Orange County Mesothelioma Attorneys

What Other Illnesses Can Asbestos Exposure Cause?

Asbestos exposure can cause several serious illnesses. The most well-known are asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that causes the scarring of lung tissue, and lung cancer. Exposure can also lead to pleural plaques and pleural thickening, which affect the membranes around the lungs.

Health hazards caused by asbestos exposure also include:

• Kidney failure
• Inflammation of the respiratory system
• Chronic shortness of breath
• Gastrointestinal cancer

If you are exposed to asbestos at work, insist that you and your co-workers are given the proper protective gear. The right protective gear can help minimize the effects of asbestos exposure. If you want to file a lawsuit against your employer, contact our Mesothelioma lawyers in Orange County to know if you have a viable claim.

Can Asbestos Enter My Home If I Do Not Work In A High-Risk Field?

Yes, even if you do not work in an industry that is at high risk for asbestos exposure, you can still be at risk for contracting an asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can be transferred from one person’s clothing to another’s. Once asbestos fibers are attached to a person who was directly exposed to asbestos, it is nearly impossible to remove the fibers, and the exposure continues to spread.

How Is Orange County’s Population Unique?

Orange County is a unique area in Southern California. Orange County’s largest city is Anaheim, with a population of 347,000. The county seat of Orange County is Santa Ana. The demographics of Orange County include many different nationalities and ethnicities.

Some cities that display the demographics of Orange County include:

• Rancho Santa Margarita
• Anaheim
• Costa Mesa
• Corona Del Mar
• San Clemente
• Fullerton
• Huntington Beach
• Foothill Ranch
• La Habra
• Irvine
• La Palma
• Orange
• San Juan Capistrano
• Buena Park
• Placentia
• Surfside
• Laguna Woods
• Brea
• Sunset Beach
• Lake Forest
• Silverado
• Laguna Hills
• Stanton
• Newport Beach
• Cypress
• Midway City
• Dara Point
• Westminster
• Yorba Linda
• Los Alamitos
• Garden Grove
• Mission Viejo
• Santa Ana
• Aliso Viejo
• Seal Beach
• Capistrano Beach
• Villa Park
• Laguna Niguel
• Fountain Valley
• Ladera Ranch
• Tustin
• Trabuco Canyon

Disneyland And Tourism Economy

Orange County was founded in 1889. During the first several decades after the founding of Orange County, the county’s leaders sought to make the area economically viable. That desire was fulfilled when Disneyland was built in Orange County in 1955. Orange County has become a tourist attraction for people around the world. Disneyland created a large tourism economy. It increased Orange County’s population and created many jobs.

Decades later, following the success of Disneyland, Disneyland California Adventure opened in 2001. In 2018, Disneyland parks reported a total of 18.6 million visits. This number made the Orange County Disneyland Park the second most visited theme park in the world.

Orange County Beaches

In addition to the Disneyland Parks, Orange County is a major tourist attraction because of its beaches. The beautiful cities that house the beaches that Orange County is known for include:

• Huntington Beach
• Newport Beach
• Laguna Beach

Orange County Mesothelioma Cases

Prevalence Of Mesothelioma Cases In Orange County

Asbestos exposure in Orange County has occurred through various industrial sites, contributing to cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in the area. The frequency of asbestos exposure is related to specific sites within the county.

Those sites include:

• South Coast Company, Newport Beach- Shipyard.
• Longview Fiber, Los Alamitos- Pulp and Paper Mill.
• Southern California Edison (Huntington Beach)- Power Plant.
• School construction sites.
• Southern California Edison (Alamitos)- Power Plant.
• Kaiser Gypsum, Santa Ana- Manufacturing Plant.
• Hamilton Materials, Orange- Manufacturing Plant.
• Lido Shipyard, Newport Beach- Shipyard.
• Residential construction- Residential Construction Sites.
• Auto Body Shops.
• Hill Brothers Chemical Company, Orange Manufacturing Plant.
• Agricultural operations.
• Irvine Ranch Water District, Irvine- Water District.
• Merlex Stucco, Orange, California- Manufacturing Plant.
• Los Alamitos Naval Air Station- Military Facility.
• Ameron Plant, Brea (Amercoat, Amerplate)- Manufacturing Plant.
• California Zonolite, Santa Ana- Manufacturing Plant.
• Water pipe installations.
• Commercial construction- Construction Sites.

The above represent areas where exposure to asbestos has been the highest in Orange County’s history. However, it is important to keep in mind that the potential for deadly asbestos exposure does not end with being exposed directly. Secondary asbestos exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma for family members of individuals who worked around asbestos, and these individuals may still be at risk of developing related health issues.

Types Of Workers That Are At High Risk For Asbestos Exposure

There are various kinds of workers throughout Orange County who perform important work but are at an elevated risk of asbestos exposure.

Highly vulnerable workers include people in various types of industrial jobs, trades, and occupations that include the following:

• Glaziers
• Mechanics
• Carpenters
• Paint makers
• Drywallers
• Laborers
• Pipefitters
• Ironworkers
• Insulators
• Foundry workers
• Pipe installation
• Electricians
• Public work project
• Sheet metal workers
• Roofers
• Lathers
• Seaman
• Plumbers
• Repairman
• Superintendents and foremen
• Custodians
• Flooring installers
• Riggers
• Drillers
• Steamfitters
• Tiremen
• Boilermakers
• Welders
• Molders
• Machinists
• Plasterers
• Machine operators
• Marine engineers
• Construction workers
• Home repair
• Painters

The History Of Mesothelioma

The earliest documented case of what may have been mesothelioma was reported in 1767 by French pathologist Joseph Lieutaud, who observed tumors in the pleural lining during autopsy studies.

Scientists continue to learn about mesothelioma. In 1819, French physician René-Thiébault Laennec suggested that the deadly nature of the tumors might come from the patient’s pleura. In 1843, it was found that pleural cancer is always secondary to another primary cancer that had developed somewhere else in the patient’s body.

Experimentation and findings continued. By the early 1900s, the global medical community started to accept that certain cancers could originate in the pleura of the lungs without necessarily spreading to other areas of the body.

The use of asbestos has been prevalent across the world. Because it is so widespread, studies of mesothelioma and the disease process have been published by many large cities. What follows are studies conducted in various countries and their findings.

• Germany — By 1943, German scientists had gathered sufficient evidence to recognize the link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer, leading to its official recognition as an occupational disease. Unfortunately, these findings were not taken seriously at the time of the study by other major countries. The rest of the world was hesitant to rely on Germany’s research because of the political climate in 1940s Germany.
• South Africa — South Africa performed a study that was published in 1960. The study followed 33 cases of mesothelioma. It found that residents in South Africa’s northwest Cape Province were exposed to asbestos. Workers in that area mined crocidolite asbestos. The study also found that in only eight of the 33 cases, the asbestos exposure was occupational. Other cases were found in citizens who lived around the mines.
• The United States — Dr. Selikoff’s 1964 research on workers at the Union Asbestos and Rubber Company plant in Patterson, New Jersey, demonstrated increased mortality from asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
• Great Britain — In 1968, Great Britain conducted its own study about asbestos-related diseases. The study was done by Dr. Molly Newhouse. It found that mesothelioma cases among people who lived near (but were not employed by) a prominent London asbestos factory were higher than expected. The British Medical Journal published a claim that asbestos was the direct cause of most mesothelioma cases in Great Britain. The British study, however, did not answer the question of which type of asbestos is carcinogenic.

Where Can I Receive Medical Attention If I Have An Asbestos-Related Illness?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness in the Orange County area, you can get medical attention at these places:

• Kaiser Permanente
• The University of California
• The University of California Healthcare
• Veteran Affairs community clinics

Claimants have worked in some of the following industries:

• Aerospace
• Navy ships
• Laboratories
• Airports
• Manufacturing plants
• Foundries
• Military facilities
• Shipyards
• Food-processing plants
• Grocery retailers
• Electric companies
• Construction sites
• Factories
• Oil refineries
• Garages
• Automobile plants
• Chemical plants
• Lumberyards

Despite all the great things it can boast about, Orange County is an area with a historically high level of mesothelioma exposure and asbestos-related illnesses. In Orange County, lawsuits regarding an injury sustained after asbestos exposure are filed with the help of attorneys handling mesothelioma in Orange County. Because of the volume of asbestos litigation, these cases require efficient management.

Other Facts About Mesothelioma

Who Is Most At-Risk For Asbestos Exposure?

Those working in construction are at the highest risk of inhaling asbestos fibers. Although widely outlawed, asbestos is still used on some construction sites across the country. It is very likely that you have walked into a building that either uses or has used asbestos in its insulation in the past.

Can Doctors Remove Asbestos Fibers Once They Are Inhaled?

No, once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they cannot be removed from the lungs. Currently, there are no medical or scientific methods to safely remove asbestos fibers once they have been inhaled. However, the lungs do often remove asbestos naturally on their own, but even if one fiber is left inside the lungs, irreparable damage may be done.

Is Asbestosis Curable?

No, asbestosis is incurable. It refers to the scarring and permanent damage to the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Once this lung damage occurs, it cannot be reversed, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.

Can Children Contract Mesothelioma?

Yes, children can develop mesothelioma, although it is rare. While it is not proven that children are at higher risk than adults after asbestos exposure, the long latency period of mesothelioma means that a child exposed to asbestos has more years ahead in which the disease could develop. Early exposure may increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma later in life.

When Should I Hire A Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a lawyer, such as an Orange County personal injury or mesothelioma attorney, whenever you are faced with a legal matter and have questions about your rights or potential compensation. An injury attorney can help protect your interests, navigate the complexities of the legal system, and handle interactions with insurance companies or opposing parties.

An Orange County personal injury lawyer can provide guidance on your legal options, help you understand your rights, and support you throughout the process.

What Happens During An Initial Consultation With A Mesothelioma Attorney?

An initial consultation with a mesothelioma attorney is an opportunity to evaluate whether the attorney is a good fit for your case. During this meeting, you can ask questions and gather information to make an informed decision about legal representation. Key aspects to focus on include:

• Attorney Qualifications and Experience — Ask about the attorney’s education, years of practice, and experience handling mesothelioma or asbestos-related cases. Understanding their background helps you assess their ability to handle complex claims.
• Case Approach and Strategy — Discuss how the attorney typically approaches cases, including evidence gathering, working with medical professionals, and handling negotiations or litigation.
• Communication and Availability — Consider how the attorney communicates with clients and how responsive they are to questions or updates. Clear communication is important for understanding your case and next steps.
• Fees and Payment Options — Clarify how the attorney charges for their services, including contingency fees or other payment structures.

Before your consultation, it can be helpful to:

• Review Online Information — Check the attorney’s website and online reviews. This can provide insights into their areas of practice, office location, contact information, and client experiences.
• Read Attorney Profiles — Firm websites often include profiles detailing an attorney’s experience, education, and notable case results.

The initial consultation allows you to gather information, ask questions, and determine which attorney can best guide you through your mesothelioma claim.

What Are Some Questions To Ask An Attorney During An Initial Consultation?

Here are some examples of questions you can ask during an initial consultation with an attorney:

• How long have you been practicing injury law?
• How many cases like mine have you handled and won?
• Do you often settle cases out of court?
• What are your fees and costs?
• What happens after the initial consult?

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lawyer?

The cost of hiring an attorney varies depending on the agreement you reach during your initial consultation. Several factors can influence the price, including:

• Billing method and pricing structure.
• Type of legal work contracted to be performed.
• The prestige that the law firm has in the legal market.
• How much experience does the attorney you hire have in the area?

How Do I Know If My Lawyer Has Been Disciplined?

While researching attorneys, you may want to review their disciplinary records. It is a good idea to know your attorney’s record before you hire them. Each state has a board that regulates the professional behavior of every attorney who has a license issued by that state. The state’s organization takes complaints from dissatisfied clients.

Taking the time to research an attorney before hiring them is a good idea because doing so:

• Confirms that the attorney you want to hire is properly licensed to practice law within the state.
• Determines if the attorney has a disciplinary record.
• Allow you to review the complaint and determine if the complaint is serious, should you discover that there are disciplinary actions against the attorney.

Why Choose Our Orange County Accident Attorneys?

• No Upfront Attorney’s Fees — You only pay attorney fees if we recover compensation for you. All personal injury and wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis. Please note that case-related costs may still apply.
• Comprehensive Legal Representation — We are committed to providing dedicated legal services to injury victims and work to help them pursue fair compensation under the law.
• Personalized Attention — At Arash Law, we provide individualized attention to every case. Our team works to prepare a strategy tailored to your unique situation. We are available to address any questions you may have about your case. We can also meet you at a convenient location of your choice in Orange County or anywhere in California.