San Diego Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma is a devastating illness caused by exposure to asbestos. If you or a loved one is facing this diagnosis, you may qualify for financial assistance. A San Diego mesothelioma lawyer can navigate the legal process on your behalf and pursue compensation typically worth $1 million or more.

Super Lawyers 2025 badge
Martindale-Hubbell accreditation badge
Best Law Firms 2024 badge
BBB Accredited business logo with A+ rating

Get a Free Case Review

I understand by submitting this form that I am providing my consent to be contacted by Mesothelioma Hope, potentially using automated technology, at the number provided regarding my potential claim/their services. Consent is not required to use their services. Msg frequency varies, and message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to unsubscribe. SMS Terms of Service. I understand and agree that by submitting this form I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and that this form does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not confidential or privileged and may be shared.

Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in San Diego

Filing a legal claim with the help of a San Diego mesothelioma lawyer is the best way to seek compensation for your or a loved one’s illness.

Thousands of companies used asbestos in their products for much of the 20th century because it was cheap, durable, and a good insulator. These corporations kept selling their products even though they knew asbestos could cause cancer.

San Diego mesothelioma lawyers can help you hold these companies responsible and seek compensation for your family with no added stress.

A San Diego asbestos lawyer can:

  1. Confirm which asbestos products caused your illness
  2. Interview medical experts to help build your case
  3. File a lawsuit on your behalf
  4. Negotiate a strong settlement out of court
  5. Represent you at trial if needed

The lawyers we partner with have recovered millions of dollars for other patients with mesothelioma in San Diego and nearby cities. While every asbestos case is different and there are no guarantees, you could be entitled to similar compensation.

Find out if you can work with a mesothelioma lawyer in San Diego by getting a Free Case Review.

Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
  • Over $30 billion available
  • No cost to file a claim
  • Avoid going to court

Get a Free Case Review

Shara Fisher
Shara Fisher Senior Paralegal
17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims

San Diego Mesothelioma Law Firm

Simmons Hanly Conroy, our trusted legal partner and one of the nation’s top mesothelioma firms, stands ready to help San Diego families get justice.

Since the firm’s founding in 1999, its lawyers have recovered over $9 billion for mesothelioma victims, with over $869 million secured for clients in California. There are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to work them.

Below are some notable settlements and verdicts our partner mesothelioma law firm has secured for patients in San Diego.

San Diego Mesothelioma Settlements Recovered by Simmons Hanly Conroy

  • $3.33 million Shipyard worker
  • $2.16 million Plumber & laborer
  • $1.65 million Courier and parts worker
  • $1.61 million Shipbuilder & estimator

Get Connected

Fact-Checked

All Simmons Hanly Conroy settlement amounts have been fact-checked and verified by our editorial team.

San Diego Mesothelioma Lawsuits

You or your loved one may qualify to file a San Diego mesothelioma lawsuit after a diagnosis.

There are two main types of San Diego asbestos lawsuits:

  • Personal injury lawsuit: You can file a personal injury suit if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
  • Wrongful death lawsuit: You can file a wrongful death suit if someone you loved passed away from mesothelioma.

A San Diego mesothelioma lawyer can help you quickly file an asbestos lawsuit if you’re eligible.

San Diego Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts

Nearly all San Diego mesothelioma lawsuits end in out-of-court settlements with the asbestos companies named in your claim. The average mesothelioma settlement is $1 million to $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s® Litigation Report: Asbestos.

Our partner law firm can help you start getting mesothelioma compensation quickly — often within 90 days or less.

In very rare cases, a mesothelioma settlement can’t be reached, and the lawsuit will be heard in court at a trial. A judge or jury will then decide on a winner and a payout. Trials may award more or less than if a lawsuit is settled.

A San Diego mesothelioma lawyer will do all they can to reach a strong settlement for you in the shortest payout timeline possible. They will also make sure your case is as strong as possible in the event it goes to trial.

Who Can Work With a San Diego Mesothelioma Lawyer?

You may qualify to work with an asbestos lawyer in San Diego if:

  • You’ve developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, such as lung cancer or asbestosis.
    OR
  • You’ve lost a loved one to an asbestos-related illness.

Make sure to check with an attorney even if you don’t think you’re eligible. Top San Diego mesothelioma lawyers can find out when, where, and how you may have been exposed to asbestos if you don’t remember.

From there, they can determine if you qualify to file a lawsuit and will do all the work for you, allowing you to seek compensation with no added stress.

Use our Free Attorney Checklist to find the right mesothelioma lawyer for your case.

Mesothelioma Attorney Questions Checklist
Free Attorney Checklist

Download our free list of 10 questions to ask when choosing a mesothelioma attorney.

Get Your Free Checklist

Statute of Limitations on San Diego Asbestos Lawsuits

Each state has a statute of limitations that determines how long you have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.

The moment you get a diagnosis is the moment to contact a California mesothelioma lawyer. Under California law, you have just 1 year from the date of a mesothelioma diagnosis or death of a loved one to file a lawsuit.

Don’t wait to hire a lawyer.

Call (866) 608-8933 now to connect with a mesothelioma lawyer in San Diego and learn if you can file before time runs out.

San Diego Asbestos Exposure Sites

Asbestos was used across multiple military bases, naval stations, and shipbuilding yards in San Diego as early as the 1930s.

Examples of known asbestos exposure sites in San Diego include:

  • Camp Kearney
  • Campbell Shipyard
  • Conair Aircraft Plant
  • Industrial Command U.S. Naval Repair Base
  • National Steel Shipbuilding (NASSCO), aka General Dynamics
  • Naval Station (NAVSTA) 32nd Street
  • Naval Training Center (NTC)
  • Point Loma Naval Submarine Base
  • Port Nimitz Naval Base
  • San Diego Gas & Electric Building
  • San Diego Marine Base
  • San Diego Military Station
  • San Diego Naval Base
  • S. Navy Troop Transport Ship

It takes 10 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed. This most commonly happens when asbestos products are disturbed during installation, removal, or repair.

San Diego families could also have been exposed to asbestos secondhand if their loved one brought fibers home on their clothing, shoes, or work equipment.

How to File a Mesothelioma Claim in San Diego

Take the following steps when you are ready to start your mesothelioma claim in San Diego.

1. Consult With a San Diego Mesothelioma Attorney

The best San Diego mesothelioma lawyers will offer a free and confidential case review.

This is your opportunity to share your story, ask questions, and find out if you are eligible to move forward with a case.

Get a free case review with our partner San Diego asbestos attorneys now.

2. Gather Evidence

Once it’s confirmed you have a case, your San Diego asbestos lawyer will start gathering documents and evidence to support your lawsuit.

This evidence may include medical records and bills, military service paperwork, and past employment documents. Your attorney will use this information to determine when, how, and where you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos.

3. File the Mesothelioma Claim

After your personal injury attorneys have collected the evidence and determined which asbestos companies may be at fault, they can file your lawsuit in the correct court system and within the appropriate statute of limitations.

You won’t have to file the lawsuit yourself when working with our partner San Diego mesothelioma lawyers, saving you time and stress.

4. Negotiate a Settlement

After each side has had a chance to get additional information through the discovery process, settlement negotiations can begin.

Our partner personal injury lawyers will work to get the highest mesothelioma settlement in the shortest amount of time.

If both parties agree on a fair settlement amount, your mesothelioma case will come to a close without going to court. Your case may go to trial on the off chance a settlement isn’t reached.

5. Receive Your Mesothelioma Payout

You can usually expect to begin receiving compensation several weeks after your lawsuit has been settled.

Many of our partner firm’s past clients have gotten their first payouts in 90 days or less of filing.

Other Compensation Options for San Diego Mesothelioma Victims

Besides lawsuits, mesothelioma victims in San Diego have other options available when it comes to pursuing compensation for their illness.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Asbestos trust funds are set up any time a manufacturer of asbestos-containing products files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This stops any lawsuits against the company, but requires them to put money into a trust to pay present and future victims.

As of today, there’s over $30 billion available across all asbestos trusts. San Diego mesothelioma lawyers can help you file claims with any asbestos trust funds that you qualify for in addition to a lawsuit.

Take the first step toward accessing trust fund compensation — we can determine whether you qualify now.

a lawyer shares documents with a client
Access Asbestos
Trust Funds
  • More than $30 billion available
  • $300K-$400K average compensation
  • Get money in 90 days or less

Check If You Qualify

Veterans Benefits

Mesothelioma victims who are veterans may also be eligible for additional benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Mesothelioma VA benefits include:

  • VA health care: Veterans and their family members can get care from VA hospitals, where their costs may be mostly or completely covered. The VA has top mesothelioma doctors on staff at select facilities to treat veterans.
  • Disability benefits: Veterans with mesothelioma typically receive the highest monthly disability payments — worth $4,044.91 a month for 2025 — since this cancer has a 100% disability rating.
  • Housebound benefits or Aid and Attendance (A&A): Veterans who are ill enough that they are either housebound or in need of an in-home caregiver can receive monthly benefits to help cover these costs.

Veterans may qualify for these VA benefits if their mesothelioma diagnosis can be linked back to their military service.

We can help veterans file for VA benefits while still getting compensation from lawsuits and trust fund claims. The military and government won’t be sued as part of a mesothelioma lawsuit.

What Are the Asbestos Laws in San Diego?

In San Diego, asbestos is regulated by state and federal laws to protect public health and ensure proper management of asbestos-containing materials.

Key asbestos laws in San Diego include:

  • California Health and Safety Code, Section 25915: This state law outlines regulations related to asbestos management, removal, and disposal. It includes provisions for licensing asbestos professionals, specifying work practices, and establishing procedures for notifying appropriate agencies about asbestos-related projects.
  • California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Section 1529: Part of the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) regulations covers asbestos exposure limits, protective measures for workers, and requirements for asbestos-related work.
  • National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): Sets federal standards for the demolition and renovation of structures containing asbestos. Compliance with NESHAP is crucial to minimize asbestos emissions during construction activities.

Find a Top San Diego Mesothelioma Lawyer Near You

Mesothelioma Hope can connect you with experienced asbestos lawyers in San Diego if you’re eligible. With help from a skilled San Diego mesothelioma lawyer, you and your family may be able to access significant compensation.

Here are 3 quick steps you can take now to get help:

  1. Get a free case review with our partner law firm
  2. Learn how a San Diego mesothelioma attorney can help you
  3. Work with your lawyer to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation

Our partner San Diego mesothelioma lawyers have decades of experience and have secured millions of dollars for other residents. They may be able to help you as well.

Call (866) 608-8933 now to discuss your case in confidence.

San Diego Asbestos Lawyer FAQs

What is an asbestos lawyer?

An asbestos lawyer specializes in securing compensation for those with asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

These lawyers help their clients pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by asbestos-related illnesses.

They may file lawsuits against manufacturers of asbestos products, distributors, or other parties responsible for exposing their clients.

A San Diego asbestos lawyer can also file claims with asbestos trust funds, which are set up by bankrupt companies to compensate mesothelioma victims and their families.

Why should I work with a San Diego mesothelioma lawyer?

Our partner San Diego mesothelioma lawyers will do all of the legal work involved with filing a lawsuit and pursuing compensation on your behalf.

With their help, you may be able to get a significant payout to cover your medical bills and keep your family financially secure — with no extra stress.

Schedule a free case review to see if a San Diego mesothelioma lawyer may be able to assist you.

How long does a San Diego mesothelioma lawsuit take?

While each lawsuit is different, many victims who’ve worked with our partner lawyers have received their first payouts in 90 days or less.

A San Diego mesothelioma lawyer will try to get you the highest amount of financial compensation in the shortest amount of time.

How do I choose a San Diego mesothelioma attorney?

When choosing an attorney to handle your case, you should make sure they:

  • Have several years of experience filing asbestos claims
  • Have secured high financial payouts for past clients
  • Work on a contingency fee basis (so you won’t pay upfront, out-of-pocket fees)

Our partner law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy has San Diego mesothelioma attorneys on staff who meet all of these criteria. Since the firm’s founding in 1999, its lawyers have recovered over $869 million for California residents.

Simmons Hanly Conroy’s San Diego mesothelioma lawyers may be able to help you too. Contact us now to learn more.

Attorney Melissa Crowe SchopferReviewed by:Melissa Crowe Schopfer

Partner, Simmons Hanly Conroy

  • Fact-Checked
  • Legal Editor

Melissa Crowe Schopfer is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy. Over the past 10 years, Melissa has worked on over 500 cases and recovered more than $100 million in settlements and trial verdicts on behalf of her clients. She has represented families impacted by mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases in almost every state.

  • Asbestos Trial Team Leader
  • Practicing Attorney for 15+ Years
  • Has Recovered Over $100 Million
Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 17 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

Our Promise to You
Our Promise to You
References
  1. Judicial Council of California. (n.d.). Statute of Limitations. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.courts.ca.gov/9618.htm
  2. San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. (n.d.). How to Protect Yourself from Asbestos Exposure. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.sdapcd.org/content/sdapcd/compliance/compliance-requirements/asbestos-program.html
  3. San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. (2017, November 15). Rule 1206.  Asbestos Removal, Renovation, And Demolition. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.sdapcd.org/content/dam/sdapcd/documents/rules/current-rules/Rule-1206.pdf
  4. State of California Department of Industrial Relations. (May 2023). Asbestos and Carcinogen Unit. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/asbestos.html
  5. State of California Department of Industrial Relations. (n.d.). Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Order Article 4. Dusts, Fumes, Mists, Vapors, and Gases, §1529. Asbestos. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/1529.html
  6. UC San Diego Health. (2023, August 1). Malignant Mesothelioma Overview. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.sdapcd.org/content/sdapcd/compliance/compliance-requirements/asbestos-program.html
  7. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, January 16). Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/overview-asbestos-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-neshap/
How We Can Help

Mesothelioma Hope is passionate about helping patients and families affected by this aggressive cancer. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be scary and isolating, but we’re here for you at every step. Hope is only a phone call away.

(866) 608-8933
Medical Guidance
  • Get a second opinion
  • Find a doctor or cancer center
  • Improve your quality of life
Talk to a Nurse
Financial Assistance
  • Access $30 billion in trust funds
  • File a mesothelioma claim
  • Increase your VA benefits
Connect With a Paralegal
Supportive Care
  • Learn what to expect from treatment
  • Find a support group or peer mentor
  • Get help with daily living activities
Speak to a Patient Advocate