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Los Angeles Mesothelioma
Lawyer

Legally Reviewed By: Michael A. Akselrud

For nearly a century, millions of loyal blue-collar workers labored in unsafe and ultimately deadly conditions. The asbestos industry failed to inform them of the dangers asbestos presented, even though the industry was aware. The Lanier Law Firm’s Los Angeles Mesothelioma Lawyers have years of experience and wins for our clients and their families.

Asbestos-related diseases were detected as far back as 1899, exactly 20 years after commercial production of asbestos insulation began. Government officials and insurance companies knew about the deadly effects of asbestos exposure as early as 1918, and industry insider memos acknowledged the risks by the 1940s.

A study in 2018 revealed that 255,000 people die every year of asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos companies negligently and willfully caused these deaths through their egregious concealment activities, and they are liable for the resulting harm. Mesothelioma victims pay for these companies’ wrongdoing with their health and their lives. They should not have to bear the financial burden as well.

The Lanier Law Firm has a long, successful track record of defending the rights of individuals against large companies who think they are above the law. No one has the right to willfully and negligently harm others.

Why should I choose the Los Angeles mesothelioma attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm?

Founded in 1990 by Mark Lanier, The Lanier Law Firm amassed over 30 years of experience in asbestos litigation. Having witnessed firsthand the physical and emotional suffering experienced by mesothelioma patients and their loved ones, it gives us great satisfaction to help these families in their time of need.

Our philosophy at The Lanier Law Firm is “redefining legal care.” We offer every client a personalized, caring approach. Every case is unique, and we take the time to familiarize ourselves with each client so we can fully grasp the losses our clients and their families have suffered.

Our firm is well-known for achieving settlements and verdicts in the millions and billions against large companies on behalf of individuals who would not have had the resources to fight them on their own. Here is what our clients have to say:

“The Lanier Law Firm is comprised of some of the best trial lawyers in the country. Best advocates I have ever seen or worked with.” – Manuel A.

“I truly want to thank you for your tenacity in winning battles for your clients of mesothelioma. Our family is very grateful to know your tireless efforts are not only helping us, but so many others that share the same story.” – Kathleen R.

“The Lanier Law Firm is in a class of its own. In addition to Mark Lanier, one of the most talented lawyers who has ever practiced law, the firm has a deep and impressive bench of lawyers capable of handling even the most complex and important litigation. The firm and its lawyers have my highest recommendation.” – Clay C.

lawyers at the lanier law firm

How was I exposed to asbestos in California?

Asbestos exposure in California may be the result of primary or secondary occupational exposure. Exposure for residents of California may have also occurred during their time in the military.

Past Occupational Exposure

During the period from 1940 to 1979, an estimated 27 million workers experienced significant asbestos exposure. The effects of such prior exposures are still being felt due to the extended latency period between the exposure and the first manifestation and diagnosis of disease. The use and resulting exposure to asbestos was common in the following industries and trades:

asbestos products and manufacturers

Asbestos product manufacturers

auto mechanics

Auto mechanics, especially those involved in the repair of brakes and clutches (auto mechanics may still face asbestos exposure if they work on older or classic vehicles)

oil refineries
Oil refineries
power plants
Power plants
railroads
Railroads
steel manufacturers
Steel manufacturers
construction workers

Construction workers

Secondary Occupational Exposure

Airborne asbestos fibers often cling to the clothing of exposed workers. This clothing creates a hazard for family members when it is worn home. This can impact any member of the family, but historically, housewives have been most impacted. This is most likely due to the disturbance of fibers while laundering the tainted clothing.

Military Professions

Members of the military, especially those in the U.S. Navy, have a heightened risk of asbestos-related sickness when compared to non-military occupations. Military members have often been present in building explosions or demolitions while serving overseas in Iraq, Vietnam and elsewhere.

Additionally, the military used asbestos extensively in naval ships, aircraft and other vehicles. Service members working as shipbuilders, electricians or mechanics, as well as those who served aboard naval ships or spent significant time in military aircraft, experienced high levels of exposure.

a group of soldiers in the military

Older Buildings

Prior to 1975, asbestos was used in the following building applications:

These products are still present in many of these buildings. Any signs of damage or disturbance to any structure or materials inside these buildings could risk the release of asbestos fibers into the air.
a construction site

What if I have a mesothelioma diagnosis, but I don’t know where I was exposed?

The secrecy of asbestos companies and mesothelioma’s extended latency period can make it difficult to identify sources of exposure. The experienced Los Angeles asbestos attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm have extensive knowledge of where exposure occurs.

Even in cases where clients identify an exposure source, we have found that many clients have been exposed to asbestos through more than one source. If you hire The Lanier Law Firm, our asbestos lawyers will gather a detailed life and work history from you and investigate thoroughly until we are satisfied we have identified all exposure sources.

Los Angeles Mesothelioma lawyers can help you
obtain compensation for your asbestos exposure

Asbestos-related diseases are painful, debilitating and fatal. We understand there is no amount of financial compensation that can replace good health or a lost loved one. Compensation can provide access to the most up-to-date medical treatment, alleviate financial stress, allow you to enjoy quality time with your loved ones and provide long-term financial security for your family.

The following types of compensation may be available to you:

Types of Mesothelioma Claims

Mesothelioma victims have multiple avenues through which to recover compensation, depending upon the circumstances of exposure, including trust fund claims, VA claims, and personal injury lawsuits.

A mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit seeks recovery of economic damages (e.g., medical bills, time away from work, etc.) and noneconomic damages (e.g., pain and suffering, mental anguish) resulting from an individual’s mesothelioma diagnosis. If you are over the age of 70 or if you are not expected to live beyond six months, you can file a motion of preference to expedite this process.

Our attorneys are well-known by our peers and the public for their litigation skills. Our founder, Mark Lanier, has been recognized as Lawyer of the Year in Product Liability Litigation. Our law firm has a Tier 1 Best Law Firm rating, the highest rating available by U.S. News & World Report.

a mesothelioma diagnosis

Twelve of our attorneys were rated as the Best Lawyers in America in 2020 alone, and the Courtroom View Network has recognized us as the firm that achieved the “Most Impressive Plaintiff Verdict” in 2019, which was achieved in an asbestos case. Our attorneys are consistently recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

With an asbestos attorney from The Lanier Law Firm on your side, you can rest assured that your California asbestos case will be handled with the skill of one of the most experienced mesothelioma law firms in the world.

We are passionate about leveling the playing field so everyday individuals can successfully stand up to large companies that harm them. We offer free case evaluations and do not charge fees until we recover your well-deserved compensation.

What options are available for my family?

Family members suffer the consequences of asbestos exposure along with victims. They also face financial losses, along with the pain and suffering of seeing their loved one’s health deteriorate and ultimately result in death.

Spouses of asbestos victims may assert their own individual claim for losses caused by the far-reaching impacts of asbestos disease. This claim is referred to as “loss of consortium” and compensates spouses for their “own physical, psychological and emotional pain and anguish” occasioned by damages to the marital relationship between the spouse and the injured party. (Lantis v. Condon (1979) 95 Cal. App. 3d 152, 157.) The loss of consortium claim is usually joined with the personal injury claim and therefore prosecuted as part of the same lawsuit.

When a family member dies of asbestos disease, their survivors may initiate a lawsuit on behalf of the deceased victim, or they may continue a lawsuit already initiated by the deceased victim prior to their death. This is known as a “survival” action and entitles survivors of asbestos victims to assert or carry forth the legal claims that belonged to their loved one during their lifetime.

In addition to survival claims, family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit through the California tort system. California Civil Code § 377.60 allows surviving spouses, domestic partners, and children to recover damages for medical expenses, burial costs, loss of income, the pain and suffering of the deceased, and damages for individual losses, such as the loss of consortium, companionship or parental guidance. Wrongful death and survival claims are usually consolidated into a single lawsuit.

 

a person pointing to a legal document

How much time do I have to file an asbestos claim in Los Angeles?

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, it is important to take action as soon as possible. California Code of Civil Procedure section 340.2 generally provides that individuals disabled by asbestos disease must bring a lawsuit within one year after the date they first suffered the disability or else lose their right to seek justice in court. Similarly, when asbestos disease takes the life of a family member, the survivors must bring a wrongful death lawsuit within one year of the date of death.

Preparing a mesothelioma case requires detailed investigation and discovery processes. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible provides your attorney with sufficient time to build your case ahead of the deadlines.

Do I really need a Los Angeles asbestos lawyer’s help with my mesothelioma case?

Although the harm caused by asbestos companies is now widely known, mesothelioma cases are far from simple. Large
companies with deep pockets commit vast resources to minimize or avoid liability. You need a strong advocate on your side who
is prepared to aggressively prosecute your case against the asbestos companies. This is where The Lanier Law Firm shines.

Our Los Angeles Mesothelioma Attorneys

lanier law firm building in los angeles

Our Locations

Our Los Angeles office is located at:

2829 Townsgate Rd. Suite 100 Westlake Village, CA 91361

We are a nationwide asbestos law firm with law offices in Los Angeles, New York City and Houston. Our Los Angeles location handles mesothelioma cases throughout Northern and Southern California and beyond.

Time is of the essence in mesothelioma cases. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Contact Our Firm

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