Asbestos exposure has been linked to life-threatening diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Many individuals who were exposed to asbestos in construction sites, shipyards, military bases, and industrial workplaces are now suffering from serious respiratory illnesses—often decades after exposure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease in San Diego, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
A San Diego asbestos lawyer can help hold negligent employers, manufacturers, and property owners accountable for failing to protect workers and residents from asbestos hazards. This article explores asbestos exposure risks, legal rights, and how an attorney can help victims pursue justice.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, automotive, and industrial products due to its heat resistance and durability. However, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause severe and fatal illnesses, including:
- Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive cancer of the lung lining caused solely by asbestos exposure.
- Lung Cancer – Exposure to asbestos fibers can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, especially for smokers.
- Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease caused by scarring of lung tissue due to prolonged asbestos inhalation.
Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in San Diego
San Diego has a long history of military, shipbuilding, and construction activity, putting many workers and residents at risk of asbestos exposure. Some of the most common sources of asbestos exposure in the region include:
Military & Shipyard Exposure
- San Diego is home to several military bases and shipyards, where asbestos was widely used in ships, barracks, and aircraft.
- Veterans and shipyard workers from Naval Base San Diego, Camp Pendleton, and NASSCO shipyard are at high risk of developing mesothelioma.
Construction & Industrial Worksites
- Asbestos was commonly used in building materials, such as insulation, cement, roofing, and tiles.
- Construction workers, electricians, plumbers, and demolition crews may have been exposed to asbestos dust.
Schools, Homes & Commercial Buildings
- Older schools, office buildings, and residential homes built before 1980 often contain asbestos insulation and flooring.
- Property owners and landlords may be liable if they fail to properly remove asbestos or warn tenants about its dangers.
If you or a loved one worked or lived in an asbestos-contaminated environment, you may be eligible for a legal claim against the responsible parties.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Asbestos Exposure?
Several parties may be responsible for asbestos exposure and related illnesses, including:
- Employers and shipyard operators who failed to protect workers from exposure.
- Product manufacturers that produced asbestos-containing materials without proper warnings.
- Property owners and landlords who neglected to remove asbestos from buildings.
- Government agencies and military contractors that failed to provide safety measures for veterans and workers.
A San Diego asbestos lawyer will investigate who is responsible and help you file a lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claim.
Compensation Available in an Asbestos Lawsuit
Victims of asbestos-related illnesses may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses, including surgery, chemotherapy, and specialized mesothelioma treatment.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity for workers who can no longer work due to their illness.
- In-home nursing care and long-term medical costs.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering from mesothelioma and lung disease.
- Emotional distress due to chronic illness and reduced life expectancy.
- Loss of quality of life for patients facing terminal conditions.
Punitive Damages
- Awarded in cases where companies knowingly exposed workers and consumers to asbestos without warning.
How to File an Asbestos Claim in San Diego
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have several legal options, including:
Personal Injury Lawsuit
- Victims of asbestos exposure can file a lawsuit against negligent manufacturers, employers, or property owners.
- Lawsuits can result in significant financial compensation through settlements or jury verdicts.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
- Families of victims who passed away from mesothelioma or asbestos-related illnesses can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
- Many asbestos companies filed for bankruptcy but were required to set up trust funds to compensate victims.
- Over $30 billion is available in asbestos trust funds for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases.
A San Diego asbestos lawyer can help determine which legal route is best for your case and handle all aspects of filing your claim.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Asbestos Lawsuits
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing an asbestos-related lawsuit:
- Personal Injury Claims – Must be filed within one year from the date of diagnosis.
- Wrongful Death Claims – Families have one year from the date of death to file a lawsuit.
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claims – Varies depending on the specific trust fund but typically allows longer filing periods.
Because asbestos cases require extensive medical and occupational evidence, it’s critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Recent Asbestos Lawsuit Settlements in California
Several high-profile asbestos cases have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, including:
- Mesothelioma Lawsuit – $10.5 Million Verdict
- A San Diego shipyard worker developed mesothelioma after decades of exposure to asbestos insulation.
- Asbestos Product Liability – $7.8 Million Settlement
- A former construction worker won a settlement after developing lung cancer from asbestos exposure in building materials.
- Wrongful Death Mesothelioma Case – $6 Million Verdict
- The family of a Navy veteran filed a wrongful death lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers and won compensation.
These cases highlight the importance of holding negligent companies accountable for exposing workers and consumers to deadly asbestos fibers.
How a San Diego Asbestos Lawyer Can Help
An asbestos-related lawsuit requires extensive legal and medical expertise. A San Diego asbestos lawyer can:
- Investigate your asbestos exposure history, identifying the source and responsible parties.
- Gather medical evidence and expert testimony to prove the connection between exposure and illness.
- File lawsuits or asbestos trust fund claims to secure compensation.
- Negotiate settlements or take the case to trial to fight for full compensation.
Choosing the Best Asbestos Lawyer in San Diego
When selecting a San Diego asbestos lawyer, consider:
- Experience: A lawyer with a proven track record in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation.
- Medical Resources: Attorneys who work with top oncologists and asbestos exposure experts.
- Trial Readiness: Firms willing to take large corporations to court for full compensation.
- No Upfront Fees: Many asbestos attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case.
Contact a San Diego Asbestos Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you deserve justice. A San Diego asbestos lawyer can help you file a claim, fight for compensation, and hold negligent corporations accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
References
- California Department of Public Health. (2024). Asbestos Exposure and Health Risks in California. Retrieved from https://www.cdph.ca.gov
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Asbestos Regulations and Workplace Safety Standards. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov
- National Cancer Institute. (2024). Mesothelioma Causes and Treatment Options. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov