Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in San Pedro & Los Angeles
Many mesothelioma cases in the San Pedro and greater Los Angeles area stem from occupational or environmental asbestos exposure. Knowing where exposure occurred can surface details that are critical to building a strong claim. We have deep experience investigating the local industries and sites most commonly linked to asbestos-related disease.
Ports & Shipyards
Longshore work, ship repair, and naval vessel maintenance at the Port of Los Angeles and local shipyards historically used asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing. Named sites documented in litigation research include Bethlehem Steel Shipyard and Long Beach Naval Shipyard.
Oil Refineries & Chemical Plants
Refineries and petrochemical facilities in the LA Basin installed asbestos in pipes, boilers, and turbines for decades. Atlantic Richfield and Shell Oil are among the named facilities linked to asbestos exposure in the region.
Railroad & Transportation Facilities
Locomotive brake systems, engine compartments, and maintenance shops routinely exposed workers to asbestos dust.
Construction & Demolition Sites
Older public buildings, schools, and residential structures throughout the region contained asbestos siding, roofing, flooring, and drywall joint compounds. Named sites include Los Angeles International Airport and facilities operated by Johns Manville and Ford Motor Company.
Power Plants & Industrial Boilers
Asbestos was widely used for thermal insulation around boilers, piping, and turbines at power generation sites, including Los Angeles Department of Water and Power facilities.
Military Bases & Naval Facilities
Veterans who served at nearby bases or aboard ships may have been exposed through insulation, gaskets, and shipboard asbestos products.
Secondary & Household Exposure
Family members of workers who brought asbestos fibers home on clothing face a recognized exposure pathway. If you weren’t the worker yourself, you may still have a viable claim.
If you’re unsure where or when exposure occurred, we can help piece it together. Contact Worthington & Caron, PC for a free case review so we can begin an investigation right away.
What to Expect When You Work With Worthington & Caron, PC
Facing a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming, and the legal process shouldn’t add to that burden. When you hire Worthington & Caron, PC, our attorneys handle the legal work so you can focus on your medical care and your family. Here is how we support clients from across Los Angeles County and Southern California.
Free, Confidential Case Review
We begin with a no-cost consultation to review medical records, work history, and exposure sites. We can tell you whether you may have a viable claim and what types of compensation may be available.
Thorough Investigation
Our attorneys trace your asbestos exposure, whether at the Port of Los Angeles, shipyards, refineries, industrial sites, or other workplaces, and collect employment records, witness statements, and corporate documents to identify every responsible party.
Medical & Financial Coordination
We work with your doctors and financial advisors to document medical expenses, lost wages, and future care needs, so your claim reflects the full impact of the disease.
Litigation or Settlement Strategy
We develop a case plan tailored to your goals, negotiating for prompt, fair settlements when appropriate or pursuing courtroom-ready action when litigation is necessary.
Direct Attorney Communication
Roger Worthington and John Caron communicate directly with clients. You won’t be routed through rotating paralegals or handed off to junior staff.
Contingency-Fee Representation
We handle every case on a contingency-fee basis. No attorney fees are charged unless we recover compensation for you.
Support for Veterans and Maritime Workers
We have experience with VA claims, Jones Act matters, and shipyard exposure cases common to the San Pedro and port-area community.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure §340.2, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally one year from the date of disability or diagnosis, and one year from death for wrongful death actions. Acting promptly preserves your legal rights and gives us the time needed to build the strongest possible case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Mesothelioma & How Is It Linked to Asbestos?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers that embed in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Symptoms, which can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and abdominal swelling, may not appear for 20 to 50 years after initial exposure. Los Angeles has a documented history of heavy asbestos use across shipbuilding, aerospace, oil refining, and construction industries, creating exposure risks for workers and their families over several decades. That long latency period is why California’s statute of limitations begins at the time of disability or diagnosis rather than at the time of exposure.
How Can a Mesothelioma Attorney in Los Angeles Help Me?
A mesothelioma attorney in Los Angeles can identify responsible parties, file claims against multiple defendants simultaneously, coordinate asbestos trust fund submissions, and document the full financial and medical impact of the disease. At Worthington & Caron, PC, we go further: our attorneys connect clients with leading mesothelioma physicians and clinical trials so that legal representation and treatment support work together. Every client works directly with Roger Worthington or John Caron, not a case manager or rotating associate.
How Long Do I Have to File a Mesothelioma Claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure §340.2, the statute of limitations for a personal injury mesothelioma claim is one year from the date the plaintiff first suffered disability from, or knew the disability was caused by, asbestos exposure. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is one year from the date of death. Because multiple pathways, including personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits, each carry their own timelines, consulting an attorney promptly after diagnosis is critical.
What Makes Worthington & Caron, PC Different From Other Mesothelioma Firms?
We have focused solely on mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer litigation since 1990, with more than $2.5 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements. Roger Worthington funded the Punch Worthington Research Laboratory at UCLA Medical School and has donated over $1 million to mesothelioma research. The firm is active in the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, which has funded over $11.8 million in research grants through a competitive peer-review process. That combination of dedicated litigation focus, direct attorney access, and genuine investment in finding a cure sets us apart from firms that also handle other matters.
Contact Our Los Angeles Mesothelioma Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, time matters. We invite you to reach out for a consultation so we can review your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand what comes next. There are no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (800) 831-9399 or contact us online to speak directly with a Los Angeles mesothelioma lawyer at Worthington & Caron, PC. We’re ready to help.
