Florida’s Asbestos Legacy: Legal Perspectives on Mesothelioma Cases

Florida’s industrial past has had a permanent impact on public health due to asbestos usage. Throughout the 20th century, asbestos was liberally used across the state in major industries like construction, shipbuilding, and energy generation. Its extensive use has accounted for the high incidence of mesothelioma diagnoses: Florida ranks second in the US.

Historical Context of Asbestos Use in Florida

Being heat and fire-resistant, asbestos was a popular material for decades. In Florida, it found common application in the shipbuilding sector, particularly in the period around World War II. Atlantic Dry Dock and Naval Air Station Pensacola became known as hotspots of occupational asbestos exposure. 

Naval staff, mechanics, and electricians working at these sites were frequently without sufficient protective measures. The construction and power generation sectors also played a role in increasing the risk of exposure by infusing asbestos in machinery parts, roofing products, and insulation.

Legal Framework for Mesothelioma Claims in Florida

Florida offers a reliable legal recourse for victims of asbestos exposure to obtain compensation. The state requires the plaintiffs to present a verified written report containing the medical diagnosis and details of exposure.

This requirement helps ensure that the cases are backed by credible documentation and medical reports. The legal system in Florida also permits the residents to file mesothelioma lawsuits even if they were exposed to asbestos elsewhere in the country, provided that the plaintiffs are currently residing in Florida. 

This provision is empowering because Florida is not the only state with high exposure rates. Take Nevada as an example. The state also has a long history of industrial asbestos usage and exposure. Victims who lived or worked here may find it helpful to work with a Nevada mesothelioma attorney if part of their exposure history originated there. Nevada has a substantial legal infrastructure for handling these claims. Attorneys in both states often collaborate, too.

The Legal Process for Mesothelioma Cases

The first step of the process is legal consultation. The victim meets with the attorney and provides information about their employment history and health status. This is followed by a collection of medical records, employment documents, and expert opinions to support the claim. 

After the lawsuit is filed, both sides proceed to the discovery stage, where they share the gathered evidence. Most mesothelioma cases in Florida are settled out of court. The settlement amounts are typically between $1 million and $1.4 million, providing fiscal relief for medical bills, lost wages, and mental suffering. The aim is to aid the victim in fighting mesothelioma and hold responsible parties accountable for past negligence.

Importance of Legal Representation

Due to the medical and legal intricacies of asbestos cases, obtaining qualified legal counsel is imperative. Mesothelioma lawyers are experts. They build strong cases by coordinating with experts and dealing with the procedural details of Florida’s legal system. 

Timing is a critical factor, too. Florida enforces a statute of limitations on asbestos-related lawsuits. With prompt legal action, all the necessary documentation can be collected while it is still accessible. It increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. For patients in treatment, legal assistance becomes an indispensable companion to undergo the best options of mesothelioma treatment.

While Florida may be struggling with the aftermath of its asbestos heritage, it has implemented legal remedies to assist victims. Families and individuals are urged to seek advice from experienced mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about their legal recourse. It goes beyond getting financial help to seek justice where it is owed.