelioma lawsuit or bankruptcy claim should contact a lawyer for guidance and representation. A mesothelioma attorney with asbestos experience will explain legal options for mesothelioma compensation. These lawyers will guide victims through all aspects of their case.

Asbestos exposure in California may have led workers and residents to develop an asbestos disease. Victims of California asbestos exposure may seek compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit, a wrongful death lawsuit or an asbestos bankruptcy trust claim. Financial compensation can help mesothelioma victims and their families recover medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.

Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm on Terminal Island, California

After a confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis, it is important for Terminal Island victims to find an experienced asbestos lawyer. A dedicated mesothelioma attorney can file a trust fund claim or lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies on the victim’s behalf. Asbestos laws may vary from state to state, but an attorney can explain how they impact the victim’s specific case. It is beneficial to seek help from a law firm that is familiar with California asbestos litigation.

Experienced mesothelioma law firms with a proven track record have extensive knowledge of how to build the most effective cases. They will file the case within the appropriate legal deadline to help secure maximum compensation.

Logo for Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP
Fighting to get mesothelioma victims the compensation they deserve. Recognized by Super Lawyers® and National Trial Lawyers.
Logo for The Gori Law Firm
Over 16 years of experience serving asbestos injury victims. The Gori Law Firm is recognized by Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA).
Logo for Frost Law Firm, PC
Over a decade of experience fighting hard for mesothelioma victims in California and across the country. Millions of dollars recovered for clients through passionate work in asbestos litigation.
Logo for Shrader & Associates
For over three decades, Shrader & Associates National Trial Attorneys have fought tirelessly on behalf of mesothelioma victims and their families and recovered millions of dollars in compensation.

Deadlines for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits on Terminal Island, California

Mesothelioma patients or their surviving loved ones must file a lawsuit within the appropriate statute of limitations for the state of California. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can provide specific information about these deadlines.

Statutes of Limitations for Terminal Island
Personal Injury

Claims must be filed within 1 year after an asbestos-related diagnosis.

Wrongful Death

Claims must be filed within 1 year after an asbestos-related death.

Asbestos victims on Terminal Island may also be eligible for other types of compensation, such as veteran’s benefits or asbestos trust fund claims. A dedicated asbestos attorney can explain an individual’s eligibility and filing options. Mesothelioma law firms can help individuals file their lawsuits and claims and secure compensation.

Examples of clients served on Terminal Island include:

Client Profile

Age: 76

Occupations: Sales, Welder

Jobsites Worked at: Harbor Boat Building Company (1975)

Settlement: ~$1,953,763

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Asbestos Use on Terminal Island, California

Prior to 1980, asbestos was used in structures, equipment and machinery at many jobsites on Terminal Island, including shipyards. Asbestos was often found in insulation, pumps, boilers, turbines and other heavy-duty equipment throughout shipyards and on ships. This asbestos exposure put naval, shipyard and civilian workers at risk for mesothelioma.

Notable companies on Terminal Island known for exposing workers to asbestos include Long Beach Naval Shipyard, California Shipbuilding Corporation (also referred to as Calship), Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation and StarKist Company.

Los Angeles County Mesothelioma Deaths by Gender 1999 – 2020
Gender Number of Deaths
Male 797
Female 255

Asbestos Use at Long Beach Naval Shipyard

In 1940, the city of Long Beach ceded land on Terminal Island for Navy use. The facility occupied approximately half of the island. The shipyard’s purpose was largely to perform routine and battle-damage repairs to naval ships, such as destroyers, tankers, cargo ships and others. In 1948, it was renamed the Long Beach Naval Shipyard.

Over the years, thousands of shipyard workers and Navy veterans were exposed to asbestos at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. This exposure put individuals at an increased risk for developing asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma. Various shipyard duties, including machining, painting, welding, lagging and sanding or sawing pipes for installation exposed shipyard workers and others to asbestos.

During World War II, employment levels at Long Beach Naval Shipyard reached nearly 16,100. Between 1965 and 1970, Long Beach was home to 140 ships and 40,000 personnel. Throughout these time periods, asbestos use was common in shipyards and on ships. As a result, these individuals risked exposure.

Long Beach Naval Shipyard closed in 1997 under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act and now operates as a container terminal.

Terminal Island, California Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

  • American Marine Corporation
  • Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO)
  • Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation
  • Billy Sunday (ship)
  • Bulk Transport Company
  • California Packing Company
  • California Shipbuilding Corporation
  • Calmo Engineering Company
  • Carlton Ellis (ship)
  • Christopher L. Sholes (ship)
  • Cornelius Cole (ship)
  • Drytrams Inc.
  • Edison Steam Plant
  • Edward Paine (ship)
  • F.A.C. Muhlenberg (ship)
  • Fellows & Stewart, Inc.
  • Forster Shipbuilding Company
  • General Petroleum, Inc.
  • General Steamship Company
  • Granville Stuart (ship)
  • Hammond Lumber Company
  • Harbor Boat Building Company
  • Honolulu Oil Company
  • Hugo Neu-Proler Corporation
  • Long Beach Naval Shipyard
  • Loveco
  • Luckenbach Steamship Company
  • Marathon Oil Company
  • Matson Navigation Company, Inc.
  • Mobil Oil Refinery
  • National Metal & Steel Corporation
  • Naval Air Base San Pedro
  • Naval Receiving Station
  • Pierpoint Landing
  • Richfield Oil Corporation
  • Southern California Edison Company
  • Spencer Kellogg & Sons Company, Inc.
  • SS Bluefield Victory (ship)
  • SS China Victory (ship)
  • Standard Oil Company of California
  • StarKist Company
  • Starr King (ship)
  • Stephen Johnson Field (ship)
  • Texaco Marine Company
  • Texaco Tank Farm
  • U.S. Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach
  • Union Oil Company of California
  • Van Camp Seafood Company
  • Weyerhaeuser Steamship Company
  • Wilmington Oil Field
Sources
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020. CDC Wonder Online Database.

  2. NAVFAC. Former Long Beach Naval Complex.

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Linda Molinari, Editor in Chief at Mesothelioma.com
Written by Linda Molinari Editor in Chief
Jennifer Lucarelli
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