01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in Florida
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in Florida
Between 1999 and 2017, 4,429 Floridians were diagnosed with mesothelioma. This was the second-highest mesothelioma incidence in the country. Florida also ranks second in the United States for mesothelioma-related deaths.
As a result, individuals in more than 130 towns and cities in Florida have filed asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits. An experienced mesothelioma attorney in Florida can help those with asbestos-related diseases understand their filing options. Local attorneys understand the state laws and how they may impact claim options.
A dedicated law firm can file the claim on the individual’s behalf. This allows the claimant and their loved ones to focus on treatment and time together.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Florida?
Mesothelioma patients in Florida may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Floridians with other asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer or asbestosis, may also be eligible to file a claim.
Individuals may have been exposed to asbestos in Florida while living, working or visiting the state. The mineral can be found in many buildings, homes and jobsites throughout the state.
For instance, raw asbestos ore was once shipped to Florida for processing. Other raw asbestos-containing substances, including vermiculite from a contaminated mine in Libby, Montana, were transported to Florida for exfoliation.
W.R. Grace had a vermiculite exfoliation plant in Tampa, Florida. According to a health consultation from the Florida Department of Health, W.R. Grace operated the plant from the 1950s until 1991. During this time, workers at the plant risked exposure to asbestos fibers. Family members of the plant workers also risked secondary exposure.
Florida residents living in the following towns and cities have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to protect their rights and seek compensation from manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Altamonte Springs, FL
- Anna Maria, FL
- Auburndale, FL
- Avon Park, FL
- Belleview, FL
- Boca Raton, FL
- Boynton Beach, FL
- Bradenton, FL
- Brooksville, FL
- Bunnell, FL
- Cape Coral, FL
- Casselberry, FL
- Clearwater, FL
- Clermont, FL
- Cocoa, FL
- Coral Springs, FL
- Cortez, FL
- Crystal River, FL
- Dade City, FL
- Davenport, FL
- Daytona Beach, FL
- Debary, FL
- Deerfield Beach, FL
- Del Ray Beach, FL
- Deland, FL
- Delray Beach, FL
- Deltona, FL
- Dowling Park, FL
- Dunedin, FL
- East Lake Weir, FL
- Edgewater, FL
- Englewood, FL
- Eustis, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Fort Myers, FL
- Fort Pierce, FL
- Fort Walton Beach, FL
- Frostproof, FL
- Green Cove Springs, FL
- Gulf Breeze, FL
- Gulfport, FL
- Hernando, FL
- Hialeah, FL
- Hobe Sound, FL
- Homosassa, FL
- Interlachen, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
- Jensen Beach, FL
- Jupiter, FL
- Lady Lake, FL
- Lake City, FL
- Lake Mary, FL
- Lake Suzy, FL
- Lake Worth, FL
- Lakeland, FL
- Land O’ Lakes, FL
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL
- Lecanto, FL
- Leesburg, FL
- Lithia, FL
- Lutz, FL
- Melbourne, FL
- Merritt Island, FL
- Miami, FL
- Miami Gardens, FL
- Miami Springs, FL
- Milton, FL
- Naples, FL
- Neptune Beach, FL
- New Port Richey, FL
- Niceville, FL
- Nokomis, FL
- North Port, FL
- Oakland Park, FL
- Ocala, FL
- Odessa, FL
- Oldsmar, FL
- Orange Park, FL
- Orlando, FL
- Ormond Beach, FL
- Palm Beach, FL
- Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- Palm City, FL
- Palm Coast, FL
- Palm Harbor, FL
- Panama City, FL
- Pembroke Pines, FL
- Pensacola, FL
- Perry, FL
- Plant City, FL
- Plantation, FL
- Point Charlotte, FL
- Point Hernando, FL
- Pompano Beach, FL
- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
- Port Orange, FL
- Port Richey, FL
- Port St. Lucie, FL
- Punta Gorda, FL
- Riviera Beach, FL
- Rockledge, FL
- Safety Harbor, FL
- Saint Petersburg, FL
- Salem, FL
- San Antonio, FL
- Sarasota, FL
- Satellite Beach, FL
- Sebastian, FL
- Sebring, FL
- South Daytona, FL
- Southport, FL
- Spring Hill, FL
- St. Augustine, FL
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Stuart, FL
- Summerfield, FL
- Sun City Center, FL
- Sunrise, FL
- Tallahassee, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Tarpon Springs, FL
- Tavares, FL
- The Villages, FL
- Titusville, FL
- Valrico, FL
- Venice, FL
- Vero Beach, FL
- Weeki Wachee, FL
- Wesley Chapel, FL
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Wimauma, FL
- Winter Park, FL
- Zephyrhills, FL
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Florida
In the United States, Florida has the second-highest number of mesothelioma deaths, behind California. Experienced mesothelioma lawyers can help victims navigate the legal process and discuss their available options. Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos illness should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The law firm can help gather documentation needed to file the claim, such as employment records.
Florida has statutes of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits associated with asbestos diseases. This means claimants need to file the claim within a certain amount of time after a diagnosis or death.
Individuals may also be eligible for other types of claims, such as an asbestos trust fund claim. A Florida mesothelioma lawyer can explain filing options and requirements.
02. Florida Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in Florida
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma after working with asbestos in Florida may be eligible to file a claim. Current Florida residents and people exposed to asbestos while living or working in Florida who now live in a different state may be eligible. National law firms have experience in Florida asbestos litigation.
A Florida asbestos lawyer can help individuals throughout the claim process. For instance, the legal team can help determine claim options, gather evidence and handle the filing process.
The following law firms can help people living in Florida file their claims:
When considering who to represent you in your mesothelioma lawsuit, it is advantageous to select a firm that operates nationwide. These firms possess a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience that can’t be matched by smaller, local firms. And because their client base extends across the country, they are skilled in knowing exactly where to file your case to achieve the most favorable financial outcome for you and your family.
In addition, because they are always traveling to meet with clients in cities from coast to coast, they will happily come to you to answer your questions and address your needs and concerns. Their main goal is to make the process easy for you and assist you in getting the financial help you deserve.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. Florida Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in Florida
Claimants and their families can use compensation to help pay for medical expenses and travel costs, as well as recover lost income. Claimants in Florida have received compensation through lawsuit settlements and verdicts. As a reference point, we have provided below a sampling of mesothelioma settlements achieved on behalf of Florida residents who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace:
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Verdicts in Florida
Claimants in Florida have secured compensation through verdicts.
One example includes a power plant worker. Richard Batchelor worked at Florida Power & Light Company’s Turkey Point power plant. Batchelor was employed there between 1974 and 1980. During his employment at the power plant, he handled asbestos-based pipe, wire and equipment insulation.
As a result of this exposure, Batchelor was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2015. He filed a mesothelioma lawsuit against Florida Power and Light Company and asbestos manufacturers. A jury found the defendants liable, and Batchelor was awarded $21 million in 2016.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Florida mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in Florida
Florida Asbestos Laws & Regulations
Despite having the second-highest number of mesothelioma deaths, Florida’s state laws and regulations aren’t as robust as some other states. In addition to federal asbestos laws, Florida has some state laws regulating asbestos.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees the state’s asbestos removal program. According to Chapter 62-257 of the Florida Administrative Code, asbestos removal procedures have to follow strict guidelines to minimize exposure to harmful mineral particles. This code also covers laws related to training, certification and licensing for asbestos abatement workers.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation deals with asbestos worker regulations, including training, certification and licensing. Asbestos removal firms in Florida have to register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and they must follow all relevant laws when dealing with asbestos contamination.
Florida also has a law pertaining to asbestos litigation:
- Florida Statutes Title XLV Chapter 774, Asbestos and Silica Compensation Fairness Act: This law requires that plaintiffs provide medical evidence of illness when they file lawsuits against former employers and other defendants.
An experienced Florida mesothelioma attorney can explain how this law may impact filing options.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers and Asbestos Exposure Sites Near You
