California Asbestos Information

The State of California is vast in terms geographic size, population, and economic might. Unfortunately, California has many industries, occupations, and worksites that have been linked to asbestos exposure in the past. Over the last 50 years, many thousands of residents have been exposed to asbestos at work or at home. Since mesothelioma can take decades to manifest, many California residents are just now discovering that they have developed this terminal form of cancer. Numerous others are already suffering from asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis. California asbestos attorneys can help victims protect their rights and obtain compensation for asbestos-related injuries.

California Asbestos Claims: W.R. Grace Company

The federal government recently conducted an investigation into the activities of one company that has been linked to asbestos exposure across the nation. From 1948 to 1993, the W.R. Grace Company shipped over a million tons of raw vermiculite to 35 locations in California. The vermiculite, a silicate mineral that can be used for insulation or as a planting medium, was contaminated with asbestos. The vermiculite ore was often processed at sites like those in Newark, Santa Ana, Glendale, and Thermal, California. Raw vermiculite can be processed using a technique called "exfoliation," which releases trapped asbestos fibers.

Due to the copious quantities of asbestos dust in the air, unprotected plant workers and nearby residents inhaled the carcinogenic fibers. Furthermore, some workers brought home asbestos fibers on their work clothes, exposing family members. In early 2008, as a result of the federal investigation, the W.R. Grace Company reached a tentative agreement to settle all current and future asbestos-related personal injury claims. If you or someone you love worked or lived near a W.R. Grace facility and developed an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible for compensation under the proposed settlement. A California asbestos attorney can review your case and provide you with legal information based on your individual circumstances.

Asbestos Exposure in California

Due to the concentration of industries linked to asbestos-exposure in certain areas of California, some counties have reported a higher number of asbestos-related deaths.

California Counties Most Affected by Asbestos Deaths

• Los Angeles County
• San Diego County
• Orange County
• Contra Costa County
• Alameda County
• San Mateo County
• San Francisco County
• Riverside County
• San Bernardino County
• Santa Clara County
• Solano County
• Sacramento County
• Sonoma County
• Kern County
• Fresno County
• Santa Barbara County
• San Joaquin County
• Ventura County

Contact an Asbestos Attorney

If you previously worked in an industrial occupation or were exposed to asbestos by other means and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, California asbestos lawyers can help. Use LawyerShop’s legal directory to locate an attorney near you.