Many asbestos victims are seeking justice with the help of an experienced San Diego mesothelioma lawyer after workplace exposure. Many workplaces used asbestos in San Diego, including every naval installation and most industrial sites.
Asbestos trust funds with more than $30 billion are currently available to people who suffer from asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on leading San Diego mesothelioma attorneys, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
Top 8 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers Serving San Diego, CA
Paul Danziger
- Founding member of Texas-based law firm that handles asbestos and mesothelioma cases throughout the United States
- Over two decades of experience in mesothelioma litigation with more than 1,000 mesothelioma patients helped
- His law firm, Danziger & De LLano, has won more than $1,000,000,000 in mesothelioma-related claims
- Graduated with honors from the University of Texas, 1989
- Law degree from Northwestern University, 1993
- Bar admission in Texas
- Member of the American Association of Justice and Texas Trial Lawyers Association
- Recognized among Top 100 Trial Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers, 2017-2019
Working from his law offices in Texas, Paul Danziger handles mesothelioma cases throughout the United States. He has focused on mesothelioma litigation for over 25 years, and has recovered significant compensation for victims of mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Paul Danziger earned a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago in 1993.
Jeffrey B. Simon
- Licensed to practice in New York, Texas, and California
- Graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1993
- Founding partner of Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC
- Named among Top Lawyers Under 40 by D Magazine in 2003 and 2004
- Named a Texas Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers (a Thomson Reuters service), 2006 to 2009 and 2014 to 2016
- Awarded a Dallas County Special Civil Service Commission from 2011 to 2013
- Awarded National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers Award in 2016
- Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by America’s Top 100 Attorneys in 2016
Jeffrey B. Simon is a founding partner of Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC. He is licensed to practice in California, Texas, and New York. He has worked on mesothelioma cases for over 20 years. Simon received a lifetime achievement award from America’s Top 100 Attorneys in 2016.
Jeffrey A. Kaiser
- Veteran with extensive experience representing asbestos and mesothelioma cases nationwide
- Graduated from University of California Berkeley School of Law in 1992
- Litigating defective product claims for over 20 years nationwide
- Selected to Super Lawyers for 2005, 2007 – 2015, 2018 – 2024.
Jeffrey A. Kaiser is a California attorney providing legal services covering personal injuries from products, including mesothelioma and asbestos exposure claims.
Jeffrey Kaiser, who practices law in Alamo, California, was selected to Super Lawyers for 2005, 2007 – 2015, 2018 – 2024. This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. The Super Lawyers selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors.
Prior to becoming an attorney, he studied at University of California Berkeley School of Law. He graduated in 1992. After passing the bar exam, he was admitted to legal practice in 1992.
Lou Black
- Partner at Black Law Group
- Focuses solely on asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cases
- Graduate of Texas Christian University and South Texas College of Law, 1990 and 1993
- A career dedicated to asbestos cases and victims of mesothelioma and lung cancer
- Admissions in Texas and Pennsylvania
- Member, board of directors and executive committee of Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Lou Black is a partner and founding member of Black Law Group, with offices in New Mexico and Texas. A graduate of the South Texas College of Law, Black has been practicing law since 1993. She has dedicated her career to helping victims of mesothelioma and lung cancer from asbestos exposure seek justice and recover damages. She is an expert in asbestos litigation.
Lou is nationally-recognized asbestos attorney who frequently assists on cases around the country.
Chris J. Panatier
- Graduated from the University of Texas Law School in 2001
- Founding partner in Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC
- Won verdicts with significant damages
- With practice partner, brought the first verdict against Colgate-Palmolive for mesothelioma caused by talcum powder
- Named a Thomson Reuters Texas Rising Star, 2005 to 2012
- Named Thomson Reuters Texas Super Lawyer from 2013 to 2019
- Top Lawyer Under 40, as named by D Magazine for 2006
Chris J. Panatier is a partner in the trial law firm Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC. He focuses on asbestos and mesothelioma, toxic tort cases, products liability, and pharmaceuticals. With a partner he helped to win the first talcum powder and mesothelioma verdict against Colgate-Palmolive. Panatier earned his law degree from the University of Texas in 2001.
Michelle Whitman
- Secured millions of dollars in settlements for victims of asbestos exposure, including workers in construction, shipbuilding, and power plants
- Working through Danziger & De LLano, a mesothelioma law firm with over a billion dollars won in asbestos and mesothelioma cases
- Over two deceased of experience
- Licensed through the Texas State Bar
- Active member of American Bar Association, American Association for Justice, and Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Michelle Whitman is a skilled attorney at Danziger & De Llano, LLP, specializing in Mesothelioma and Asbestos litigation. With over a decade of experience in the field, Michelle has built a strong reputation for securing justice and substantial compensation for victims of asbestos exposure. Her expertise in asbestos-related cases has led to millions of dollars in settlements for clients suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Peter A. Kraus
- Founding partner at Waters, Kraus & Paul
- Admitted to the State Bar of Hawaii, California, Missouri, Texas, and Virginia, as well as several U.S. Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court
- Involved in numerous mesothelioma cases with significant compensation for victims
- Graduated University of Texas School of Law, 1985
- Awarded Above and Beyond Award by the American Association for Justice in 2017
- Appointee to the Federal Judicial Center Foundation Board, 2014 to the present
- Named a Texas Top Rated Lawyer by Lexis Nexis, 2013 through 2016
- Listed Best Lawyer in Dallas by D Magazine, 2001, and 2011 to 2019
Peter Kraus is a founding partner with the Waters, Kraus & Paul law firm serving Houston from their Dallas, Texas office. He focuses on litigating cases related to harmful exposure, particularly asbestos. His nearly 30 years of work on behalf of asbestos and mesothelioma victims has led to major wins and jury awards. He is active in his community and spends time on pro bono work and in serving on boards of directors and trustees for a number of charitable organizations.
Ross Stomel
- Accreditation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for excellence in representing veterans
- Recovered over $250 million in verdicts and settlements related to asbestos exposure
- Named among the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by National Trial Lawyers Association
Ross Stomel is a leading expert in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation who practices in Houston, Texas. He has made a career of working with victims of personal injury and wrongful death, with special expertise in asbestos exposure. He has litigated throughout the U.S. and helped his clients recover more than $250 million in settlements and jury awards.
San Diego Asbestos Facts
- According to records, California saw over 27,000 asbestos-related deaths between 1999 and 2017.
- Most of these were from lung cancer and mesothelioma tied to exposure to the toxic mineral in the workplace.
- San Diego County had the second-highest number of asbestos deaths in the state after Los Angeles.
- The presence of the U.S. Navy in the area has led to exposure to service members and civilian workers.
About Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Thousands of companies used asbestos in the past and put their workers at risk of exposure and illness. Asbestos companies knew about the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn people of the risks. This negligence has led to significant health consequences.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the body, leading to inflammation and scarring over time. Unfortunately, the body cannot expel these fibers. Of all the people exposed to asbestos, between 2% and 10% develop mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer.
As a result, thousands of people in San Diego and around California have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses, such as asbestosis and lung cancer. Mesothelioma specifically affects the tissue around the lungs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pains. Due to its rarity and difficulty in diagnosing, many people discover this devastating illness too late for effective treatment.
If you worked around asbestos or in an industry that used asbestos, see your doctor for a cancer screening. If you get a diagnosis of mesothelioma, contact a top-rated California and San Diego mesothelioma lawyer and asbestos firm.
Understanding these risks highlights the importance of early detection and seeking legal assistance if affected.
How a San Diego Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
A local mesothelioma lawyer who is part of a large, nationwide asbestos firm can help you in several ways after a mesothelioma diagnosis:
- Provide a free initial case evaluation
- Investigate your case to find out where and when you were exposed to asbestos
- Determine which companies were liable for your exposure
- File a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation through a settlement or jury verdict
- Make a claim with an asbestos trust fund if any of the companies that exposed you went bankrupt and cannot be sued
- File a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one died from negligent asbestos exposure
- Maximize the compensation you receive through any legal action, so you can get the treatment you need
Calculate Case Value
How Much Compensation Can I Get for Mesothelioma?
| Claim type | What it covers | Typical range / source | Lawsuit needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos trust funds | Claims paid from bankrupt asbestos manufacturers’ trust funds | $30B+ available across active trusts; each trust sets its own payout schedule | No — filed directly, often in months. Trust fund payouts → |
| Mesothelioma settlement | Negotiated recovery from solvent companies that caused the exposure | Averages ~$1M–$1.4M (varies widely by case) | Yes — a lawsuit is filed; most cases settle before trial |
| Wrongful-death claim | Filed by a surviving spouse or family after the patient has passed | Medical bills, lost income, and loss of companionship | Yes — must be filed within the state deadline. Wrongful death → |
| VA benefits | For veterans with an asbestos-related disease from military service | VA disability compensation plus health care (not a lawsuit) | No — a separate VA claim. Veterans benefits → |
The compensation you might receive from legal actions or claims cannot be guaranteed. The most experienced asbestos attorneys can give you a reasonable estimate and will give you the best chance of receiving maximum compensation.
Average settlements for mesothelioma lawsuits are around $1 million. Verdicts can be much higher, often in the tens of millions of dollars, but there are no guarantees.
Compensation amounts consider the extent of your illness and the degree of negligence of the defendants. The consideration also includes your actual and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Lawsuits in San Diego
When filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in San Diego, being mindful of the statute of limitations is crucial. Generally speaking, individuals have one year from the date they were exposed to asbestos to initiate legal action. This timeframe applies to personal injury claims, aiming to hold accountable those responsible for the exposure.
If the unfortunate event of a loved one passing due to asbestos exposure occurs, the timeline remains the same. You have just one year to file a wrongful death claim. Failing to act within these deadlines means forfeiting any chance to seek compensation for damages incurred.
It’s important to take timely legal action to ensure your rights and potential recovery are not jeopardized. Consider consulting with a legal professional who can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Understanding Asbestos Regulations in San Diego
San Diego, like the rest of California, is governed by specific regulations aimed at minimizing asbestos exposure. These regulations, known as the Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCMs), are designed to protect the public by managing the risks associated with naturally occurring asbestos. Here’s a closer look at the laws in place:
- Regulation of Construction and Mining Activities:
The ATCMs impose strict guidelines on activities such as construction, grading, quarrying, and surface mining, all of which may disturb asbestos-containing materials. These measures ensure that appropriate safety and containment procedures are followed to minimize the release of asbestos fibers into the air. - Control of Surfacing Materials:
The laws also address the production and sale of aggregate materials, including gravel and sand, originating from areas known to contain asbestos. Companies must adhere to specified protocols when dealing with these materials to prevent contamination.
By enforcing these comprehensive regulations, San Diego seeks to safeguard its residents and workforce from the serious health risks posed by asbestos exposure.
How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in San Diego?
Many industries used asbestos. Some of the worst offenders were construction, manufacturing, power generation, and shipyards. The U.S. Navy also used a lot of asbestos. Navy veterans have some of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the country.
These are just some examples of workplaces and industries that exposed San Diego residents and workers to asbestos:
San Diego Naval Shipyard
The San Diego Navy Shipyard, or the Naval Base San Diego, has a long history of asbestos use dating back to 1918.
During the shipyard’s peak, the 1940s, over 5,000 ships were repaired, overhauled, and manufactured.
Almost all components of ships constructed during that period contained asbestos.
Anyone involved in work there was at risk of exposure. Even later, investigators found tons of the material in several units after asbestos use stopped.
National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO)
From the early 1900s until the 1970s, the NASSCO facility in San Diego made many ships. Typical products that contained asbestos included tiles, pipes, compounds, plaster, epoxies, and insulation.
Many workers and contractors at the shipyard were exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers.
After employees and contractors came forward with diagnoses of mesothelioma and asbestosis, the number of lawsuits against the company multiplied.
In one case, an employee sued the manufacturer of asbestos materials after his wife developed mesothelioma via second-hand exposure.
The Shipyard’s Worker Union also filed a lawsuit against the shipyard for unfair labor practices after refusing to allow a new health inspector to join the union and assess the health risks.
Schools and Hospitals Associated with Asbestos Use in San Diego
Many older schools and hospitals in San Diego were built when asbestos was heavily used in the construction industry. A lot of these buildings are still in use today.
Recently employees in the San Diego City Administration Building had to be evacuated over asbestos found in ceiling tiles.
Contractors working on the building’s sprinkler system caused part of the ceiling to come down, and asbestos fibers were detected. The fibers contaminated the air and surfaces, putting workers at risk.
While the incident was quickly cleaned and handled, it illustrates how many buildings in San Diego and other cities still pose a risk. Here are some other buildings in the city known to have asbestos:
Schools
- Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center
- Patrick Henry High School
- San Diego County Public Schools Building
- University of California
- San Diego State University
- John Muir College
- Mesa College
- Palomar College
Hospitals
- Sharp Healthcare
- Sharp Grossmont Hospital
- Scripps Mercy Hospital
- Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital
- Naval Medical Center
- Paradise Valley Hospital
- UC San Diego Hospital
- VA San Diego Healthcare
Additional Job Sites Associated with Asbestos Use in San Diego
- American Electric Powerhouse
- BluePrint Exhaust
- Camp Pendleton
- Consolidated Steel Shipbuilding
- George Crawford Company
- San Diego Marine Construction Company
- San Diego Power Plant
- San Diego Sewer Treatment Plant
- Savage Tire Company
- Sears Roebuck & Company
- Southern California Edison Power Plant
- Sun Harbor Industries
- Union Oil
- Valley Circle Theater
- Wesley Palms Retirement Home
- San Diego Fire Academy
Mesothelioma Treatment in San Diego
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need a treatment center that caters to this rare type of cancer.
The University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center has a rare tumor division. It has also been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute.
The center has specialists, cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and the latest treatments for rare and difficult cancers.
San Diego Legal Help
People in this company are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They quickly answered all my questions and patiently walked me through the case and any open issues. I so appreciate their diligence and patience during this challenging time.
-Jingjing Z.
Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area.
