Experienced Fresno mesothelioma lawyers help victims of asbestos exposure fight for justice. The city of Fresno has a long history of industrialized asbestos, and Fresno County is also the site of naturally-occurring asbestos deposits and mines. Both have contributed to harmful exposure in workers and residents.
Currently, over $30 billion is available in trust funds for asbestos victims. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for a substantial amount of compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about top Fresno asbestos lawyers, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more.
Top 8 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers Serving Fresno, 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.
To promptly connect with experienced legal professionals, you can reach out via live chat, telephone, or by completing the contact form provided. Our network of seasoned Fresno mesothelioma lawyers is ready to assist you at any time, ensuring that your case gets the attention it deserves.
Here’s how we can help:
- 24/7 Availability: Our team is accessible around the clock, guaranteeing support whenever you need it.
- Expert Guidance: Gain access to top legal advice tailored to your specific situation, helping navigate the complexities of asbestos-related claims.
- Comprehensive Resources: Benefit from detailed instructions on filing trust fund claims and securing financial compensation swiftly.
By taking these steps, you can ensure you receive the necessary legal assistance and maximize your compensation potential.
Facts about Asbestos in Fresno
- California has seen many asbestos-related deaths over the years, including more than 27,000 between 1999 and 2017.
- In that period, Fresno County had more than 580 deaths related to asbestos exposure.
- The area around Fresno includes natural deposits of asbestos.
- Some of these sites were mined and may still contribute to exposure.
Why Do I Need a Fresno Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, you need a lawyer. Top-rated California lawyers who serve the Fresno area and have experience with mesothelioma cases can help you seek compensation.
Mesothelioma is a devastating and expensive illness. You’re facing medical bills, loss of earning capacity, and personal care costs. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by negligent workplace asbestos exposure, which means you can hold companies liable for your resulting expenses.
A lawyer with asbestos experience, a local presence, and nationwide reach is the best choice to guide your next steps. They can help you file a claim to seek a settlement, make a claim with an asbestos trust fund, or claim VA benefits if you are a veteran.
Benefits of Legal Action in Mesothelioma Cases
Taking legal action can lead to significant financial compensation, which can alleviate the burden of medical expenses and lost income. Experienced lawyers in the Fresno area have a strong track record of securing settlements and verdicts for their clients, including those who have been exposed to asbestos in various industries. These industries often include:
- Manufacturing Plants
- Food-Processing Plants
- Retail Locations
- Electric Companies
- Construction Sites
Furthermore, legal action can benefit not only those directly exposed to asbestos but also families impacted by ‘take-home’ asbestos. This occurs when workers inadvertently bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing, affecting their loved ones. Lawyers skilled in these specific cases can effectively represent both direct victims and their families.
Over the decades, successful legal cases have resulted in billions of dollars in compensation for victims throughout California, showcasing the potential for substantial financial recovery. This history of success underscores the importance of choosing a lawyer with a strong record in asbestos-related cases.
By pursuing legal action, you not only seek justice for yourself but also contribute to a broader effort to hold negligent companies accountable and prevent future asbestos exposure in the workplace.
Handling of Mesothelioma Claims in Fresno County
In Fresno County, mesothelioma claims are processed through the county’s civil court system, a structure that ensures these cases receive the attention and expedited processes they require. These claims fall under complex litigation, highlighting their specialized nature and need for detailed judicial oversight.
Location and Process
- Court Location: The primary venue for such legal proceedings is the Fresno County Superior Court, found at 1100 Van Ness Avenue in Fresno, CA.
- Expedited Scheduling: Given the serious nature of mesothelioma cases, plaintiffs often receive priority status on the court’s trial calendars. This status allows for a quicker journey to trial and potential resolution compared to typical civil cases.
Why Priority Matters
The prioritization is crucial in mesothelioma cases due to the severe health implications for the individuals involved. Swift legal proceedings aim to deliver timely justice and, when applicable, compensation.
This structured court process exemplifies the county’s dedication to handling these sensitive cases with the urgency and care they deserve.
Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Fresno?
If you lived or worked in Fresno and now have mesothelioma, you likely encountered asbestos in the area. One of the first things an asbestos attorney will do to help you is track down where and when you were exposed to asbestos.
Most exposure occurs in the workplace. Some jobs carry a greater risk of asbestos exposure than others. Some of the common types of companies that put workers at risk in Fresno and elsewhere include:
- Manufacturing plants
- Construction sites
- Automotive repair shops
- Power plants
- Oil refineries
- Steel mills
- Industrial plants
- Processing plants
Men and women who served in the military also had a high risk of asbestos exposure.
How Has Asbestos Been Used in Fresno?
Fresno was founded in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad. The city grew around a core formed by the railroad station and several stores as settlers from other parts of the country moved into the area.
In 1874, voters moved the county seat to Fresno, which became an incorporated city in 1885.
After several devastating 19th-century fires, new construction included more durable materials, like brick and cement.
Locally-available asbestos was added to these construction materials to make them more resistant to fire and heat.
By the beginning of the 20th Century, Fresno had many of the amenities of a modernized and growing American city.
The influx of new residents, which included immigrants from Armenia, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Scandinavia, required the construction of new homes, businesses, and power plants.
After World War II, Fresno experienced another boom in population due to strong economic growth in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Fresno’s transition from a frontier town to California’s largest inland city occurred during heavy asbestos use.
For nearly a century, construction companies, power plants, and various transportation-related enterprises used asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Most of the houses, apartment buildings, commercial centers, and industrial facilities built between 1930 and 1979 either have or had many parts made from asbestos.
Fresno County Asbestos Mines and Superfund Sites
Fresno is in an area rich with naturally-occurring asbestos deposits (NOAs). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), two abandoned mines in Fresno County, the Atlas, and Coalinga Asbestos Mines, have met the requirements for Superfund sites.
The Atlas Asbestos Mine operated from 1963 to 1979 on a large site near Coalinga, California, around 62 miles from Fresno.
Large amounts of extracted asbestos minerals and processed ACMs passed through Coalinga and were distributed throughout Fresno County. The site is still listed as a Superfund site, and the EPA continues to monitor it.
The separate Coalinga Asbestos Mine occupied 107 acres and was used as an asbestos milling, processing, storage, and distribution center.
The Coalinga area was also used as a dumping ground for asbestos-contaminated pipes and mining waste by the owners of the Atlas Asbestos Mine and the U.S. Asbestos Company.
The EPA declared both areas Superfund cleanup sites. They were removed from the list in 1998.
Other Fresno Job Sites and Businesses Associated with Asbestos
Fresno’s origins as a railroad town and the use of asbestos in various industries create a legacy of active and abandoned job sites known to contain dangerous asbestos materials.
Schools, Public Buildings, and Hospitals
- California State University
- Fresno City College
- USCF Fresno
- Glen Agnes Senior Housing
- Saint Agnes Hospital
- Fresno Youth Center
- Fresno Convention Center
- Fresno County Courthouse
- Fresno County General Hospital
- Fresno State Hospital
Plants and Power Companies
- Pacific Gas and Electric Light Company
- Warrick Electric Company
- Anderson-Clayton Oil Plant
- Fresno Gas & Electric Company
Additional Job Sites and Businesses
- Plaskett Construction Company
- E & J Gallo Winery
- Fresno Distributing Company
- Fresno Linen Service
- Montgomery Ward
- Red Star Industrial Service
- R.L. O’Neil Construction
- Robert Harper Construction
- Sears & Roebuck
- Best Fertilizer
- California Associated Raisin Co.
- California Wine Association
- Cyclops Refrigerator
- Guild Wineries
- Gallo Winery
- Del Monte Cannery
- Cellulo Company
- NAPA Auto Parts
- Spreckles Sugar Company
- Valley Nitrogen Producers, Inc.
Understanding “Take-Home” Asbestos
What is “Take-Home” Asbestos?
“Take-home” asbestos refers to asbestos fibers that workers inadvertently carry home on their clothing, shoes, or hair after being exposed at their job sites. When workers handle materials containing asbestos, these tiny, often invisible fibers can attach to their work attire and personal effects.
Impact on Family Members
- Secondhand Exposure: Family members, especially those who do the laundry or come into close contact with the worker, can inhale or ingest these asbestos fibers. This secondary exposure can occur in everyday tasks like washing work clothes or greeting loved ones at the door.
- Health Risks: Just as with direct exposure, secondhand exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health complications. Family members can develop asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, even if they never stepped foot in an asbestos-rich environment themselves.
- Legal Perspectives: Family members affected by take-home asbestos exposure may have grounds for legal action. Many have pursued claims that resulted in compensation for medical treatments and suffering. This recognition in legal systems underscores the significant risk and impact of take-home asbestos.
In addressing take-home asbestos concerns, it’s crucial for companies and workers to implement strict decontamination procedures. Regularly changing clothes before leaving the workplace and using protective gear can help minimize the risk of bringing asbestos fibers into the home.
Understanding the Prevalence of Mesothelioma Claims in Fresno
Mesothelioma claims are a significant concern in Fresno, largely due to the city’s industrial history. Many residents have experienced asbestos exposure through various occupations, prompting numerous claims.
Common Sites of Asbestos Exposure
Fresno’s economy has historically relied on industries that frequently used asbestos-containing materials. Notable locations where exposure often occurred include:
- Cellulo Company: Known for using asbestos in manufacturing processes.
- Gallo Winery and Guild Wineries: Both have been identified as sites where workers may have encountered asbestos.
- NAPA Auto Parts Distribution Center: Workers here have reported exposure, especially during the handling of automotive parts.
- Southern California Edison: Employees throughout the county may have been exposed, given the nature of electrical installations and maintenance work.
- Westlands Water District: Work in this district sometimes involved asbestos-laden materials.
Occupations at Risk
A variety of workers in Fresno have been at risk, spanning different industries. These include:
- Construction Workers: Frequently exposed during demolitions and renovations.
- Pipefitters: Often worked with insulation that contained asbestos.
- Power Plant Mechanics: Exposed while maintaining and repairing equipment.
- Delivery Drivers and Parts Managers: Encountered asbestos in parts and materials transported and handled.
Claim Outcomes
Legal actions concerning asbestos exposure in Fresno cover a broad spectrum of work environments. These encompass manufacturing plants, food-processing facilities, retail outlets, electric companies, and numerous construction sites. The successful litigation of these cases highlights the widespread impact of asbestos on the community.
By understanding the history and common sites of asbestos exposure, individuals in Fresno can better prepare and protect themselves against the risks of mesothelioma.
This firm was extremely professional and responsive. If you have any meso questions, I’d highly recommend them
-Michael L.
Mesothelioma and Cancer Treatment Near Fresno
Several medical facilities in the Fresno area offer cancer treatment and support services for those with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
California Cancer Center
7257 N. Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93720
Phone: (559) 447-4050
Cancer Care Associates
1791 E Fir Ave.
Fresno, CA 93720
Phone: (559) 326-1222
Saint Agnes Cancer Center
7130 N. Millbrook Ave.
Fresno, CA 93720
Phone: (559) 450-5500
Fresno Cancer Center
7887 N. Cedar Ave.
Fresno, CA 93720
Phone: (559) 437-1000
How Much Is a Mesothelioma Claim Worth?
Compensation depends on your diagnosis, exposure history, and the type of claim. The table below shows the main paths and typical ranges.
| Claim type | What it covers | Typical range / source | Claim 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 claim 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 claim) | No — a separate VA claim. Veterans benefits → |
Get Legal Help from a Top-Rated Asbestos Lawyer in Fresno
Keep in mind that you may be eligible for compensation if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis. 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.
