Sacramento mesothelioma lawyers help victims in the area get justice and seek compensation for asbestos exposure and illness. Founded in 1849, the city of Sacramento grew into a center for communications, transportation, and industry, but its expansion coincided with the boom of the asbestos industry. After developing toxic asbestos illnesses, many people are now fighting for justice.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be qualified for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the top Sacramento mesothelioma lawyers, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
Understanding Asbestos Trust Funds
- What They Are: Asbestos trust funds are financial reserves established by companies that used asbestos in their products. These funds are specifically set aside to compensate individuals who have developed asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma.
- Available Resources: An estimated $30 billion has been allocated by these companies to support those affected. This substantial amount ensures that victims can receive the necessary financial assistance to cover medical expenses and other related costs.
By integrating the expertise of top lawyers and accessing these funds, patients can secure compensation efficiently. Whether you’re looking to file a claim or learn about the legal process, our resources will guide you every step of the way.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Expertise and Success in Mesothelioma Compensation
Our dedicated mesothelioma legal team has a proven track record of success, providing both expertise and substantial results for families impacted by asbestos exposure.
Comprehensive Achievements:
- Assisted Over 6,000 Families: We’ve guided thousands of families across the nation through the complexities of mesothelioma litigation.
- Secured $9.8 Billion in Claims: Our attorneys have successfully obtained billions in compensation, easing the financial burden on affected families.
- Over 25 Years of Advocacy: With decades of experience, we have been a persistent and powerful advocate in the legal arena.
Holding Corporations Accountable
Many companies knowingly endangered lives by using asbestos. We help clients pursue justice and compensation by holding these corporations accountable for their actions.
Record-Breaking Victories
Our team has set nationwide benchmarks with significant jury verdicts, including high-value settlements for families in various locations.
- $60 Million Verdict: In one landmark case, a jury awarded $60 million to a California family. The verdict underscored our ability to achieve top results and was recognized as one of the National Law Journal’s Top 100 Verdicts.
Commitment to Clients
We remain steadfast in our mission to fight for the rights and compensations our clients deserve, continuously striving to secure the best possible outcomes for those impacted by asbestos exposure.
Sacramento Asbestos Facts
- Sacramento County has naturally-occurring mineral deposits that contain asbestos.
- Between 1999 and 2017, there were 27,080 deaths in California related to asbestos exposure.
- Sacramento County had the eighth-highest number of such deaths in that period, with 1,066.
- A project to bury asbestos-contaminated soils at the Sacramento Railyards should protect nearby residents.
What is Mesothelioma, and How is it Caused?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, although it can also impact the abdomen and other organs. This condition is strongly linked to asbestos exposure.
How Mesothelioma is Caused
When tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can become trapped in the lining of vital organs, particularly the lungs. These fibers are not easily expelled by the body and can persist for many years. Over time, they cause irritation and inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
This persistent irritation can lead to cellular damage and, eventually, the development of cancer. Crucially, mesothelioma has a long latency period; it can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years after exposure for symptoms to surface. The prolonged time frame makes early detection challenging, as symptoms often appear only when the disease is in an advanced stage.
Key Points:
- Cause: Directly linked to asbestos exposure.
- Latency Period: Symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.
- Primary Affected Area: Lung lining, but also abdominal lining.
Understanding these factors is essential for both prevention and early diagnosis, highlighting the importance of minimizing asbestos exposure in environments where it may still be present.
Why Should I Sue Over Asbestos Exposure in Sacramento?
People sue over asbestos exposure to recover damages. Compensation from a lawsuit or settlement is indispensable if you have an asbestos illness like mesothelioma. Treatment costs are high, and the illness probably keeps you from working and earning an income.
It might seem like a hassle to start a lawsuit, but most asbestos exposure is negligent, and someone should be held accountable. Many companies knowingly exposed workers who got sick as a result.
If you lived and worked in Sacramento and now have mesothelioma, a lawsuit can help you get a sense of justice and the compensation you need.
Legal Options for Mesothelioma Patients Seeking Compensation
Mesothelioma patients have several avenues to seek financial compensation without necessarily stepping into a courtroom. Here’s a breakdown of the legal options available:
1. Asbestos Trust Funds
Many asbestos companies have established trust funds to compensate individuals affected by asbestos exposure. Currently, around $30 billion is available in these funds, set aside specifically for individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses, ensuring victims can receive financial recompense without litigation.
2. Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Initiating a mesothelioma lawsuit is another option for patients and their families. Though these cases often reach settlements outside of court, they can be pursued to trial if necessary. Settlements typically provide substantial financial support, helping cover medical expenses and lost income.
3. Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Veterans who have developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during military service may qualify for medical and financial benefits through the VA. Professional assistance from VA-accredited attorneys can be invaluable in navigating and preparing VA claims, ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
By exploring these options, mesothelioma patients and their families can find vital financial support tailored to their unique circumstances, helping ease the burden during challenging times.
When Do I Need a Sacramento Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Top-rated California lawyers in Sacramento are available to help you if you have received a mesothelioma diagnosis. They will evaluate your case, provide guidance, and do all the leg work of filing a lawsuit or helping you make another type of claim for compensation.
A lawyer will investigate where and when you were exposed to asbestos. They will use that information and other resources to prove your mesothelioma resulted from negligent asbestos exposure. This is very hard to do without the resources of a large, experienced asbestos law firm.
Our experienced attorneys will handle every step of the legal process to fight for justice on your behalf. From the initial consultation to the conclusion of your case, you can rest assured knowing that your legal team is managing all aspects efficiently.
Financial Ease
- No hourly fees: You won’t need to worry about paying by the hour.
- No out-of-pocket costs: Access top-tier legal representation without upfront expenses.
- Payment upon success: Only pay if your case is won, ensuring a risk-free pursuit of justice.
Contact a Sacramento, California, mesothelioma lawyer to get a free consultation. If they take your case, you shouldn’t have to pay anything until they win.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims in Sacramento, California
The statute of limitations is a crucial factor when considering legal action for mesothelioma cases in Sacramento, California. This law sets a firm deadline on how long patients or their families have to file a lawsuit following a mesothelioma diagnosis. Missing this deadline can result in being unable to seek compensation through the legal system.
Key Timeframes to Keep in Mind
- Personal Injury Claims: Typically, individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma must file their personal injury claim within two years of receiving their diagnosis. This time frame allows victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one has passed away due to mesothelioma, family members generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This pursuit is important to address the financial and emotional toll on the family.
Why Timeliness Matters
Filing a claim promptly is essential because evidence can become harder to gather over time. Witnesses may be more difficult to locate, and documentation might be lost. Furthermore, mesothelioma cases can be complex, requiring expert testimony and detailed occupational histories.
Steps to Take
Given this limited window, it’s advisable to contact an experienced asbestos attorney as soon as possible. This proactive approach ensures the necessary legal actions can be taken in a timely manner, helping to secure the rightful compensation for those affected.
In summary, understanding and acting within these statutes of limitations is imperative for mesothelioma patients and their families to preserve their right to legal recourse in Sacramento, California.
What to Look for When Choosing a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Finding the right mesothelioma lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s what to consider:
- Extensive Experience: Seek out attorneys with substantial experience in asbestos-related cases. Lawyers who have specialized in mesothelioma claims for decades are more likely to understand the intricacies and can effectively navigate the legal process.
- Successful History: A proven track record is essential. Look for lawyers who have secured substantial compensation for their clients in the past. This demonstrates their capability to handle your case effectively and suggests a higher likelihood of success.
- Contingency Fee Structure: Financially, it’s crucial to choose a lawyer who operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer is compensated only if they win your case, reducing your financial risk.
When you evaluate potential lawyers, these factors can guide you toward making an informed choice that best supports your legal and personal needs. Consider these points carefully to find a lawyer who is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
How Was Asbestos Used in Sacramento?
Sacramento is a geologically active part of North America. Sacramento County contains large deposits of serpentine, California’s state rock.
Serpentine is one of the most common minerals found in California and often contains chrysotile asbestos.
Reports from the last ten years show that Sacramento County does have naturally-occurring asbestos. Throughout the county and city’s history, extensive construction and mineral extraction activities in and around Sacramento stirred up chrysotile asbestos into the air, which put residents and workers at risk of exposure.
When much of old Sacramento was rebuilt in the late 19th century after a series of floods and fires that destroyed large sections of the city, builders began using asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in homes, buildings, and industrial facilities more fire-resistant.
The city’s working class was the biggest segment of Sacramento’s population adversely affected by asbestos.
Workers in the railroad, mining, construction, and power-generating industries were at the most significant risk of exposure to asbestos.
Sacramento Railyards
A project aimed at burying contaminated soil at Sacramento Railyards began in 2019. Earlier cleanups of the industrial site dumped soil with asbestos and other toxic substances in one location.
Now that soil is being buried to protect residents and workers in the area. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control oversees the project and hopes to make the site a park with walking trails.
Understanding Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Development
Asbestos exposure can have serious long-term health consequences, specifically leading to mesothelioma, a type of cancer. But how does this happen over decades?
The Journey of Asbestos Fibers in the Body
When tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they don’t just pass through the body harmlessly. Instead, these fibers can become trapped in the protective lining that covers major organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen.
Long-term Irritation and Damage
Once lodged in these sensitive linings, asbestos fibers start a prolonged process of irritation and inflammation. This sustained damage to healthy tissue doesn’t manifest immediately. Instead, the fibers continuously irritate the cells, which can cause significant problems over time.
Delayed Onset of Disease
The development of mesothelioma is notably slow. It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years after exposure for mesothelioma to emerge. This delay is due to the gradual nature of cellular damage and mutation caused by the persistent presence of asbestos fibers.
Why It Takes Decades
The extended delay between exposure and diagnosis is primarily because the fibers disrupt normal cellular processes slowly and subtly, eventually leading to the formation of cancerous cells.
Understanding this process highlights the importance of early detection and preventive measures for those at risk of asbestos exposure, despite the lengthy period before symptoms may appear.
Job Sites in Sacramento Linked to Asbestos Exposure
Though asbestos use in the U.S. is tightly regulated and builders now employ substitutes for ACMs, many job sites in Sacramento were built and operated before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified asbestos as a toxic substance harmful to people.
There are still many job sites and public buildings that contain asbestos or have exposed workers in the past:
Schools
- C.K. McClatchy High School
- John F. Kennedy High School
- Hiram W.Johnson High School
- Sacramento Charter High School (formerly known as Sacramento High School, which closed in 2002)
- San Juan High School
- Sutterville Elementary School
- Theodore Judah Elementary School
- James W. Marshall Elementary School
- Sierra Elementary School (closed)
- Fremont Elementary School (closed)
- El Dorado Elementary School (closed)
Hospitals
- Sutter Memorial Hospital
- UC Davis Medical Center
- Mercy General Hospital
- Methodist Hospital
- Sacramento VA Hospital
- Mercy American River Hospital (closed)
Military Bases
- McClellan Air Force Base (closed)
- Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento (located on the McClellan Air Force Base grounds)
Transportation, Utilities, and Public Works
- Pacific Gas & Electric
- Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station (closed in 1989)
- AT&T Building, Watts Avenue
- Western Pacific Railroad
- Sacramento Executive Airport
- Sacramento International Airport
Commercial Facilities
- Bercut-Richards Packing Company
- Buffalo Brewing Company
- Crystal Cream & Butter
- Sutter’s Embarcadero
- California Packing Company/Del Monte Corporation
What to Look for When Choosing a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Finding the right mesothelioma lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s what to consider:
- Extensive Experience: Seek out attorneys with substantial experience in asbestos-related cases. Lawyers who have specialized in mesothelioma claims for decades are more likely to understand the intricacies and can effectively navigate the legal process.
- Successful History: A proven track record is essential. Look for lawyers who have secured substantial compensation for their clients in the past. This demonstrates their capability to handle your case effectively and suggests a higher likelihood of success.
- Contingency Fee Structure: Financially, it’s crucial to choose a lawyer who operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer is compensated only if they win your case, reducing your financial risk.
When you evaluate potential lawyers, these factors can guide you toward making an informed choice that best supports your legal and personal needs. Consider these points carefully to find a lawyer who is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
These lawyers made us feel so much better about going through this terrible process. We had no idea where to begin and they helped get us all the compensation we possibly could. They were friendly understanding and very hard-working. They answered any questions we had about compensation and even medical advice
-Natalie F.
Specialized Medical Care Near Sacramento
Three medical centers offer mesothelioma patients specialized cancer treatments within 100 miles of the Sacramento metro area.
Two facilities, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center and the UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion, are associated with the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine.
The Stanford Cancer Institute is affiliated with the Stanford Medical School in Palo Alto, California.
University of California, San Francisco Medical Center
505 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone: (415) 476-1000
UCSF Medical Center at Mt. Zion
Helen Diller Comprehensive Family Cancer Center
1600 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: (888) 689-8273
Stanford Cancer Institute
875 Blake Wilbur Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: (650) 498-6000
Getting Legal Help
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be able to get substantial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, stress, pain, suffering, and more. Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for info on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area.
