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FAQs on Mesothelioma in California

Mesothelioma is a serious disease associated with exposure to asbestos. A total of 45,221 people died from malignant mesothelioma in the United States during 1995 through 2015, as reported by CDC. Here, we provide answers to frequently asked questions about mesothelioma in California.

What Exactly Is Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer occurring in the mesothelium – the thin layer of tissue that covers most of our internal organs, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. In most cases, mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the lungs. It is a deadly, aggressive form of cancer. For most people who have malignant mesothelioma, there is no cure.

How Prevalent Is Mesothelioma in California?

Nowhere in the U.S. have more people died from asbestos-related diseases than in California. Between 1999 and 2010, nearly 3,000 people died from mesothelioma statewide. California has a history of exposure through naval shipyards, such as the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, which was shut down by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1991. California also has industrial facilities up and down the state including oil refineries, manufacturing plants and other industries that used asbestos materials.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma, affecting the tissue surrounding the lungs, has the following signs and symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pains
  • Painful cough
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unusual lumps under the skin of the chest

When this form of cancer occurs in tissue in the abdomen, symptoms may include abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. This is called peritoneal mesothelioma and the usual treatment is a debulking surgery with heated chemotherapy infused into the peritoneum.

What Are the Most Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure?

Before the mid-1970s, most insulation materials in the U.S. contained asbestos. It was an inexpensive, highly effective, flame-retardant, thermal, and acoustic insulator used in many different building materials. Asbestos was included in a wide range of products including:

  • Siding materials
  • Vinyl floor tiles
  • Window caulking and glazing
  • HVAC duct insulation
  • Plaster
  • Roofing materials
  • Some types of linoleum
  • Corrugated heavy duty 4 by 8 foot panels
  • Fiber cement
  • Blown-in attic insulation
  • Glue used to attach floor tiles to wood or concrete

Where Has Asbestos Exposure Occurred in California?

Over the decades, many people in California have been exposed to asbestos, both on the job and off. Among many others, California sites where known asbestos exposure has occurred include:

  • Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco
  • San Diego Naval Base
  • Alameda Naval Air Station
  • Concord Naval Weapons Station
  • South Bay Asbestos Area, Santa Clara County
  • California Zonolite facility, Glendale
  • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power plants
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company nuclear power plants
  • Bethlehem Steel Shipyard, San Francisco
  • Fibreboard Paper Products, Southgate and Redwood City

Does Workers’ Compensation Pay Benefits for Mesothelioma?

Workers’ compensation is designed to protect workers who are injured on the job, and to protect employers from employee lawsuits. If you have developed mesothelioma because of work-related exposure to asbestos, workers’ comp benefits could provide some limited compensation. However, workers’ compensation alone may not be enough in the case of a life-threatening disease such as mesothelioma. If a negligent third party contributed to your exposure and resulting illness, you may have a personal injury claim for compensation.

Why Choose Us for Mesothelioma Representation in California?

Our team of talented lawyers at Levy Konigsberg have been working for decades to protect the rights of those who have been injured through the negligence of others. We are the firm you can go to when the stakes are high. Since 1985, we have been fighting for the rights of people who have been affected by harmful asbestos exposure.

If you or your loved one has developed Mesothelioma in California, contact our firm at (800) 315-3806 to find out how we can help.

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Find out whether you have a case by speaking to one of our experienced lawyers via our 24/7 toll-free hotline or by submitting an email inquiry. Our attorneys will be quick to respond to you and happy to answer all of your questions.

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    We not only want to achieve the best possible results for our clients, but we also strive to prevent future harm by changing public health policies.

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Hear What They Have to Say
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    “From the first visit to my home, to my last visit to the office to collect my settlement, I was very happy with the services provided by this firm. They are professional, very responsive and very good ...”

    - Lisa Ross
  • They have truly gone above and beyond.

    “I have been beyond pleased how Levy Konigsberg is handling my matter. They answer my questions in a timely matter and when warranted, ease my worries and concerns. They have truly gone above and ...”

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    “Selecting a Law firm to represent me was one of the biggest decisions I've had to make in my life. I put my Faith and Trust into Corey Stern, and he exceeded all my expectations.”

    - Dennis McGowan
  • With this team on my side we came out on top.

    “Levy Konigsberg and team are a group of men and women that give their all, down to the receptionist. I had a case that was almost unbeatable but with this team on my side we came out on top. They keep ...”

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  • Very happy with our settlement.

    “My husband and I were VERY happy with our experience with this firm. They were always caring and really helped us go through this in a very hard time in our lives .We continue to be in touch with the ...”

    - Lori Rosa
  • Wow is all I can say.

    “It has been a few years now but I needed to post this. My dad suffered so much from Mesothelioma. My brother looked into the law and our rights. Unfortunately he died also before anything was done. It ...”

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  • Their dedication to receive the highest results for their clients was amazing.

    “Working with Levy Koningsberg LLP was a very positive experience. Their professionalism and curiosity was outstanding. I was a pleasure working with this firm. Their dedication to receive the highest ...”

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  • Such a great team!

    “The whole team at Levy, Konigsberg LLP have been extremely professional and kind during our most difficult time. They keep you informed during the process, check in often asking if there are any ...”

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  • We definitely got the right law firm!

    “Levy Konigsberg represented my daughter Linda, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma at 16 years old. She endured many surgeries and chemotherapy including HIPEC. She traveled the country seeking ...”

    - Mark Wells
  • Levy Konigsberg continued to help my family fight for the justice my father deserves.

    “Levy Konigsberg was there for my father as soon as he was diagnosed with mesothelioma they helped him get medical treatment in another state that specializes in his condition and even provided housing ...”

    - Stephanie Vitale
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