Mesothelioma Exposure in Southern California;
Southern California Mesothelioma Attorneys

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Southern California continues to be identified as a location of asbestos exposure for people who worked in certain at-risk industries. Cases of mesothelioma topped 665 in the past five years. Communities at risk include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Orange and Ventura counties. If you think you might have been exposed to asbestos fibers in your workplace or home environment it is important to seek a medical diagnosis promptly.

Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining that protects the vital organs of the body, is most often caused by occupational or household exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was used legally in thousands of construction materials in all kinds of settings in Southern California before the late 1970s. Although banned in 1972 asbestos remained in some manufactured products into the 1990s.

Those at Risk

People who worked in shipyards, in the construction industry and installation of certain products such as automobile brakes, can be at risk. If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, weight loss or chest and back pain, you should see a mesothelioma physician for a diagnosis.

Due to the prolonged latency period of asbestos-related diseases, many people who were exposed to this deadly material did not discover it while they lived in California. They moved to other parts of the country, only to discover later that they contracted terminal cancer from a work related illness in the state. Even if you do not live in Southern California now but were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military or in any other occupation, the attorney specialists at Clapper Patti Schweizer & Mason urge you to contact them for help. They can assess your case and there is no obligation.

Identifying Mesothelioma

There are three types of mesothelioma:

• Pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lung and is the most common type.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, the next most common type.
• Pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the heart and is exceptionally rare.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a mined mineral commonly used in insulating and fire-retardant materials. Mesothelioma can occur even when exposure to asbestos has been at very low levels. It often takes several decades for signs of the disease to surface. Victims tend to be men ages 50 and up, though nearly anyone who has been exposed to asbestos, including their wives and children, can be at risk.

Nearly 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the United States. Between 230 and 371 mesothelioma-related deaths occurred in San Diego County from 1979 to 2001, according to federal government statistics. San Diego ranked second in California and eighth in the nation in deaths related to asbestos exposure. Exposure in California as a whole accounted for 1,562 cases from 2001 to 2005.

Due to the prolonged latency period of asbestos-related diseases, many people who were exposed to this deadly material moved to other parts of the country, only to discover later that they contracted terminal cancer. Even if you do not live in Southern California now but were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military or in any other occupation, the attorney specialists at Clapper Patti Schweizer & Mason can help you.

We make substantial financial resources available to our clients to fight mesothelioma and obtain fast compensation. Our experienced asbestos attorneys, coupled with our database and staff of investigators, provide the basis of a successful lawsuit and prompt settlements to Southern California families impacted by mesothelioma.

We get to know each client personally, learn his personal history of asbestos exposure and determine which asbestos companies were responsible. Investigation is key to identifying the responsible companies, since each person's exposure to asbestos varies based on when and where he worked.

Our lawyers will meet with you, take video depositions and investigate your case thoroughly. You will not be subject to any attorneys' fees unless or until we obtain a financial settlement for you. California has a history of favorable jury verdicts for asbestos-related claims. Furthermore, California offers expedited trial dates for people undergoing mesothelioma treatment. In addition, we work with local counsel to file lawsuits in other states.

It is important to contact us promptly to see how we can help. There is no obligation. Our toll-free number is 1-800-440-4262. We will respond right away.