San Francisco is located on the northern end of the San Francisco Peninsula on San Francisco Bay, with a current population of 805,000. It was founded in 1776, and its constant growth and cycles of manufacturing and construction have put it at a high risk of asbestos exposure over the decades.
High-Industries for Asbestos Exposure in San Francisco and California
From 1999 to 2015, it is estimated that 4,295 residents in California died from mesothelioma, making it the state with the most number of mesothelioma deaths. It ranked at about 11 deaths per million residents per year. Yuba and Siskiyou counties were ranked among the 50 counties in the US with the most mesothelioma death rates. Also, naturally occurring asbestos has been discovered in 45 of 58 counties. (mesothelioma.com)
Shipyards
The state has the third-most coastline in the US, and California has 20 shipyards where asbestos was often used as insulation in shipbuilding and repair. One of these is the San Diego Naval Base, which is the major port for the Navy’s Pacific Fleet.
Oil Industry
There are more than 30 offshore oil platforms, with some of them near San Francisco. There also are 21 oil refineries, and approximately 50 refined oil product terminals in California. Many of these oil-related job sites have been functioning since the 1950s and asbestos was used heavily throughout the oil drilling and delivery routines.
Power Plants
Because California is such a big state, it has many power plants that are mostly powered by natural gas. There also are some coal, hydroelectric and nuclear plants. Power plants such as the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station have used crocidolite asbestos to insulate from high heat and electricity during the power generation process.
Mining
There are at least 240 asbestos deposits in the state, which are some of the biggest in the world. Some of them, such as the John D. Hoff Mine and the Atlas Asbestos Company, worked for decades. Asbestos also has been found in other mines that were for other resources such as talc, coal, copper, and gold.
Bethlehem Steel Shipyard
One of the oldest shipyards in the state and located in San Francisco, this yard was founded in 1849. Between the world wars, the yard became a major Navy vessel builder. It eventually started to do ship repairs after the war. Because of the high number of ships that were built and repaired there, many workers were exposed to high levels of asbestos.
San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard
The Navy’s shipyard in San Francisco was created when two smaller shipyards combined their operations in 1965. The combined site was heavily contaminated with asbestos, especially when ships were overhauled; they used asbestos-containing products such as insulation, gaskets, and other materials with asbestos. Also a landfill at the yard was a dump for toxins, including asbestos.
In 1990, it was estimated that 225,000 square feet of materials contaminated with asbestos were taken from 24 sites at the complex. Removal of the asbestos went on for years. It appears at this time that any remaining asbestos does not pose a threat to the public.
San Francisco and California Asbestos Lawsuits
Most asbestos lawsuits in the state occur in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Alameda counties. In the early 1990s, asbestos cancer claims dropped compared to other parts of the US. But recently, there are more asbestos lawsuits.
The Superior Court of San Francisco County hears most of the asbestos cases in the state. To manage a large number of cases, San Francisco County uses an electronic filing system and comprehensive case management.
The courts there also group similar cases so they can move faster through the system. The courts also give preference to patients who are the sickest so they can get mesothelioma compensation faster. Most of the lawsuits result in mesothelioma lawsuit settlements so the plaintiffs can get the money they need to take care of their health. This is one reason that many asbestos plaintiffs choose to file suit in California.
San Francisco Asbestos Attorney Information
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, consult with one of the following asbestos attorneys in the state:
Brayton & Percell LLP
222 Rush Landing Road
Novato CA 94945
(800) 598-0314
www.braytonlaw.com
This is an AV-rated law firm that is known in San Francisco to be one of the best mesothelioma and asbestos exposure law firms. For the people of this state, this law firm combines aggressive advocacy with compassion for your medical condition. Their attorneys have won multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for mesothelioma sufferers and their families.
Kaiser & Gornick LLP
100 Pringle Avenue #310
Walnut Creek CA 94596
(415) 857-7400
www.kaisergornick.com
At Kaiser Gornick LLP, their attorneys have many years of experience working with people that were diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestosis. They know every manufacturer that made asbestos-based products or used them in the state and know how to track them down and hold them accountable. This respected asbestos exposure law firm can get you the money you desperately need to deal with your illness and to take care of your family’s needs.
Harowitz & Tigerman LLP
(800) 396-0752
44 Montgomery St #3200
San Francisco CA 94104
www.htlawoffices.com
This mesothelioma law firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for plaintiffs with asbestosis and mesothelioma. Anyone who has suffered from asbestos exposure at home or work and has a serious medical condition caused by asbestos can get the financial compensation they deserve by talking with this firm. Harowitz & Tigerman got a $6.3 million jury verdict for a family member who was exposed to asbestos in brake dust and clutch work. Another won a $5.1 million verdict for a submariner who was originally offered nothing from the defendant.
Get San Francisco Mesothelioma Legal Help
With over $30 billion available for victims through the Asbestos Trust Funds, you could be entitled to financial compensations without ever filing a lawsuit. Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll-free (800) 352-0871.