California Mesothelioma Lawyer [2025 Update]

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A mesothelioma lawyer helps people in California file lawsuits against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis. California is home to multiple industries that exposed people to mesothelioma, including military installations and shipyards.

A mesothelioma lawyer will help patients and their families by providing the knowledge, resources, and legal insights to fight for mesothelioma patients’ rights. They can compile a lawsuit or trust fund claim and decide on the best venue to file a claim in.

On this page, you will learn what a California asbestos attorney does and how to select one for your mesothelioma case. You will also discover the benefits of working with a skilled mesothelioma lawyer, how to know if you are eligible for compensation, and what to expect if you file a legal claim. We also discuss common businesses and professions in California that are linked to asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.

About the California Mesothelioma Lawyer

Why Choose a Meso Lawyer for my claim in California?

Working with a lawyer during your mesothelioma claim can help you make sure you follow the legal process correctly, meet your deadlines, and maximize your settlement options.

If you were exposed to asbestos in California or live in California and later developed mesothelioma, you can hire a lawyer to help you:

• File a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
• Submit an asbestos trust fund claim.
• File a VA benefits disability claim.
• Request and review medical, work, and military records.
• Investigate asbestos sources.
• Connect with medical and scientific experts.
• Represent the patient and their family in court proceedings.
• Negotiate your mesothelioma settlement.

Mesothelioma attorneys understand how these cases work, and they can investigate asbestos exposure sources and liability laws to craft compelling legal arguments on your behalf.

They also have the resources to file multiple types of claims (e.g., trust fund, lawsuit, VA benefits) in different states to increase your chance of a fair payout. Just because you live in California does not mean your case will be filed there. An experienced attorney can advise on your best options for filing.

How to Choose a Lawyer to Represent My Asbestos Claim in California

You need to make sure your mesothelioma lawyer is a good fit for you and your asbestos claim. Qualities to look for in an attorney include the following:

• Strong track record in handling mesothelioma cases and claims (including lawsuits, VA disability benefits, and trust fund cases)
• Communicates well and in a way that makes you feel supported
• Reliable network of internal databases and outside partnerships
• Able to file cases nationwide (in whatever state your case needs to be filed in)
• Positive testimonials from asbestos patients or their families
• Experience successfully resolving cases through settlements and trials
• Free case evaluations
• No upfront legal fees required

Before hiring a lawyer, schedule a no-obligation consultation with one you are interested in. Taking this approach gives you a chance to interview the attorney and learn about what they have to offer and what it would be like to work with their office.

Benefits of Working With an Experienced California Mesothelioma Lawyer

Working directly with a mesothelioma attorney who can file claims in California provides a number of benefits, including:

• They are trained in bringing multiple types of asbestos claims at once.
• Their national reach allows them to file in the states where most of your asbestos exposure occurred, if necessary.
• They have a database of exposure sources and medical experts that enable them to locate and use evidence to strengthen your claim.
• They are dedicated advocates who handle all aspects of your mesothelioma matters while you focus on healing.
• They guide settlement discussions in a productive direction.
• They give you personalized recommendations (such as whether to settle or go to trial).

A mesothelioma lawyer is someone you can depend on to handle legal matters, so you do not have to. They track deadlines, file paperwork, talk to third parties, guide settlements, and go to court on your behalf. Their efforts give you more time and energy to devote to your health and your family.

Meanwhile, they will be fighting for what you are owed in lost earnings, medical expenses, and other losses because of your disease. They can also streamline the mesothelioma claim process to help you get timely and comprehensive relief.

Asbestos Exposure in California

Knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyers understand the common sources of asbestos in California. There are several places where asbestos was used in such high amounts that it was flagged as a high-priority superfund site by the EPA . Here are some of the locations where asbestos has been found in California:

• Coalinga Asbestos Mine
• South Bay Asbestos Area
• El Dorado Hills
• George Air Force Base
• Naval Air Station Moffett Field
• Sacramento Army Depot
• March Air Force Base
• Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Logistics Base
• Humboldt County
• Shasta County
• Clear Creek
• Monterey County

Though asbestos has been phased out of most operations, it is still present in many homes, buildings, and bases from before the ban. Further, it can take decades for mesothelioma to develop after someone is exposed to asbestos.

So, even if someone no longer lives or works in a place with asbestos, they can still get sick because of fibers they encountered years or decades ago. California mesothelioma attorneys know how to trace small amounts of asbestos from years ago to a present-day illness.

Companies in California That Exposed Employees to Asbestos

Attorneys who handle mesothelioma claims know which businesses exposed their California workforce to asbestos. Dozens of companies in California used asbestos in their materials, products, and facilities. California companies that are known to have produced asbestos products include the following:

• Johnson & Johnson (talcum powder)
• Goodyear Tire (gaskets and talc-dusted molds)
• United States Gypsum Company (drywall and joint compound)
• Foster Wheeler (boilers, gaskets, steam-management systems)
• Hercules, LLC (plumbing products)
• Celotex Corporation (insulation, cement, siding, and roofing)
• Johns-Manville (insulation, roofing, and building materials)
• Owens Corning (insulation, roofing, and building materials)

Many workers either did not know they were interacting with asbestos or were not told how harmful it was to their health. Affected industries include cement plants, power companies, steel mills, shipbuilders, construction, and other manufacturing operations. Mesothelioma attorneys in California can investigate your work history, living conditions, and military history to see where your asbestos exposure came from and what your compensation options are.

Occupations in California Most at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Some types of jobs in California had a higher chance of exposing workers to asbestos than others. These include:

• Construction workers
• Pipefitters
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Boilermakers
• Mechanics
• Firefighters
• Shipyard workers
• Military personnel (especially people in the Navy)
• Miners
• Factory workers
• Textile mills

People in these occupations were more likely to encounter asbestos in pipes, insulation, building materials, products, and other sources throughout their careers. Additionally, workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, which puts their friends and families at risk of secondary exposure.

In fact, from 2003 to 2022, . Many of these women were exposed to asbestos through secondary exposure. Men who worked with asbestos would carry fibers home on their bodies and clothes, where women would be exposed to the carcinogen.

Who Can File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in California?

If you developed mesothelioma, you may qualify for compensation under California’s liability laws. You may also be eligible for damages if your family member passed away from mesothelioma. Talk to a lawyer to learn about what your filing deadlines are under state or federal law.

The statute of limitations depends on whether you are filing a claim under California law, federal law, or another regulation. The type of case you are bringing also changes your due date. For instance, a wrongful death or personal injury claim have a different deadline than for an asbestos trust fund case or one for VA disability benefits.

Potential Compensation in California Mesothelioma Lawsuits

If you win your California mesothelioma lawsuit, compensation you may be entitled to recover includes:

• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Medical bills
• Surgery, treatment, and in-home care costs
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages (funeral and burial expenses, loss of relationship, etc.)
• Loss of quality of life

You may also be able to recover a payout from an asbestos trust fund established by a now-bankrupt business. Or, you could request compensation through VA disability benefits. You may be entitled to multiple types of claims at the same time. A reputable mesothelioma lawyer who can file cases in California can pursue all potential legal avenues to maximize your chances of a fair settlement.

California Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts in 2025

California juries have awarded some of the largest settlements nationwide. They have recognized the real harm done to patients and the negligence of asbestos companies.

California mesothelioma settlements are awarded based on the patient or family’s unique losses and circumstances. Some notable mesothelioma settlements in 2025 include:

• $42.6 million awarded against Johnson & Johnson for a man’s mesothelioma
• $57-million class action settlement against MCIC, Inc (McCormick Asbestos Company)
• $15-million settlement against Johnson & Johnson
• $18-million settlement against Johnson & Johnson

Because of the enormous lifetime costs of living with mesothelioma, the settlements for these lawsuits tend to be larger. However, the exact amount someone receives is decided on a case-by-case basis. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, even if the person had a similar case to yours.

How to Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer in California

Finding a mesothelioma lawyer in California starts with looking online and scheduling a consultation with them. Top asbestos attorneys have a national reach, meaning you do not have to hire an attorney with a physical office in California.

Instead, the lawyer can file the case in California or whatever state would give you the best chance of securing a high settlement. Most mesothelioma attorneys do not require clients to travel to their office to meet with them. Instead, they would go to the client’s house or hospital, or they would schedule a phone or video call.

How to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer in California to File An Asbestos Claim

Hiring a mesothelioma lawyer in California involves the following steps:

• Contact the lawyer’s office to go through the intake and scheduling process.
• Meet with the attorney and ask them about their experience handling California asbestos claims.
• Ask the lawyer if they are prepared to go to trial or settle.
• Learn about the attorney’s network of resources for asbestos cases.
• Discuss the process they use to communicate with their clients.
• Review the terms of their representation (e.g., if they charge upfront legal fees).
• Sign and date the representation or retainer agreement (the formal contract to hire them).

Before you sign the contract to hire the lawyer, make sure you understand and agree to the terms. The attorney should answer all of your questions about this, and if they do not or they try to pressure you into signing something first, this is cause for concern. Our team at King Law can help you understand how to obtain assistance from a mesothelioma attorney.

An experienced mesothelioma attorney will patiently answer all of your questions and make sure your decision to hire them is yours alone.

What Is the Cost to Hire a California Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Many mesothelioma lawyers take these cases on a contingency fee basis. Typically, under a contingency fee arrangement, the client would not have to pay the attorney any money in legal fees unless the lawyer wins their case for them. And, the attorney would only receive a set, previously-agreed upon percentage of the client’s settlement.

During the case, the lawyer’s office may pay filing fees, expert witness costs, and other case-related expenses. So, the client can hire an attorney without worrying about the cost.

Questions to Ask a Mesothelioma Lawyer in California

Asking your lawyer questions before you hire them is a good opportunity to get to know them and learn about what they can do for you. That way, you can be confident in your decision to hire them or look elsewhere.

Topics to cover during this initial meeting include how much they charge, how much they have won for past mesothelioma patients, how long they expect your case to take, and what to expect if you work with them.

How much would you charge me to hire you?

Reputable mesothelioma lawyers take these cases on a contingency basis. This allows clients to hire an attorney without having to pay money upfront or worry about how to cover the cost of legal services. Steer clear of firms that pressure you to pay them upfront to meet with or hire them.

How long will my mesothelioma case take?

Most mesothelioma cases take up to 12 to 18 months or longer to reach a settlement. If your attorney promises you to get you a fast payout, this is a red flag. They may be a settlement mill, which is when attorneys rush clients through the legal process to get a quick payout that is often far less than what the client is entitled to. You would benefit from finding an attorney who will give your case the personalized attention it deserves.

What compensation have you won for other asbestos patients in the past? What can I win?

Get an idea of what the attorney has done for mesothelioma patients in the past. While this does not guarantee a particular result in your situation, it helps you understand what the lawyer’s experience has been. You can also ask them to estimate what your settlement package might be if you win your California asbestos claim.

What experience do you have handling mesothelioma claims in California?

Ask the attorney about the types of mesothelioma cases they have handled in the past, and the training they received to take these on and update their knowledge. Talk to them about whether those cases reached a settlement or went to trial, and how the attorney decided which approach was best for the clients. This helps you understand how the attorney might approach your case, too.

Who will I work with if I hire your office?

If you hire a lawyer to handle your California mesothelioma claim, make sure that you will be working with that lawyer during the process. For example, ask the lawyer if they have a paralegal or legal secretary and, if so, who you will be speaking with for most of the case. Make sure you are comfortable with the arrangement before proceeding.

California’s Deadlines to File Asbestos Claims

Each state has its own deadlines to file asbestos claims, and these dates also depend on what type of case it is. For instance, wrongful death claims brought by people who lost loved ones to mesothelioma follow a different timetable than personal injury claims filed by living patients. Additionally, asbestos trust funds and VA disability benefit claims have different filing rules.

California has the following legal filing deadlines for civil lawsuits:

• Personal injury: 2 years from the date of the mesothelioma diagnosis
• Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of a death

You may also be able to file multiple types of claims at the same time, meaning you have several deadlines to coordinate at once. And, you do not have to file your mesothelioma lawsuit or claim in the state you live in. An attorney is the best resource to tell you what your filing deadlines are and how to meet them so you do not miss out on compensation.

Contact a California Lawyer Today

If you developed mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation by filing an asbestos lawsuit, trust fund claim, or request for VA disability benefits. You may also qualify for compensation if your loved one passed away from mesothelioma complications.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma in California, contact King Law today for a free consultation by calling (585) 496-2648 or filling out an online form.

We provide no-cost case evaluations so clients can learn about their legal rights and decide how to proceed. We have hard-fought experience going up against negligent companies that exposed the public to asbestos.

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