Asbestos Cancer

Asbestos cancer statistics have been steadily increasing since 1965. According to leading reports, asbestos cancer deaths from 1965-1999 totaled around 259,000, which averages out to about 4,000 deaths per year. Ever since 1965, there has been a steady increase of 400 to 500 annually. Fast forward to the mid-1990s, and unlike in the 1960s where we were seeing about 4,000 annual asbestos cancer deaths, we are now seeing approximately 9,700 asbestos deaths per year.

Why do Asbestos Cancer Diagnoses Seem to be Increasing?

The main reason we are seeing a steady increase in asbestos cancer diagnoses and deaths is the latency period of asbestos cancer. Generally, it takes anywhere from 15 to 40 years after first exposure to be diagnosed with asbestos cancer. Because asbestos was used predominantly in the 1920s to 1960s, the people who were exposed during this time are beginning to experience symptoms. One assessment projected that between 1999 and 2030 there would be approximately 166,000 asbestos-related deaths.

Your Legal Options After an Asbestos-Related Cancer Diagnosis

An asbestos cancer diagnosis can create immediate financial pressure—medical bills, time away from work, and long-term care needs often arrive all at once. Worthington & Caron, PC helps clients in San Pedro, CA (90731) and surrounding communities pursue compensation from the companies that manufactured, supplied, or used asbestos-containing products.

Types of Compensation You May be Able to Pursue

• Asbestos trust fund claims for companies that have filed bankruptcy but are still required to pay victims
• Personal injury claims if you are living with an asbestos-related cancer
• Wrongful death claims for families who have lost a loved one to asbestos exposure
• Veterans-related exposure claims when asbestos exposure occurred during military service (often involving shipyards, vessels, or base facilities)

What Helps Build a Strong Case

You don’t need to have every document on day one. A strong claim is typically supported by:

• Medical documentation confirming the diagnosis and pathology
• Work and exposure history (job sites, dates, duties, and products handled)
• Witness statements from coworkers or family members who can confirm exposure conditions
• Records of asbestos-containing products used at specific sites or in specific trades

Why Timing Matters

California has strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) that can affect whether you can file a claim. Acting sooner can also make it easier to gather employment records, identify witnesses, and preserve key evidence. If you’re unsure whether your exposure “counts,” it’s still worth getting clarity before time runs out.

Asbestos Cancer Treatment

Asbestos cancer treatment can be expensive, racking up over a million dollars in medical bills easily for some patients. This is why asbestos litigation is so crucial. Without compensation from the companies responsible for the exposure, asbestos cancer victims would not be able to get the treatment they badly need and deserve.

Worthington & Caron, PC has connections with top doctors and facilities that are participating in clinical trials that could help you if you were recently diagnosed with asbestos cancer. We connect you to these top physicians and the best possible treatments because we know what is truly important to you. Our patients want hope – they want to live.

What to Expect When You Contact Our Office

We aim to make the legal process as straightforward as possible. After a confidential review of your situation, we can outline potential paths forward, estimate what information may be needed, and explain next steps—so you can make an informed decision with less uncertainty.