Brake & Mechanical Work | California Exposure | Recovery Exceeding Four Million Dollars
Case Overview
This case involves a California man with extensive hands-on automotive and mechanical exposure who was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma decades after repeated contact with asbestos-containing brake and clutch components.
Unlike traditional industrial asbestos cases, this matter illustrates how automotive repair and racing-related mechanical work—often performed without warnings or protective equipment—can result in life-altering disease many years later.
All personal identifiers have been removed in full compliance with HIPAA.
Occupational & Exposure History
Early Work & Trades Background
The victim grew up in Southern California and worked a variety of labor and service jobs in his early adulthood, including custodial, warehouse, and light construction-related roles. While these positions involved physical work, they were not considered the primary source of asbestos exposure.
Automotive Repair & Mechanical Work
From his teenage years onward, the victim performed extensive automotive repair work, both professionally and personally. Over decades, his work included:
- Performing brake jobs on personal and passenger vehicles
- Removing brake drums and components, often generating visible dust
- Replacing and working around clutch components
- Purchasing and installing aftermarket brake parts from multiple suppliers
- Performing mechanical work without respiratory protection
He estimated completing dozens to more than one hundred brake jobs over time. Brake components used during this period frequently contained asbestos, and common practices such as striking brake drums to release dust created significant airborne exposure.
Racing & High-Performance Automotive Work
In addition to passenger vehicles, the victim worked for several years with a drag racing team, assisting with mechanical maintenance on high-performance vehicles. His duties placed him around:
- Brake systems on racing vehicles
- Clutch components are subject to extreme wear
- Dust generated during disassembly and replacement
Although he was not always the primary technician performing clutch replacements, he regularly worked nearby and assisted during teardown, resulting in work place via exposure by simply being present when dust became airborne from asbestos-containing components.
Additional & Secondary Exposure Considerations
The victim also had limited exposure through:
- Flooring removal during earlier residential work
- Occasional home repair and maintenance tasks
- Observational exposure while learning automotive repair from others at a young age
These exposures were considered secondary compared to his long-term automotive work.
Medical Diagnosis
After experiencing symptoms that prompted medical evaluation, the victim was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, confirmed through pathology and imaging. The diagnosis occurred many years after his initial exposure and was medically consistent with long-term asbestos contact through automotive products.
At the time of diagnosis, he was still of working age, resulting in substantial personal, financial, and occupational impact.
Legal & Investigative Strategy
Following intake, a detailed investigation was conducted, including:
- Reconstruction of decades of automotive and mechanical work
- Analysis of brake and clutch exposure pathways
- Identification of asbestos-containing friction products historically used during the relevant periods
- Review of medical records, pathology, and treatment history
- Evaluation of all available compensation avenues
The case focused on automotive product liability, rather than traditional industrial asbestos exposure.
Case Outcome & Financial Resolution
Through negotiated resolutions with responsible parties, the case resulted in a financial recovery exceeding four million dollars.
The settlements and Trust Fund compensation was obtained without trial and without any admission of liability. The recovery provided critical financial security and helped address medical expenses, lost income, and long-term needs.
Key Takeaway
This case demonstrates that asbestos exposure is not limited to factories or construction sites. Automotive brake and clutch work—performed exactly as taught for decades, can carry serious asbestos risks, often unknown to the people doing the work.
For individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, even non-industrial exposure histories can support meaningful accountability and compensation.
Next Step
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, experienced legal guidance can make a meaningful difference. The attorneys at Danziger & De Llano Mesothelioma Law Firm have decades of experience helping families nationwide pursue accountability and financial recovery.
Time matters. Understanding your options is the first step forward.
Because Texas law strictly enforces a two-year filing deadline from the date of diagnosis, contacting Danziger & De Llano today is vital to securing your family’s right to compensation from available asbestos trust funds.