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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Oakland, California

Oakland's military bases, shipyards, and port operations created one of the most concentrated asbestos exposure zones in the East Bay. Oakland Army Base — the primary Pacific embarkation point for three wars — exposed thousands of military and civilian workers to asbestos. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, military installations and shipyards are among the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure in the United States. California allows only 1 year from diagnosis to file a claim — making immediate legal action essential.

Major Military & Port Complex
$30B+ In Trust Funds Available
1 Year California Filing Deadline
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Mesothelioma Compensation for Oakland Families: What Our Clients Have Recovered

If your family is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis in Oakland, 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 Oakland.

$30B+ Available in Asbestos Trust Funds
$1M – $1.4M Average Mesothelioma Settlement
$2.4M Average Trial Verdict
$2B+ Recovered for Our Clients
$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.

$3,921,750 Navy / Construction

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a man, age 68, who was exposed through his service in the Navy, as an auto mechanic, and while working in construction.

$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.

$3,310,650 Industrial / HVAC

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 62, who was exposed while installing industrial and commercial furnaces and air conditioning units.

$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.

$2,082,780 Oil Refinery / Drywaller

Received after attorneys' fees and expenses, by a gentleman, age 81, who was exposed through his work at an oil refinery and as a drywaller.

$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.

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Medical and legal information reviewed and updated: • Sources: Military records, EPA documentation, OSHA reports, California Department of Public Health

Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Oakland

Oakland sits at the center of one of the most industrially active corridors on the West Coast. Throughout the 20th century, the East Bay waterfront was defined by military logistics, shipbuilding, port operations, and heavy manufacturing — industries where asbestos was used extensively for decades. The Oakland Army Base served as the primary West Coast embarkation point for troops and materiel during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, processing millions of military personnel and vast quantities of equipment through facilities built and maintained with asbestos-containing materials.

According to WikiMesothelioma.com, military installations rank among the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure in the United States, and Oakland's military complex was no exception. The Oakland Army Base, Naval Supply Center Oakland, and surrounding military infrastructure used asbestos in warehouse insulation, vehicle maintenance facilities, steam piping, electrical systems, and building construction materials throughout the facilities. Both military personnel and civilian employees at these installations were exposed to asbestos fibers daily, often for years or decades.

Beyond military operations, Oakland's waterfront supported one of the West Coast's most active shipbuilding and repair industries. Moore Dry Dock Company was a major shipyard that built and repaired hundreds of military and commercial vessels during World War II, employing thousands of workers who handled asbestos insulation in confined below-deck spaces. Todd Shipyard in nearby Alameda performed similar operations, and the Port of Oakland — one of the busiest on the Pacific Coast — exposed longshoremen and port workers to asbestos in cargo, ship interiors, and warehousing facilities.

The 20-to-50-Year Latency Period

Mesothelioma does not appear immediately after asbestos exposure. The disease has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning a soldier who passed through Oakland Army Base in the 1960s, a shipyard worker at Moore Dry Dock in the 1950s, or a longshoreman at the Port of Oakland in the 1970s may only be receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis now. This long latency period is why Oakland continues to produce new mesothelioma cases decades after asbestos use was curtailed.

Oakland's industrial density also meant that many workers accumulated exposure at multiple sites over the course of a career. A pipefitter might have worked at Moore Dry Dock, then at Naval Supply Center Oakland, and then at various Port of Oakland facilities — each job adding to the cumulative asbestos burden. This multi-site exposure history is important for legal claims because it can connect a patient to multiple asbestos trust funds and multiple defendants, increasing the total compensation available.

California's 1-Year Filing Deadline: Urgent Action Required

California imposes one of the shortest statutes of limitations for mesothelioma in the nation: 1 year from the date of diagnosis for personal injury claims and 1 year from the date of death for wrongful death claims. Oakland mesothelioma patients and their families must act quickly to preserve their legal rights. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma related to Oakland asbestos exposure, contacting an experienced attorney immediately is critical. Our firm provides free consultations and handles all cases on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation.

Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Oakland

Asbestos was embedded in Oakland's military, maritime, and industrial infrastructure for decades. The following categories represent the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure in the greater Oakland area.

Military Installations

Oakland hosted major military installations that used asbestos in construction, maintenance, and operations. These facilities processed millions of troops and vast quantities of equipment, exposing both uniformed personnel and civilian workers to asbestos-containing materials.

  • Oakland Army Base — The primary West Coast embarkation point for three major wars. Asbestos was used in warehouse insulation, vehicle maintenance bays, steam systems, pipe insulation, and building materials throughout the sprawling installation. Military and civilian workers were exposed during construction, maintenance, and daily operations over decades.
  • Naval Supply Center Oakland — A major Navy logistics hub providing supplies and materials to Pacific Fleet operations. Asbestos insulation was used in warehouses, administrative buildings, workshops, and shipping facilities. Civilian Navy employees and military personnel handled asbestos-containing materials in storage, packaging, and facility maintenance.

Shipyards

Oakland and the surrounding East Bay supported major shipbuilding and repair operations, particularly during World War II. Workers at these shipyards built and maintained vessels using asbestos insulation in virtually every compartment.

  • Moore Dry Dock Company — One of the largest shipbuilding and repair facilities on the West Coast, located on Oakland's waterfront. During WWII, Moore Dry Dock employed thousands of workers who built and repaired military and commercial vessels. Asbestos was used in ship insulation, pipe lagging, boiler rooms, engine rooms, and throughout ship superstructures.
  • Todd Shipyard (Alameda) — Located across the estuary from Oakland, Todd Shipyard performed extensive ship construction and repair using asbestos-containing materials. Workers commuting from Oakland were exposed to asbestos in engine room insulation, boiler lagging, pipe coverings, and ship construction materials.

Port Operations and Industrial Facilities

The Port of Oakland and surrounding industrial facilities used asbestos in warehousing, cargo handling, and manufacturing operations for decades.

  • Port of Oakland — One of the busiest ports on the Pacific Coast. Longshoremen and port workers were exposed to asbestos in ship cargo holds, warehousing facilities, and through handling of asbestos-containing materials being shipped through the port. Port infrastructure including buildings, cranes, and storage facilities contained asbestos insulation.
  • General Motors Fremont Assembly Plant — Located in nearby Fremont, this major automobile manufacturing facility used asbestos-containing brake pads, clutch linings, gaskets, and insulation materials. Oakland-area workers employed at the plant were exposed to asbestos dust during assembly and maintenance operations.
Exposure Source Type of Facility Asbestos Uses Peak Exposure Era
Oakland Army Base Military Installation Warehouse insulation, steam pipes, building materials 1940s–1990s
Naval Supply Center Oakland Military Logistics Building insulation, workshops, shipping facilities 1940s–1990s
Moore Dry Dock Shipbuilding & Repair Ship insulation, boiler lagging, pipe covering 1940s–1970s
Todd Shipyard (Alameda) Shipbuilding & Repair Engine room insulation, pipe lagging, fireproofing 1940s–1970s
Port of Oakland Maritime & Cargo Warehouse insulation, cargo handling, building materials 1940s–1980s
GM Fremont Plant Automobile Manufacturing Brake pads, clutch linings, gaskets, insulation 1960s–1980s

This is not an exhaustive list. Hundreds of additional industrial, commercial, and military sites across the greater Oakland area used asbestos-containing materials. If you worked at any military installation, shipyard, port facility, or industrial site in Oakland before the mid-1980s, asbestos exposure is likely. Our attorneys maintain detailed databases of Oakland-area exposure sites and can investigate your specific work history as part of a free case evaluation.

Jobs in Oakland Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Certain occupations in Oakland's military, maritime, and industrial sectors carried dramatically higher risks of asbestos exposure. Workers in these trades handled asbestos-containing materials directly, worked in confined spaces where asbestos fibers accumulated, or were present during activities that disturbed existing asbestos insulation.

Shipyard Workers & Ship Fitters

Workers at Moore Dry Dock and Todd Shipyard in Alameda performed ship construction, repair, and overhaul in environments saturated with asbestos. Ship fitters, welders, pipefitters, and general laborers worked in confined below-deck spaces where asbestos insulation was installed, removed, and disturbed continuously. Engine rooms and boiler rooms contained the highest concentrations of asbestos, and workers in these areas had the most intense exposure.

Military Base Workers

Both military personnel and civilian employees at Oakland Army Base and Naval Supply Center Oakland worked in facilities constructed with asbestos-containing materials. Warehouse workers, mechanics, logistics personnel, and maintenance crews encountered asbestos in building insulation, steam pipes, vehicle brake systems, and equipment. The long operational life of these installations meant decades of cumulative exposure for career employees.

Longshoremen & Port Workers

Longshoremen and port workers at the Port of Oakland loaded and unloaded cargo from ships with asbestos-insulated interiors. Working in cargo holds, warehouses, and dock facilities, these workers were exposed to asbestos fibers disturbed during shipping operations. Handling of asbestos-containing cargo materials added to the exposure. The physically demanding work in confined ship compartments concentrated airborne fibers.

Pipefitters & Boilermakers

Pipefitters and boilermakers working in Oakland's shipyards, military installations, and industrial facilities installed and maintained piping and boiler systems insulated with asbestos. These tradespeople cut, fitted, and removed asbestos pipe insulation and gaskets, releasing dense concentrations of fibers in confined work spaces. Turnaround maintenance and repair work exposed them to deteriorating asbestos on aging equipment.

Electricians & Maintenance Workers

Electricians at Oakland's military bases, shipyards, and port facilities worked near and around asbestos-insulated equipment daily. Running conduit through areas with deteriorating asbestos insulation released fibers. General maintenance crews performed repairs that frequently disturbed asbestos-containing materials in walls, ceilings, and equipment housings across Oakland's industrial infrastructure.

Automobile Assembly Workers

Workers at the General Motors Fremont plant and other East Bay manufacturing facilities handled asbestos-containing brake pads, clutch facings, gaskets, and insulation materials during vehicle assembly and testing. Grinding, cutting, and installing these components released asbestos fibers into the factory air. Many Oakland residents commuted to these manufacturing plants for decades of employment.

Documenting Your Oakland Work History

If you held any of these positions at an Oakland-area facility, documenting your complete work history is essential for building a mesothelioma claim. Our attorneys help clients reconstruct their employment timeline, identify every facility where exposure occurred, and connect that exposure history to specific asbestos product manufacturers and their trust funds. Even if your records are incomplete, we can use union records, Social Security earnings statements, military service records, coworker testimony, and facility records to build your case. California's 1-year filing deadline makes prompt action critical.

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

Oakland exposure cases often involve multiple military installations, shipyards, and port facilities, which can significantly increase total compensation. California's 1-year filing deadline makes immediate action essential. Complete the form below for a free, confidential case review.

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Types of Mesothelioma Diagnosed in Oakland

Mesothelioma develops when inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers become embedded in the lining of internal organs, causing cellular damage that leads to malignant tumor growth over decades. Oakland's exposure profile — dominated by military base operations, shipyard work, and port activities — produces specific patterns of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and is the most common form seen in Oakland patients. This type develops in the pleura — the thin membrane surrounding the lungs — when inhaled asbestos fibers migrate to the pleural lining and cause chronic inflammation and eventual malignancy. Oakland shipyard workers, military base employees, and port workers who inhaled asbestos dust over months or years are at the highest risk. Symptoms typically include persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion).

If you worked at an Oakland military base, shipyard, or port facility and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, inform your physician about your occupational asbestos exposure history. Visit our diagnosis and treatment page for more information about diagnostic processes and available treatment approaches.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen)

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — the lining of the abdominal cavity — and accounts for approximately 15 to 20 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses. Asbestos fibers can reach the peritoneum through ingestion or through the lymphatic system. Symptoms include abdominal pain and swelling, unexplained weight loss, bowel changes, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma has advanced significantly, with cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) showing improved survival rates. Regardless of the type of mesothelioma diagnosed, the same legal options are available to Oakland patients. California's 1-year statute of limitations applies to all mesothelioma types.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers Near Oakland, California

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in the Oakland 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.

Oakland Veterans & Military Asbestos Exposure

Oakland's extensive military history means that a substantial number of the city's mesothelioma cases involve veteran exposure. The Oakland Army Base alone processed millions of service members during three major conflicts, and the concentration of military installations in the East Bay created overlapping exposure pathways for veterans who served at multiple facilities.

Oakland Army Base and Naval Supply Center Exposure

The U.S. military used asbestos extensively in facility construction and equipment from the 1930s through the 1970s. Veterans who served at Oakland Army Base were exposed to asbestos in barracks, warehouses, vehicle maintenance shops, and loading facilities. Those stationed at Naval Supply Center Oakland encountered asbestos in supply warehouses, workshops, administrative buildings, and aboard ships docked at the center's piers. Service members who transited through Oakland's military embarkation facilities during wartime deployments also experienced exposure, though for shorter durations.

Dual Exposure: Military Service Followed by Civilian Work

A pattern common in Oakland mesothelioma cases involves veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service and then took civilian jobs at the Port of Oakland, East Bay shipyards, or local industrial facilities. The mechanical, electrical, and logistical skills developed during military service made these veterans valued employees in Oakland's civilian maritime and industrial sectors. This resulted in decades of cumulative asbestos exposure spanning both military and civilian careers.

Veterans with dual exposure may be entitled to multiple sources of compensation:

  • VA Disability Compensation — Monthly tax-free benefits for service-connected mesothelioma
  • VA Healthcare — Treatment at VA medical centers including the Oakland VA Clinic at no cost for service-connected conditions
  • Special Monthly Compensation — Additional VA benefits for veterans requiring aid and attendance
  • Asbestos Trust Fund Claims — Claims against trust funds of companies whose products were used in military and civilian facilities
  • Personal Injury Lawsuits — Civil claims against asbestos product manufacturers and employers

Veterans: Filing VA Claims Does Not Affect Civil Claims

VA disability claims and civil mesothelioma lawsuits are separate legal processes. Filing for VA benefits does not reduce or prevent compensation from asbestos trust funds or personal injury lawsuits. Our attorneys help Oakland-area veterans pursue every available source of compensation simultaneously. California's 1-year statute of limitations makes timing especially critical for veterans in the East Bay.

Family Members Exposed to Asbestos in Oakland

Asbestos exposure in Oakland did not end at the shipyard gate or the base perimeter. For decades, workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin, hair, and personal items — unknowingly exposing their families to the same deadly material. This secondary or take-home exposure pattern has been documented extensively in Oakland's military and maritime community.

How Secondary Exposure Occurred

Oakland shipyard workers, military base employees, and port workers arrived home covered in dust that included asbestos fibers. Spouses who shook out, brushed off, and laundered contaminated work clothes released asbestos fibers into household air. Children who greeted parents at the door, sat in their laps, or played near contaminated clothing were also exposed. Workers' vehicles served as an additional exposure pathway, with asbestos fibers accumulating in car interiors shared by family members.

Legal Rights of Oakland Families

California courts have issued landmark rulings recognizing secondary asbestos exposure as a valid basis for mesothelioma claims. Family members who developed mesothelioma from take-home exposure have the same legal right to pursue compensation as the workers themselves. If a family member of an Oakland worker has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and never worked directly with asbestos, secondary exposure should be investigated immediately. California's 1-year statute of limitations applies to secondary exposure claims as well.

Support Groups & Resources for Oakland 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.

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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.

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American Cancer Society

Patient Services

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

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CancerCare

Counseling & Support

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

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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.

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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.

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Free Guide: Oakland Asbestos Exposure & Your Legal Rights

If you or a family member worked at Oakland's military bases, shipyards, or port facilities, this guide explains the legal options available and the urgent steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

  • Oakland Army Base, Moore Dry Dock, and other exposure sites
  • California's 1-year statute of limitations and why you must act now
  • Which asbestos trust funds apply to Oakland exposure cases
  • How to document your Oakland work history for a legal claim
  • Veterans benefits available for dual-exposure cases
  • Secondary exposure rights for workers' families

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Steps Oakland Families Can Take After Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming. Legal considerations add urgency, particularly in California where the statute of limitations is just 1 year. The following steps provide a clear path forward for Oakland families.

  1. Prioritize medical care. Your health comes first. Seek treatment from an oncologist experienced with mesothelioma. UCSF Medical Center and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center are among the Bay Area's leading cancer treatment facilities.
  2. Document your Oakland work history. Write down every job you held at Oakland military bases, shipyards, port facilities, and industrial sites. Include dates, job titles, employers and contractors, and names of coworkers.
  3. Build an exposure timeline. For each job, note specific tasks involving asbestos contact. If you served in the military, include your service branch, duty stations, and MOS or rating.
  4. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately. California gives you only 1 year from diagnosis to file. Do not delay — our firm provides free, no-obligation consultations and handles all cases on a contingency basis.
  5. Preserve important documents. Gather old tax returns, union cards, Social Security earnings statements, military service records (DD-214), medical records, and photographs from job sites.
  6. Understand your compensation options. Oakland mesothelioma patients may qualify for personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust funds (over $30 billion available nationally), 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. We handle every aspect of the case so you can focus on your health and family. 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 for his clients.

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. He is also the executive producer and co-writer of the film Puncture (starring Chris Evans), based on a real product liability case.

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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. Rod's expertise in complex litigation — including multi-district asbestos cases, trust fund claims, and trial proceedings — ensures that every client receives the strongest possible representation.

30+ Years in Practice
Princeton University Graduate
$2B+ Recovered for Clients
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Find Out What Your Oakland Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos at Oakland Army Base, Moore Dry Dock, the Port of Oakland, or any East Bay industrial facility and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to significant compensation. California's 1-year filing deadline means every day matters.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Oakland

Why does Oakland have elevated mesothelioma risk?

Oakland's mesothelioma risk stems from decades of military, maritime, and industrial operations concentrated along the East Bay waterfront. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, military installations and shipyards are among the most significant sources of occupational asbestos exposure in the United States. Oakland Army Base, Naval Supply Center Oakland, Moore Dry Dock, Todd Shipyard in Alameda, and the Port of Oakland all used asbestos-containing materials extensively from the 1940s through the 1980s.

What is the statute of limitations for mesothelioma in California?

California allows only 1 year from the date of diagnosis for personal injury claims and 1 year from the date of death for wrongful death claims. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the nation. Do not wait to consult an attorney — California's compressed timeline demands urgent action to preserve your legal rights.

What asbestos exposure sites exist in Oakland?

Major asbestos exposure sites include Oakland Army Base, Naval Supply Center Oakland, Moore Dry Dock Company, Todd Shipyard in Alameda, the Port of Oakland, and the former General Motors Fremont assembly plant. Hundreds of additional commercial and industrial buildings throughout the East Bay were also constructed with asbestos-containing materials.

Can Oakland military base workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Workers and military personnel exposed to asbestos at Oakland Army Base can pursue compensation through personal injury lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits. Both military and civilian employees at the base were exposed to asbestos in warehouse insulation, vehicle maintenance facilities, and building materials throughout the installation.

Do Oakland veterans qualify for mesothelioma compensation?

Yes. Veterans exposed to asbestos at Oakland military installations may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, and special monthly compensation in addition to civil lawsuits and trust fund claims. Many Oakland veterans experienced dual exposure during military service and subsequent civilian employment at the port or in East Bay industry.

Can family members of Oakland workers file mesothelioma claims?

Yes. Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary (take-home) asbestos exposure can file claims under California law. Workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, exposing spouses and children. California courts recognize these claims, and the same 1-year statute of limitations applies.

How much compensation can Oakland mesothelioma patients receive?

Compensation varies based on exposure history, responsible parties, and case-specific factors. Oakland cases frequently involve multiple exposure sites, which can increase total recovery. Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds nationally. California juries have historically awarded substantial mesothelioma verdicts.

What was Moore Dry Dock and why is it connected to mesothelioma?

Moore Dry Dock Company was one of the largest shipbuilding and repair facilities on the West Coast, located on Oakland's waterfront. During World War II, it employed thousands of workers who built and repaired vessels using asbestos insulation in virtually every compartment. Workers at Moore Dry Dock faced intense asbestos exposure in confined below-deck spaces, and many have been diagnosed with mesothelioma decades later.

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

Oakland Families Deserve Answers — and Justice

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos at an Oakland military base, shipyard, or port facility, 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.

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