Content Medically Reviewed & Updated: February 16, 2026 Call 24/7: 1-800-400-1805
1-800-400-1805 Free Case Review
Diagnosed? Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review No cost · No obligation · Attorneys available 24/7 Get Started
Updated: February 16, 2026

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Long Beach, California

Long Beach was home to a major Navy shipyard, one of the busiest ports in America, and a thriving aerospace industry — all of which used asbestos extensively for decades. The Long Beach Naval Shipyard repaired Pacific Fleet warships with asbestos insulation in every compartment. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Long Beach's combination of military shipbuilding, port operations, and aerospace manufacturing created one of the most diverse concentrations of occupational asbestos exposure in California. California has only a 1-year statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims — act immediately.

54 Years Naval Shipyard Operations
$30B+ In Trust Funds Available
1 Year California Filing Deadline
$0 Upfront Legal Cost

Free Long Beach Case Review

California's 1-year deadline is urgent. Speak with an attorney who knows Long Beach asbestos exposure sites.

Your information is confidential. No fees unless we win.

BBB A+Accredited Since 2009
Super LawyersMultiple Years Selected
National Trial LawyersTop 100 Trial Lawyers
AV PreeminentMartindale-Hubbell Rated
AAJ MemberAmerican Association for Justice
$2B+ Recovered for Clients
Medical and legal information reviewed and updated: • Sources: Industrial records, asbestos litigation databases, OSHA reports

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Long Beach

Long Beach, California has one of the most diverse and layered asbestos exposure histories of any city on the West Coast. The city's identity was shaped by three major industries — military shipbuilding and repair, international port operations, and aerospace manufacturing — each of which used asbestos extensively for decades. This multi-sector exposure profile means that Long Beach produced mesothelioma cases from an unusually wide range of occupational sources.

The Long Beach Naval Shipyard (officially Naval Shipyard Long Beach) was the cornerstone of the city's asbestos exposure history. Established in 1943 and operating until its closure in 1997, the shipyard served as one of the Navy's primary Pacific Fleet repair and overhaul facilities. Over its 54-year operational history, the shipyard repaired and overhauled aircraft carriers, cruisers, guided-missile destroyers, frigates, and submarines — all of which contained asbestos insulation in every compartment. Tens of thousands of military personnel and civilian workers passed through the shipyard over its decades of operation.

According to WikiMesothelioma.com, the Long Beach Naval Shipyard ranks among the most significant single-site sources of occupational asbestos exposure in California. Workers who repaired ships at the yard encountered asbestos in pipe insulation, boiler lagging, turbine casings, gaskets, valve packing, fireproofing, and electrical insulation throughout every vessel they serviced. Below-deck work in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and machinery spaces created especially concentrated exposure conditions due to confined spaces and poor ventilation.

The 20-to-50-Year Latency Period

Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years. A civilian machinist who overhauled turbines at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard in 1975 may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2025 or later. This is why Long Beach continues to produce new mesothelioma cases even though the Naval Shipyard closed nearly three decades ago. Workers exposed at McDonnell Douglas, the Port of Long Beach, and the THUMS oil islands during the same era face the same delayed diagnosis timeline.

The Port of Long Beach — one of the busiest ports in the United States and a gateway for Pacific Rim trade — added another major layer of asbestos exposure. Longshoremen, dock workers, and warehouse employees handled cargo that included asbestos-containing products and worked near ships undergoing maintenance. McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing) operated a major aerospace manufacturing complex in Long Beach where military and commercial aircraft were built using asbestos-containing components. The THUMS oil islands — four artificial islands built in the 1960s for offshore oil production in Long Beach Harbor — used asbestos in their drilling equipment and facility insulation.

Long Beach's Asbestos Legacy by the Numbers

The Long Beach Naval Shipyard operated for 54 years (1943–1997), servicing hundreds of Pacific Fleet vessels. The Port of Long Beach handles over 9 million container units annually and is among the busiest in the Western Hemisphere. McDonnell Douglas employed thousands of aerospace workers at its Long Beach complex. California allows only 1 year from diagnosis to file a mesothelioma claim — this is among the shortest deadlines in the nation. Documenting your asbestos exposure history is a critical first step.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Long Beach

Asbestos was embedded in Long Beach's industrial infrastructure across multiple sectors for decades. The following represent the most significant exposure sources.

Naval Shipyard and Military Facilities

  • Long Beach Naval Shipyard — Major Pacific Fleet repair and overhaul facility (1943–1997); serviced aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines; asbestos in every ship compartment; tens of thousands of military and civilian workers exposed over 54 years
  • Long Beach Naval Station — Naval installation and homeport for Pacific Fleet vessels; asbestos in base buildings, maintenance facilities, and aboard all naval vessels

Port Operations

  • Port of Long Beach — One of the busiest ports in the United States; longshoremen, dock workers, and warehouse employees exposed to asbestos through cargo handling, ship maintenance, and operations in facilities with asbestos-containing building materials

Aerospace Manufacturing

  • McDonnell Douglas / Boeing (Long Beach) — Major aerospace manufacturing complex producing military and commercial aircraft including the C-17 Globemaster III and DC-10/MD-11; asbestos used in aircraft components (brake linings, gaskets, heat shields), factory insulation, and building materials

Oil Production and Refining

  • THUMS Oil Islands — Four artificial islands in Long Beach Harbor built in the 1960s for offshore oil production; asbestos in drilling equipment, pipe insulation, and facility infrastructure
  • Various Long Beach-area refineries — Oil refining operations with asbestos in pipe insulation, boilers, heat exchangers, and processing equipment

Power Plants

  • Long Beach Generating Station (now AES Alamitos) — Power generating facilities with asbestos in boiler insulation, turbine casings, steam piping, and electrical components
Exposure Source Type of Facility Asbestos Uses Peak Exposure Era
Long Beach Naval Shipyard Military Ship Repair Ship insulation, boiler lagging, pipe covering 1943–1997
Long Beach Naval Station Military Installation Base buildings, maintenance, ship systems 1940s–1990s
Port of Long Beach Commercial Port Cargo handling, ship maintenance, warehousing 1940s–1980s
McDonnell Douglas/Boeing Aerospace Manufacturing Aircraft components, factory insulation, buildings 1940s–1990s
THUMS Oil Islands Offshore Oil Production Drilling equipment, pipe insulation, facilities 1960s–1980s
AES Alamitos Power Generation Boiler insulation, turbine casings, wiring 1940s–1980s

This is not an exhaustive list. Additional shipyards, oil facilities, construction sites, and commercial buildings across Long Beach used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any shipyard, port facility, aerospace plant, or industrial site in Long Beach before the mid-1990s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys maintain detailed databases of Long Beach exposure sites and can investigate your work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Jobs in Long Beach Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Certain occupations in Long Beach's shipyard, port, and aerospace sectors carried dramatically higher asbestos exposure risk. If you or a family member held any of these positions, mesothelioma risk is elevated.

Shipyard Workers

Workers at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard performed ship repair and overhaul on Pacific Fleet vessels, encountering asbestos in every compartment. Ship fitters, welders, machinists, and general laborers all worked in environments where asbestos insulation was being installed, removed, or disturbed. Below-deck work in engine rooms and boiler rooms created the most concentrated exposure conditions.

Pipefitters & Boilermakers

Pipefitters and boilermakers at the Naval Shipyard and port facilities installed, maintained, and repaired piping systems and boilers that used asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and packing. These tradespeople handled asbestos products directly and worked in environments with consistently high fiber concentrations.

Insulators & Laggers

Insulators at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard applied and removed asbestos lagging from pipes, boilers, turbines, and equipment aboard Navy vessels. They mixed raw asbestos, cut blankets, and fitted insulation in confined ship compartments. This was the most directly exposed occupation at the shipyard.

Aerospace Workers

Workers at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing in Long Beach manufactured military and commercial aircraft using asbestos-containing components including brake linings, gaskets, and heat shields. Factory insulation and building materials also contained asbestos. Assembly workers, machinists, and maintenance personnel were all exposed during aircraft production and facility operations.

Longshoremen & Port Workers

Longshoremen and dock workers at the Port of Long Beach loaded, unloaded, and handled cargo that included asbestos-containing products. Ship maintenance operations at the port exposed workers to asbestos from marine vessels. The sheer volume of cargo passing through one of America's busiest ports meant continuous exposure opportunities for port workers.

Oil Field & Refinery Workers

Workers at the THUMS oil islands and Long Beach-area refineries were exposed to asbestos in drilling equipment, pipe insulation, boilers, and processing equipment. Maintenance crews who repaired and replaced insulation on high-temperature equipment faced the most direct exposure in these petroleum industry operations.

Documenting Your Long Beach Work History

If you held any of these positions at a Long Beach facility, documenting your work history is essential. Because California allows only 1 year from diagnosis to file a claim, beginning this process immediately is critical. Our attorneys help clients reconstruct employment timelines, identify every exposure source, and connect histories to specific asbestos manufacturers and trust funds.

Free Assessment

Were You Exposed to Asbestos in Long Beach? Find Out Now

Answer three quick questions about your Long Beach work history. California's 1-year deadline makes immediate action essential.

Where in Long Beach did the asbestos exposure most likely occur?

Question 1 of 3

What type of work was performed?

Question 2 of 3

When did the exposure most likely occur?

Question 3 of 3

You May Qualify

Based on your Long Beach work history, you may be connected to multiple asbestos trust funds and legal claims.

Long Beach exposure cases often involve multiple sources — shipyard, port, aerospace — which can significantly increase total compensation. California's 1-year deadline makes immediate action critical.

100% Confidential. No fees unless we recover compensation for you.

California's 1-Year Statute of Limitations — Why Immediate Action Is Critical

California has one of the shortest statutes of limitations for mesothelioma claims in the United States — just 1 year. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 340.2, a personal injury claim for mesothelioma must be filed within 1 year from the date of diagnosis. Wrongful death claims must be filed within 1 year from the date of death. Missing this deadline can permanently bar a claim.

This 1-year window is significantly shorter than many other states. Texas allows 2 years. Mississippi allows 3 years. California's compressed timeline means Long Beach mesothelioma patients and their families must act swiftly to preserve their legal rights.

What the 1-Year Deadline Means for Long Beach Families

  • Do not delay consulting an attorney. Even a few months of delay can jeopardize your ability to file before the deadline.
  • Evidence degrades with time. Coworkers, employment records, and company documents become harder to locate with each passing month.
  • Trust fund payouts can decrease. Asbestos trust funds periodically reduce their payment percentages as assets are depleted.
  • Multiple claims require coordination. If your exposure spanned the Naval Shipyard, the port, and McDonnell Douglas, your attorney needs time to identify all applicable trust funds.

Do Not Let California's Deadline Expire

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and has any connection to Long Beach industry, contact an attorney immediately. Our firm provides free, no-obligation consultations and can begin investigating your case the same day. Request a free case review now or call 1-800-400-1805.

Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in Long Beach

Mesothelioma develops when inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers become embedded in organ linings, causing malignant tumor growth over decades. Long Beach's multi-sector exposure profile produces diverse diagnostic patterns.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all diagnoses and is the most common form in Long Beach patients. This type develops in the pleura when inhaled fibers cause chronic inflammation. Naval Shipyard workers who inhaled asbestos in confined ship compartments are at the highest risk. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, and pleural effusion. Visit our diagnosis and treatment page for more information.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen)

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining and accounts for approximately 15 to 20 percent of diagnoses. Treatment has advanced with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. Regardless of type, California's 1-year deadline and the same legal options apply to Long Beach patients.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers Near Long Beach, California

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in the Long Beach area have access to some of the region’s leading cancer treatment facilities. These centers offer specialized thoracic oncology programs, access to clinical trials, and multidisciplinary care teams experienced in treating asbestos-related cancers. Early evaluation at a specialized center can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Los Angeles, CA NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation

UCLA's NCI-designated cancer center provides multidisciplinary thoracic oncology care with access to cutting-edge mesothelioma clinical trials.

UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

San Francisco, CA NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Multimodal Therapy

UCSF is a national leader in thoracic surgery and mesothelioma research, with pioneering work in multimodal treatment approaches.

Stanford Cancer Institute

Palo Alto, CA NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation Multimodal Therapy

Stanford's NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center offers personalized treatment plans and access to innovative immunotherapy trials for mesothelioma.

City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center

Duarte, CA NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Surgery Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Radiation

City of Hope is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center known for its translational research programs and thoracic oncology expertise.

Need Help Finding a Specialist?

Our attorneys work with leading mesothelioma specialists nationwide and can help connect you with the right treatment team. Call 1-800-400-1805 for a referral.

Settlement data verified & updated:

Mesothelioma Compensation for Long Beach Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

If your family is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis in Long Beach, you are not alone — and compensation may be available. Below are actual amounts received by real clients of our firm, after attorneys’ fees and expenses, in mesothelioma cases involving asbestos exposure. Our attorneys represent families nationwide, including in Long Beach.

$30B+ Available in Asbestos Trust Funds
$1M – $1.4M Average Mesothelioma Settlement
$2.4M Average Trial Verdict
$2B+ Recovered for Our Clients
$6,142,500 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 68, who developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos through assisting her husband in his general contracting work and through contact with asbestos fibers on her husband's clothes.

$5,939,010 Construction / Demolition

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 46, who was exposed to asbestos while repairing boats and while doing demolition and repair of buildings damaged by fire and flooding.

$4,750,000 U.S. Navy Veteran

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 49, who was exposed to asbestos through his career in the Navy.

$3,600,450 Navy / Contractor

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 67, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a construction contractor on commercial and residential projects.

$3,403,890 Navy / HVAC Mechanic

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 57, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic.

$3,185,280 Paper Mill / Carpenter

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 81, who was exposed through his work at a paper mill and as a carpenter.

$2,727,900 Navy / Telecom

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 61, who was exposed through his service in the Navy and as a telephone installer and repairman.

$1,988,910 Oil Field Worker

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 50, who was exposed as an oil field worker.

$1,886,580 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 62, who was exposed through contact with asbestos fibers on the clothes of her husband, who worked as an electrician at a shipyard.

$1,181,250 Secondary Exposure

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a woman, age 33, who was exposed through contact with asbestos fibers on the clothes of her father, who worked at an auto plant.

All amounts shown are received by clients after attorneys’ fees and expenses. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and compensation depends on individual circumstances including exposure history, diagnosis, and jurisdiction.

View all 70+ mesothelioma case results →

Find Out What Your Case May Be Worth

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, a free case review can help you understand your options. There is no cost and no obligation.

Get a Free Case Review

Free consultation · No obligation · No fees unless we win

Free Estimate

Estimate What Your Long Beach Case May Be Worth

Answer three quick questions to see potential compensation ranges based on cases similar to yours.

Free Compensation Estimate

What Could Your Mesothelioma Case Be Worth?

Every case is different, but understanding the factors that affect compensation can help you make informed decisions. Three quick questions — no obligation.

What type of asbestos exposure occurred?

Question 1 of 3

When did the asbestos exposure most likely occur?

Question 2 of 3

What is the current diagnosis?

Question 3 of 3

Estimated Range

Your Estimated Compensation Range

Based on your answers, here is an estimated compensation range for cases similar to yours.

100% Confidential. No fees unless we recover compensation for you. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.

100% Confidential
$2B+ Recovered for Clients
Takes Less Than 60 Seconds

Long Beach Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

Long Beach has deep military roots. The Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Long Beach Naval Station served the Pacific Fleet for decades, and the city's veteran population is substantial. Many Long Beach veterans carry dual asbestos exposure from military service and post-service civilian employment.

Navy Veterans and the Long Beach Naval Shipyard

The U.S. Navy used asbestos extensively in ship construction through the 1970s. Veterans who served aboard ships repaired at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, or who were stationed at the Long Beach Naval Station, were exposed to asbestos in engine rooms, boiler rooms, berthing areas, and throughout every vessel compartment. Machinist's mates, boiler technicians, hull technicians, and enginemen faced the highest exposure levels.

Dual Exposure: Military Service and Civilian Employment

A common pattern in Long Beach involves veterans who served in the Navy and then took civilian jobs at the Port of Long Beach, McDonnell Douglas, or other local industrial facilities. The technical skills acquired during military service — pipefitting, machining, welding, electrical work — transferred directly to civilian employment, resulting in decades of cumulative asbestos exposure.

Veterans with dual exposure may be entitled to:

  • VA Disability Compensation — Monthly tax-free benefits for service-connected mesothelioma
  • VA Healthcare — Treatment at VA medical centers including the Long Beach VA Medical Center
  • Special Monthly Compensation — Additional benefits for veterans requiring aid and attendance
  • Asbestos Trust Fund Claims — Claims against companies whose products were used in Navy ships and Long Beach facilities
  • Personal Injury Lawsuits — Civil claims against asbestos product manufacturers

Veterans: VA Claims and Civil Claims Are Separate

Filing for VA benefits does not reduce compensation from trust funds or lawsuits. California's 1-year statute of limitations applies to civil claims, so immediate action is essential. Contact us for a free case review.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in Long Beach

Asbestos exposure in Long Beach extended beyond the shipyard, port, and factory. Workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, hair, and personal items — unknowingly exposing their families. This secondary or take-home exposure has led to mesothelioma diagnoses in spouses and children who never worked at any industrial facility.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

Long Beach Naval Shipyard workers, port employees, and McDonnell Douglas personnel arrived home with asbestos-contaminated clothing. Spouses who laundered work clothes and children who had close contact with parents were all exposed to airborne asbestos fibers released during handling.

Legal Rights of Long Beach Families

California courts recognize secondary asbestos exposure as a valid basis for mesothelioma claims. Family members have the same legal right to pursue compensation as workers themselves. California's 1-year statute of limitations applies to secondary exposure claims. Contact us immediately for a free evaluation.

Support Groups & Resources for Long Beach Families

A mesothelioma diagnosis affects the entire family. These organizations provide support, education, counseling, and practical assistance for patients and caregivers.

National Organizations

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

Research & Patient Support

Leading mesothelioma research foundation providing patient support, education, and peer-to-peer networking for patients and families.

Visit Website →

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Advocacy & Education

National advocacy organization dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure, providing support for those affected, and driving a global ban on asbestos.

Visit Website →

American Cancer Society

Patient Services

Comprehensive cancer support including patient navigation, local support groups, transportation assistance, lodging programs, and 24/7 helpline.

Visit Website →

CancerCare

Counseling & Support

Free professional counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and financial assistance programs for cancer patients and caregivers.

Visit Website →

California Resources

California Dialogue on Cancer

State Resources

State-level cancer support, advocacy, and resources connecting California families with local support services, financial assistance, and treatment information.

Visit Website →

Personalized Resource Recommendations

Our team can connect your family with support resources tailored to your specific situation — including local support groups, financial assistance programs, and caregiver resources. Call 1-800-400-1805.

Filing Deadline Check

Is Your Family Still Eligible to File?

Statutes of limitations can be as short as 1 year. Find out if your family’s filing window is still open.

Free Deadline Check — 60 Seconds

Don’t Let the Filing Window Close on Your Family

Every state has strict deadlines for filing mesothelioma claims. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to compensation entirely. Answer three quick questions to understand where your family stands.

When was the mesothelioma diagnosis confirmed?

Question 1 of 3

In which state did the primary asbestos exposure occur?

Question 2 of 3

Has your family spoken with a mesothelioma attorney yet?

Question 3 of 3

Filing Status

Your Filing Window Status

Based on your answers, here is your filing deadline status.

100% Confidential. No fees unless we recover compensation for you. A free case evaluation with our attorneys can confirm your specific filing deadline.

100% Confidential
Every Day Matters
No Obligation
Your Mesothelioma Questions, Answered — Free Patient and Family Guide
Free — No Obligation

Free Guide: Long Beach Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Port of Long Beach, McDonnell Douglas, or any Long Beach industrial facility, this guide explains your legal options.

  • Long Beach Naval Shipyard and industrial exposure sites
  • California's urgent 1-year statute of limitations explained
  • Which asbestos trust funds apply to Long Beach cases
  • How to document your Long Beach work history
  • Veterans benefits for Navy and shipyard exposure
  • Secondary exposure rights for workers' families

We respect your privacy. No spam, no obligations. Unsubscribe anytime.

Steps Long Beach Families Can Take After Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. California's 1-year filing deadline adds critical urgency. The following steps provide a clear path forward.

  1. Prioritize medical care. Seek treatment from an oncologist experienced with mesothelioma. City of Hope, UCLA Health, and the Long Beach VA Medical Center all offer cancer treatment programs in the region.
  2. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately. California's 1-year statute of limitations starts on the date of diagnosis. Our firm provides free, no-obligation consultations on a contingency basis.
  3. Document your Long Beach work history. Write down every job, facility, and trade — particularly work at the Naval Shipyard, Port of Long Beach, McDonnell Douglas, THUMS, or the Naval Station. Include dates, job titles, employers, and coworker names.
  4. Build an exposure timeline. Note tasks involving asbestos: ship insulation work, pipe fitting, aircraft manufacturing, cargo handling. Include military service details and DD-214 information.
  5. Preserve important documents. Gather tax returns, union cards, Social Security earnings statements, military records, medical records, and photographs.
  6. Understand your compensation options. Long Beach patients may be entitled to compensation from lawsuits, asbestos trust funds (over $30 billion available), workers' compensation, and VA benefits for veterans.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

Our attorneys have helped families across California through the mesothelioma legal process. California's 1-year deadline means every day matters. Request a free case review or call 1-800-400-1805.

Portrait of Paul Danziger, Co-Founder and Lead Attorney at Danziger & De Llano
Co-Founder & Lead Attorney

Paul Danziger

Texas Bar #00788880 • Admitted 1993 • Northwestern University School of Law

Paul Danziger has spent over 30 years representing mesothelioma patients and their families across the United States. He co-founded Danziger & De Llano, LLP with the mission of providing personal attention and aggressive advocacy that asbestos victims deserve.

Before law school, Paul earned his B.B.A. and a Master's degree in Tax Accounting from the University of Texas and worked as a CPA and tax consultant in New York. His financial and legal background gives him a distinctive ability to evaluate complex mesothelioma cases and maximize compensation.

Paul has been named a Texas Super Lawyer multiple times (2006–2009, 2014–2016, 2024) and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers.

30+ Years in Practice
Super Lawyers Multiple Years
Top 100 National Trial Lawyers
Speak with Paul About Your Long Beach Case

Free consultation. No obligation. No fees unless we win.

Portrait of Rod De Llano, Co-Founder and Senior Trial Attorney at Danziger & De Llano
Co-Founder & Senior Trial Attorney

Rod De Llano

Texas Bar #00786666 • Admitted 1993 • Northwestern University School of Law

Rod De Llano brings over 30 years of complex litigation experience to every mesothelioma case he handles. A Princeton University graduate with a degree in economics, Rod combines analytical rigor with a deep commitment to justice for asbestos victims and their families.

Rod and Paul Danziger have worked together since law school at Northwestern, building one of the most experienced mesothelioma practices in the country.

30+ Years in Practice
Princeton University Graduate
$2B+ Recovered for Clients
Speak with Rod About Your Long Beach Case

Free consultation. No obligation. No fees unless we win.

Find Out What Your Long Beach Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Port of Long Beach, McDonnell Douglas, or any Long Beach facility and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. California's 1-year statute of limitations means time is extremely limited.

Free & Confidential No upfront costs, no hidden fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Naval Shipyard Expertise Our attorneys know Long Beach's shipyard and industrial exposure history.
Over 30 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

Or call us 24/7: 1-800-400-1805

Take the First Step — It's Free

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted about your potential case. Your information is confidential and protected. No fees unless we recover compensation for you. This is attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

FAQ answers reviewed by legal team:

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Long Beach

Why does Long Beach have elevated mesothelioma risk?

Long Beach has one of the most diverse asbestos exposure histories in California. The Long Beach Naval Shipyard repaired Pacific Fleet ships for 54 years. The Port of Long Beach is one of the busiest in America. McDonnell Douglas/Boeing manufactured aircraft. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, this combination created one of California's most concentrated clusters of occupational asbestos exposure. The 20-to-50-year latency period means new diagnoses continue today.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in California?

California has one of the shortest statutes of limitations — just 1 year from diagnosis for personal injury claims and 1 year from death for wrongful death claims (CCP Section 340.2). This deadline is firm. Long Beach mesothelioma patients must consult an attorney immediately after diagnosis.

What was the Long Beach Naval Shipyard?

The Long Beach Naval Shipyard was a major Pacific Fleet repair facility operating from 1943 to 1997. It serviced aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines — all containing asbestos. Tens of thousands of military and civilian workers were exposed over its 54-year history. The shipyard closed under BRAC but its asbestos legacy continues through new mesothelioma diagnoses.

Can Long Beach shipyard workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Both military and civilian Naval Shipyard workers can pursue compensation through lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits. Shipyard workers typically qualify for multiple trust fund claims because they were exposed to products from numerous manufacturers. California's 1-year deadline requires immediate action.

Do Long Beach veterans qualify for additional benefits?

Yes. Veterans who served at the Naval Shipyard, Naval Station, or aboard ships repaired at Long Beach may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare (including the Long Beach VA Medical Center), and special monthly compensation in addition to civil claims and trust funds.

Can family members of Long Beach workers file claims?

Yes. Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary (take-home) asbestos exposure have legal standing to file claims. Shipyard, port, and aerospace workers carried asbestos home on clothing, exposing families. California's 1-year deadline applies to these claims.

What other Long Beach facilities used asbestos?

Beyond the Naval Shipyard, major facilities include the Port of Long Beach, McDonnell Douglas/Boeing aerospace complex, THUMS oil islands, Long Beach Naval Station, area refineries, and power plants. Asbestos was used in insulation, aircraft components, building materials, and industrial equipment.

How much compensation can Long Beach patients receive?

Compensation varies by case. Long Beach cases often involve multiple exposure sources — shipyard, port, aerospace, military — increasing total recovery. Over $30 billion remains in trust funds nationally. Our firm has recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients. Call 1-800-400-1805 or submit a form above before California's 1-year deadline expires.

This page was last reviewed and updated on by the legal team at Danziger & De Llano, LLP.

Sources & References

  1. NCI SEER Program — Mesothelioma Cancer Stat Facts
  2. ATSDR — Toxicological Profile for Asbestos
  3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Asbestos
  4. OSHA — Asbestos Standards and Regulations
  5. National Cancer Institute — Mesothelioma Treatment (PDQ)
  6. American Cancer Society — Malignant Mesothelioma
  7. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Asbestos Exposure
  8. RAND Corporation — Asbestos Litigation Costs and Compensation

Long Beach Families Deserve Answers — and Justice

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Port of Long Beach, McDonnell Douglas, or any Long Beach facility and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, do not wait. California's statute of limitations is only 1 year from diagnosis. Our attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation your family deserves.

Call 1-800-400-1805 Request a Free Case Review

Free consultation • No obligation • Available 24/7 • No fees unless we win

BBB A+ Accredited 4.8★ Google Rating $2B+ Recovered 30+ Years Experience
Call Now: (800) 400-1805 Free Case Review • Available 24/7