With the help of a qualified San Francisco mesothelioma lawyer, many people in the area with mesothelioma are now fighting for their rights. San Francisco’s industrial past included shipbuilding, construction, and energy production, all of which used asbestos.
Keep in mind that if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. FComplete nuestro formulario para obtener un Paquete de Compensación Financiera gratuito. Aprenderá sobre los abogados con experiencia en mesotelioma en su área, cómo recibir su pago en 90 días, cómo presentar una reclamación a los fondos fiduciarios de asbesto y más.
Top 8 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers Serving San Francisco, CA
Pablo 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 Francisco Asbestos Facts
- California experienced over 27,000 asbestos-related deaths in the years between 1999 and 2017.
- During that period, San Francisco’s asbestos death rate numbered 620.
- The Bay Area was home to several industrial sites that used asbestos and major sites that received asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from the WR Grace mine in Libby, Montana.
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Why Do I Need a San Francisco Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Top-rated California attorneys serving San Francisco are available to help you if you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis. Mesothelioma is usually caused by negligent workplace asbestos exposure. You can hold companies accountable, but you need an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.
Companies often prioritized profits over safety, knowingly exposing workers to asbestos despite its well-documented dangers. This negligence has put countless lives at risk, leading to severe health consequences for many families.
By holding these corporations accountable, you’re not only seeking justice but also pursuing compensation that can help cover medical expenses and secure your family’s future. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can guide you through this process, ensuring that those responsible are held liable for their actions.
Taking action is not just about your case—it’s about setting a precedent that emphasizes the importance of corporate responsibility and worker safety.
A San Francisco mesothelioma lawyer can help you in several ways:
- With a free initial consultation to review your case
- Investigating your asbestos exposure history to find the companies responsible
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against those companies
- Negotiating a fair settlement from the defendants to get you the compensation needed for medical and other expenses
- Litigating your case in court if necessary
- Maximizing the compensation you receive
- Filing a successful claim with an fondo fiduciario para el amianto
Why Swift Action is Crucial for Mesothelioma Claims
When dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis, time is of the essence in several ways. One of the critical reasons to act quickly when filing a mesothelioma claim is the statute of limitations. Each state has its own specific rules that limit the time frame in which you can initiate legal proceedings. In California, for instance, this period is restricted, meaning that delaying action could result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Key Reasons to File Promptly:
- Statutes of Limitations: These legal boundaries establish a limited window to file claims. Missing this window may prevent you from pursuing legal action at all.
- Preservation of Evidence: As time passes, important evidence can be lost or become less reliable. Prompt action helps ensure that relevant documents and witness testimonies are preserved.
- Access to Resources: Acting quickly allows you to connect with experienced legal professionals who can navigate through the complex landscape of asbestos litigation, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.
- Financial Relief: Seeking compensation sooner rather than later can provide much-needed financial support for medical expenses and family needs during a challenging time.
In essence, promptly reaching out to legal expertise can make a significant difference in both the outcome and the relief process, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action upon diagnosis.
What to Look for in a San Francisco Mesothelioma Lawyer
You need a lawyer if you have mesothelioma and hope to recover damages. But you can’t settle for any lawyer or firm. Look for an attorney with proven mesothelioma and asbestos experience. They should have a successful track record for getting asentamientos and litigating cases for mesothelioma clients.
A local lawyer with a San Francisco office is a great choice, but they should be part of a nationwide firm. They need national resources to investigate and build your case. They should offer a free consultation and take no fees until they win for you.
To kickstart your journey with the right mesothelioma law firm, simply fill out the contact form provided. This initial step ensures that a dedicated legal representative will reach out to discuss your case and explore your options.
Key Steps to Begin Your Consultation:
- Fill Out the Form: Enter your details in the consultation form to express your interest.
- Expect a Callback: A knowledgeable attorney will contact you to discuss your case specifics.
- Free Consultation: Benefit from a no-cost, no-obligation discussion about your legal rights and potential compensation.
By following these steps, you’re positioning yourself with a team that has the resources and expertise to secure the best possible outcome for your situation.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims in California
When dealing with mesothelioma claims in California, the statute of limitations plays a crucial role in determining the timeline for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations sets a legal deadline to initiate a claim, significantly impacting the ability of patients and their families to seek compensation.
Key Points about the Statute of Limitations
- Time Sensitivity: For mesothelioma patients, the clock starts ticking either from the date of diagnosis or when the disease should have reasonably been discovered. This makes it essential to consider legal action promptly.
- Family Claims: In unfortunate cases where the patient has passed away, family members can file a wrongful death claim. The time limit for these claims usually begins from the date of the patient’s death.
- Asistencia legal: It’s crucial for patients and their families to engage with experienced asbestos attorneys who understand California’s specific restrictions and can navigate the complexities effectively.
Why Timing Matters
Acting quickly is vital due to these restrictive timelines. Missing the deadline could mean losing the right to compensation. Thus, reaching out to a qualified lawyer who specializes in asbestos-related cases is an important step after receiving a diagnosis. Attorneys can help ensure that all legal options are explored within the time limits, offering a better chance for a successful claim.
By understanding and respecting the statute of limitations, mesothelioma patients and their families can take the necessary steps toward securing justice and financial relief for the challenges posed by this disease.
How Was I Exposed to Asbestos in San Francisco?
One of the most important things an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can do for you is to determine where and when you were exposed to asbestos. You need this information to prove your case and get compensation.
A History of Asbestos in San Francisco
Spanish settlers founded San Francisco as a Catholic mission in 1776. Its location on the Pacific coast made it an ideal place for ports, naval bases, and shipbuilding. Its growth as a major city in Northern California started during the Gold Rush of the late 1840s and 1850s.
By the late 1890s, San Francisco was the eighth-largest city in the U.S., with new industries that used large amounts of asbestos.
The use of asbestos in the city grew during its recovery from the 1906 earthquake. It was used in construction materials and as a fire retardant and insulator in vehicles and machinery, ending only in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The city’s post-quake recovery period and the two World Wars of the 20th Century contributed heavily to San Francisco’s asbestos problems.
The need to rebuild three-quarters of the city resulted in many buildings and homes with building materials infused with asbestos.
Power plant workers, shipbuilders, sailors, pipelayers, and dockyard engineers experienced constant exposure to asbestos fibers, especially during World War II. In addition, San Francisco was a central point of embarkation for the Pacific Theater of Operations.
Many Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps personnel were exposed to asbestos in transit to and from the battlefront.
All the military bases in the San Francisco area with major asbestos issues were decommissioned during the 1990s due to the Cold War’s end in 1989.
Areas of Asbestos Exposure in San Francisco
Many San Francisco area job sites exposed their workers to asbestos. Shipyards, power stations, and petroleum storage or refining facilities were among them, including:
- Bethlehem Steel Shipyard – San Francisco
- Hunters Point Naval Shipyard
- Moore Drydock
- Pacific Gas & Electric Power Plant
- San Francisco Dry Dock Company
- San Francisco Naval Shipyard
- Shell-Martinez Oil Refinery
- Todd Shipyard
- Treasure Island Naval Station
Hunters Point Naval Shipyard
Hunters Point Naval Shipyard operated until 1974. Activities on the site contaminated soil and water with numerous pollutants. Eventually, it was named a Superfund by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Among the many contaminants on the site is naturally-occurring asbestos. The U.S. Navy has managed and cleaned the site, with the EPA overseeing efforts. The EPA continues to monitor it.
You could have been exposed to asbestos if you served in the Navy at Hunters Point or worked there as a civilian. Even residents in the area were at risk of exposure to airborne asbestos or contaminants in the groundwater.
Contaminated Vermiculite in San Francisco
The W.R. Grace mine in Libby, Montana, shipped asbestos-contaminated vermiculite all over the country for decades.
Three sites in San Francisco and the Bay Area are known to have received significant amounts of Libby vermiculite:
- Arabian American Oil, San Francisco
- H.B. Fuller Company, San Francisco
- California Zonolite/Diversified Insulation, Newark
- Pabco/CA Gypsum Company/Fireboard Paper, Newark
The Zonolite location in Newark was particularly problematic. It received over 330,000 tons of Libby vermiculite. As an exfoliation facility, it contributed significantly to workers’ and nearby residents’ asbestos exposure.
Other San Francisco Job Sites with Asbestos Exposure
- Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Company
- American Asbestos Company
- American Biscuit Company
- American Cream of Tartar Company
- American Linen Supply Company
- American Trust Office Building
- Bank of America
- Bank of California
- Bay & River Navigation Company
- Bedford Hotel
- C.W. Stouffer Company
- Cahill Construction
- Dawson Meat Company
- Four Seasons Hotel (Geary Street)
- Fremont Center Building
- General Chemical – Anhydrous Plant
- Hall of Justice
- Hospital For Children and Training School For Nurses
- Hotel Westminster
- San Francisco and San Mateo Railway Company
- Quality Motel
- Rialto Building
- Salomo Manufacturing
- San Francisco Examiner Building
- San Francisco Galvanizing
- San Francisco Gas and Electric Light Company
- San Francisco General Hospital
- San Francisco Housing Authority
- San Francisco International Airport
- San Francisco Museum of Art
- San Francisco Railway and Power Company
- Leland Stanford Jr. University Hospital
School Buildings with Known Asbestos
- Giannini Middle School
- Belmont School
- Cathedral High School
- Del Mar School
- Diamond Heights High School
- Everett Junior High School
- Hospital For Children and Training School For Nurses
- Kate Kennedy School
- Lowell High School
- Mercy High School
- Mission High School
- Pelton Jr High School
- Pennhurst State School
- Potrero Hill Middle School
- Raphael Weill School
- San Domenico School
- Silver Avenue School
- St. Ignatius High School
- St. Mary’s Cathedral School & Convent
- Star of Sea High School
- Town School For Boys
- Ulloa School
- United States Navy Postgraduate School
- Woodrow Wilson School
- City College of San Francisco
- Cooper Medical College
- De Anza College
- Golden Gate College
- San Francisco Community College
- San Francisco State College
- Skyline College
- Stanford University
- University of California San Francisco
How Asbestos Exposure Can Lead to Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure mainly occurs when its tiny fibers are inhaled or ingested. Once inside the body, these durable fibers can embed themselves in the lining of vital organs, including the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
The Process and Impact
- Cell Damage: The presence of asbestos fibers irritates healthy tissues. This irritation can gradually lead to damage and inflammation.
- Cell Mutation: Over time, the persistent irritation and damage can cause cells to mutate, disrupting normal cell functions.
- Disease Development: These mutations may eventually trigger the onset of mesothelioma, a form of cancer affecting the mesothelium, the protective lining covering most of the internal organs.
Time Frame for Development
The progression from exposure to diagnosis isn’t swift. After initial contact with asbestos, it can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to surface. This long latency period is why early detection is challenging and emphasizes the importance of monitoring health if you have a history of exposure.
By understanding this process, individuals can better appreciate the importance of safety measures when dealing with asbestos and the need for regular medical check-ups if exposure has occurred in the past.
What Benefits Can Veterans with Mesothelioma Access Through the VA?
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma are entitled to a range of benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are designed to provide both medical support and financial assistance, ensuring veterans receive the care they need without additional stress.
Medical Benefits
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Veterans can access specialized healthcare treatments for mesothelioma at VA medical centers or through VA-approved providers.
- Treatment and Care: Coverage includes surgeries, chemotherapy, and both traditional and emerging therapies.
Financial Assistance
- Disability Compensation: Veterans may qualify for monthly compensation due to mesothelioma being recognized as a service-connected illness.
- Pension Benefits: Additional financial aid may be available for those eligible based on income and need.
Additional Support
- VA Claims Assistance: Specialized representatives and accredited attorneys can assist in preparing and filing VA claims to ensure veterans receive the benefits they’re entitled to.
- Survivor Benefits: Families of veterans may be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation in the event of the veteran’s passing.
By leveraging these resources, veterans can focus on their health and recovery with the support they deserve.
Paul at Mesothelioma Lawyer Center provided outstanding support when my family faced a mesothelioma diagnosis. From the start, his professionalism and genuine care were evident. Paul explained every step of the legal process with patience and empathy.
–Patrick M
His meticulous attention to detail and expertise ensured our case was handled swiftly and efficiently. What truly impressed us was Paul’s responsiveness—he was always quick to reply and kept us well-informed throughout.
I highly recommend Mesothelioma Lawyer Center.
Notable Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts in the San Francisco Area
If you’re curious about significant mesothelioma settlements and verdicts in the San Francisco area, here are some noteworthy cases that underline the potential compensation achieved by victims or their families:
- Remarkable $15.79 Million Settlement: Achieved for a mesothelioma patient in Livermore, this substantial sum highlights the possibility of securing significant financial redress.
- $4.14 Million for a U.S. Army Veteran: A veteran residing in Benicia received this impressive settlement, underscoring the recognition of service-related asbestos exposure.
- $1.7 Million Awarded to Laborer & Longshoreman: This verdict in San Francisco demonstrates support for workers exposed to harmful asbestos in their line of duty.
Additional Settlements
- $3.54 million: Awarded to a union carpenter from Fairfield, showcasing support for tradesmen suffering from asbestos exposure.
- $1.48 million: Received by a Daly City union teamster battling pleural mesothelioma, reflecting the specific challenges faced by union workers.
- $1.64 million: Granted to a San Francisco electrician affected by pleural mesothelioma, highlighting the city’s industrial links to asbestos-related conditions.
- $2.76 million: Settlement for a plasterer from Soquel, showing the risks tied to construction trades.
- $1.26 million: Compensating a U.S. Navy veteran based in San Francisco, this amount exemplifies support for veterans in similar situations.
- $2.74 million: Provided to an insulator from Rio Vista with pleural mesothelioma, underscoring the occupational hazards faced by those in insulation jobs.
It is important to remember that settlement amounts can vary extensively. Factors such as an individual’s exposure history, age, and overall health play a critical role. Although no outcome is guaranteed, these cases do illustrate the successful pursuit of justice and compensation for those affected by asbestos exposure.
Getting Expert Mesothelioma Care in San Francisco
Dr. David M. Jablon, MD
University of California – San Francisco (Mt. Zion Campus)
Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
1600 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Dr. Thierry Marie Jahan, MD
University of California – San Francisco (Mt. Zion Campus)
Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
1600 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Get Legal Help from an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer in San Francisco
As mentioned earlier, if you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses. Get our free Financial Compensation Packet for info on the top mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers in your area. Si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda adicional, contáctenos en 800-793-4540.
