Occupational Cancer Workers' Compensation in San Diego, California
Quick Answer
Occupational Cancer claims are common in San Diego's Biotech & Research sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $250,000–$1,500,000+. The average workers' compensation settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. An experienced attorney who knows the San Diego board can help you maximize your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Occupational Cancer settlement values in California range from $250,000–$1,500,000+
- San Diego area settlements average $62,100 across all injury types
- Key San Diego industries with occupational cancer risk: Biotech & Research
- Your WCAB office: 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108
- Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
- Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
- File immediately upon learning your cancer may be work-related - the one-year deadline starts when you know
Occupational Cancer Settlement Range
$250,000–$1,500,000+
San Diego avg. across all injuries: $62,100
How Occupational Cancers Happen in San Diego
Long-term exposure to laboratory chemicals, formaldehyde, benzene, and radiation in biotech facilities increases cancer risk.
San Diego's economy relies heavily on Biotech & Research, making occupational cancer claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.
San Diego WCAB Office
Free parking is available in the building surface lot, but it fills up quickly before 9:00 AM. Overflow parking is available on Metropolitan Drive.
Occupational Cancer Symptoms to Document
Varies by cancer type
Each occupational cancer has specific symptoms related to the affected organ system
Respiratory symptoms (lung cancers)
Persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing blood, wheezing
Abdominal symptoms (mesothelioma)
Abdominal pain, swelling, weight loss, bowel changes for peritoneal mesothelioma
Blood abnormalities (leukemia)
Fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, unexplained bleeding, bone pain
Urinary symptoms (bladder cancer)
Blood in urine, frequent urination, painful urination, lower back pain
Skin changes (skin cancer)
New growths, changing moles, non-healing sores, particularly in sun and chemical-exposed areas
General cancer symptoms
Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, fever, loss of appetite
Neurological symptoms (brain tumors)
Headaches, seizures, vision changes, personality changes, motor difficulties
Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp
Surgery
Removal of tumors and affected tissue when cancer is localized and operable
Typical timeline: Recovery 4-12 weeks depending on surgery type
Chemotherapy
Systemic drug treatment to kill cancer cells and prevent spread
Typical timeline: Multiple cycles over 3-6 months, may be ongoing
Radiation therapy
Targeted radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
Typical timeline: Daily treatments over 4-8 weeks
Immunotherapy
Treatment boosting the immune system to fight cancer
Typical timeline: Ongoing infusions, may continue for years
Factors That Affect Your Occupational Cancer Settlement in San Diego
Type of cancer
Mesothelioma is almost always occupational; other cancers require stronger causation evidence
Mesothelioma: $750,000-$2,000,000+ vs. Lung cancer: $300,000-$1,000,000
Strength of exposure evidence
Documented exposure records, witness testimony, and employment history strengthen claims
Asbestos worker with documented exposure: strong claim vs. minimal exposure records: disputed
Prognosis and survival
Terminal diagnoses with poor prognosis result in faster and often higher settlements
Mesothelioma (median survival 12-18 months) often settles quickly for maximum value
Statutory presumptions
California firefighters and certain workers have presumption their cancer is occupational
Firefighter with lung cancer has presumption shifting burden to insurance company
Filing Your Occupational Cancer Claim in San Diego
- File immediately upon learning your cancer may be work-related - the one-year deadline starts when you know
- Document your complete work history going back decades, including all potential exposure jobs
- Gather employment records, union records, and any documentation of chemical or substance exposure
- Obtain written opinions from your oncologist specifically addressing occupational causation
- Research your former employers' products and known carcinogen use
- Contact former coworkers who can testify to workplace conditions and exposures
- If you worked with asbestos, identify specific asbestos products and manufacturers
- Check if you qualify for statutory presumption (firefighters, law enforcement)
- Consult with attorneys who specialize in both workers' comp AND toxic tort/asbestos litigation
- Apply for Social Security Disability if your cancer prevents you from working
- The San Diego WCAB office is at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108 — arrive early as parking can be limited.
Occupational Cancer Claims in Nearby Cities
Other Workplace Injuries in San Diego
Occupational Cancer in San Diego FAQ
What is the average occupational cancer workers' comp settlement in San Diego?
Occupational Cancer settlements in California typically range from $250,000–$1,500,000+. The overall average settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.
Where do I file a occupational cancer workers' comp claim in San Diego?
San Diego workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. Phone: (619) 767-2081. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.
How long does a occupational cancer workers' comp case take in San Diego?
Most occupational cancer cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The San Diego WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the San Diego board can help move your case forward efficiently.
Which San Diego industries have the highest occupational cancer risk?
In San Diego, occupational cancer claims are most common in the Biotech & Research industry. We frequently handle defense firms based in Mission Valley.
Injured at Work in San Diego?
Our attorneys handle occupational cancer claims at the San Diego WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.
Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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