Protecting California Families Devastated by Asbestos Exposure

In California, you generally have one year from the date of diagnosis — or from the date you discovered the illness was linked to asbestos — to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the one-year period typically begins from the date of death. These deadlines can be affected by specific circumstances, so it is critical to speak with an attorney as early as possible to protect your right to compensation.

Mesothelioma cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means there is absolutely no cost to you upfront, and no fee at all unless and until we recover compensation on your behalf. All investigative work, expert consultations, court filings, and legal fees are advanced by the firm — you pay nothing out of pocket regardless of how long the case takes.

Many mesothelioma cases in California resolve within 12 to 18 months, though the timeline depends on the facts of each case. Asbestos trust fund claims — which are separate from litigation — can often be resolved in as little as 90 days. For patients in declining health, we pursue expedited trial scheduling to ensure compensation reaches families when they need it most.

Compensation may include reimbursement for past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Many victims also qualify to file claims with asbestos trust funds — which collectively hold more than $30 billion designated for victims. A free consultation will help identify the full range of recovery available in your specific situation.

Yes. If a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or has passed away from the disease, family members — including spouses, children, and financial dependents — may be eligible to pursue compensation through wrongful death claims and asbestos trust fund filings. We guide families through each option with compassion and clarity.

Yes. We represent any U.S. citizen who was exposed to asbestos in the United States or aboard a U.S. Navy ship, regardless of where the exposure occurred. Asbestos was used across the country — in shipyards, factories, military bases, and job sites from coast to coast — and many victims were exposed in multiple states over the course of their careers. Wherever your exposure happened, we can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation your family deserves.

No. While many mesothelioma victims were exposed through occupational settings — shipyards, refineries, construction, manufacturing — exposure can also occur through military service, household contact with a worker's clothing, or living near industrial sites. In addition, recently it was discovered that baby powder had asbestos and this is now causing mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a free consultation will help determine whether and how asbestos exposure occurred and what legal options are available.

The highest concentrations of mesothelioma cases in California are linked to shipyard workers in Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, and San Diego; refinery workers in Richmond, Martinez, and the greater Bay Area; aerospace and defense workers in Los Angeles, Burbank, El Segundo, and Torrance; and construction tradespeople throughout Southern California and the Central Valley. Sacramento and Fresno area residents who worked in power plants, government buildings, or industrial facilities also face elevated risk. If you worked in any of these regions or industries, a free case evaluation can help determine whether you have a claim.

When searching for a mesothelioma lawyer in California, the most important factors are trial experience, a verifiable record of large verdicts and settlements, and offices in the state. Our team operates out of Los Angeles and Sacramento and handles cases throughout all of California — including San Diego, San Francisco, Fresno, Riverside, and the Central Valley. We travel to clients who cannot come to us, including home visits and hospital visits. A free consultation is the best first step to evaluate whether we are the right fit for your case.

California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.2 is the specific state law that governs the statute of limitations for asbestos-related personal injury and wrongful death claims. Under this law, you generally have one year from the date of diagnosis — or from the date you first knew or reasonably should have known that your illness was caused by asbestos — to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, the one-year clock typically starts on the date of death. Because these deadlines are strictly enforced by California courts, it is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after a diagnosis to preserve your legal rights.

Yes. Many California residents were exposed to asbestos while working in other states, aboard U.S. Navy ships, or at military bases around the country before returning to California. You can typically file your case in California courts regardless of where the exposure occurred, as long as you are a California resident or the defendant companies did business in California. California courts and juries have a strong track record of awarding significant compensation to mesothelioma victims, making California an advantageous venue for many cases.