Mesothelioma in Florida

Asbestos Exposure in Florida

Despite having just over 2,000 known asbestos worksites, Florida ranks second in the nation for new mesothelioma cases, with roughly 200 cases diagnosed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). For comparison, California has about 300 cases each year, but roughly 6.5 times as many asbestos jobsites (over 13,000) as Florida.

Florida’s high number of newly diagnosed cases comes, partly, from once being home to many industries and companies that relied heavily on asbestos, like shipyards and construction sites, which created high exposure risks for workers.

However, Florida’s higher-than-average yearly mesothelioma diagnoses can also be explained by its large population of elderly residents. With so many transplants and retirees, some of the roughly 175 yearly mesothelioma deaths in Florida are probably due to exposure that happened decades before in other states. 

Most asbestos exposure in Florida likely occurred between the 1940s and the late 1970s, when in-state use peaked.

If you or a member of your family was exposed to asbestos in Florida and has developed an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, you may qualify for multiple forms of compensation. We can help you determine your eligibility for free.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Florida

Treating asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma can be expensive, with out-of-pocket costs averaging over $400,000 per year. Seeking multiple forms of compensation can allow Florida victims and their loved ones to meet immediate financial needs and create future stability.

The average mesothelioma compensation package for a qualified claimant is over $1 million, although the final award amount varies significantly depending on the types of compensation you choose to pursue. Claimants who settle out of court can generally expect $1 million to $1.4 million, while claimants who pursue a trial verdict average $5 million to $11.4 million.

Many claimants in Florida apply for multiple forms of compensation to increase their chances of securing a better award package. The Mesothelioma Fund can help you find out if you’re eligible for compensation and identify your options based on the unique circumstances of your claim.

Common Options for Mesothelioma Compensation

Eligibility Requirements for Compensation in Florida

To file a valid claim for your asbestos-related injuries and losses in Florida, you must meet certain criteria.

The exact requirements vary depending on the types of compensation you’re applying for, but there are some common requirements most claimants must meet to be considered for compensation:

• Proof of Exposure: Documentation showing exposure to specific asbestos-containing products or your presence at work sites where asbestos was used.
• A Medical Diagnosis: Diagnosis with an asbestos-related illness backed by documentation and testing that links the condition to your exposure history.
• Within the Statute of Limitations: The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida is 4 years, and for wrongful death claims, 2 years. The clock starts on the date of diagnosis or death. Florida claims must be filed within these deadlines to be eligible.

In civil claims, the burden of proof is on the claimant, who must prove that their illness is directly linked to exposure to specific products or worksites.

Documents commonly used to prove eligibility in Florida:

• Medical records
• Proven diagnosis
• Death certificate
• Employment records
• Eyewitness accounts
• Paystubs

Finding the necessary documentation can be challenging, especially when someone’s asbestos exposure happened decades before their diagnosis. Working with a lawyer who’s experienced in asbestos litigation and has the resources to track down documentation can lower stress and help claimants build a strong case.

If you believe you have a claim but aren’t sure you meet the requirements listed above, all you have to do is reach out, and our expert patient advocates will help you determine your eligibility.

Mesothelioma Settlements in Florida

As the state with the second-highest number of new mesothelioma diagnoses in the U.S., Florida has become a major venue for asbestos compensation, with some injured workers and their loved ones receiving significant settlements and verdicts.

The average mesothelioma settlement in Florida falls within the national average range of $1 to $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s Litigation Report. However, the exact award amount a claimant receives varies widely based on factors like age, diagnosis, number of dependents, and exposure history.

Top mesothelioma settlements and awards in Florida:

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Florida

Unlike many other states with a high amount of mesothelioma diagnoses, Florida doesn’t have naturally occurring asbestos or a history of asbestos mining. Instead, most Florida exposure comes from asbestos use in industries like shipbuilding, chemical processing, construction, manufacturing, and power generation.

Workers in these and other industries face high risks of asbestos exposure, particularly those working between the 1940s and late 1970s when asbestos use peaked.

Shipyard Workers

Asbestos is not only durable and resistant to heat and fire, but it’s also lightweight. This combination made it an attractive material for many shipbuilding companies, and it was widely used in Florida shipyards in cities like Jacksonville.

Workers such as insulators, boiler workers, furnace tenders, pipefitters, and others were exposed to dangerous particles when asbestos-containing materials were cut, sanded, installed, or removed during repairs and maintenance.

Asbestos shipyards in Florida:

• Aerojet Shipyards (Jacksonville)
• Gibbs Shipyards (Jacksonville)
• Jacksonville Shipyard
• Mayport Naval Shipyard
• Merrill Stevens Shipyard (Jacksonville, Miami)
• Tampa Shipyards

Construction Workers

Until stronger federal regulations were passed in the late 1970s, manufacturers used asbestos in a wide variety of construction materials. Any structure in Florida built before 1980 likely includes some asbestos materials.

Workers who handled these products were at high risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos particles. Construction workers performing repairs or maintenance on older structures still face exposure risks today.

Construction products that commonly contained asbestos:

• Cement
• Drywall
• Insulation
• Joint compounds
• Paint
• Plaster
• Roofing materials
• Vinyl flooring

Chemical Plant Workers

Chemical processing plants often used asbestos insulation in their facilities and equipment. Manufacturers chose asbestos because it was resistant to heat, fire, and chemical corrosion, making it an attractive choice for their needs.

Anyone working at these plants may have been exposed, but maintenance workers, welders, insulators, chemical operators, mixers, and boilermakers faced particularly high risks.

Chemical plant asbestos sites in Florida:

• Agrico Chemical Company (Pierce)
• Allied Chemical Corp. (Port St. Jade)
• Escambia Bay Chemical Company (Escambia Bay, Milton, Pace, Pensacola)
• International Mineral & Chemical (Bartow, Bonnie, Mulberry)
• Monsanto (Gonzales, Palatka, Pensacola)
• Stauffer Chemical Co (Tampa Bay, Tarpon Springs, Victor)

Family Members & Loved Ones

Asbestos fibers cling to hair, skin, and clothing, and many workers brought particles into their homes without realizing they were dangerous. This secondhand asbestos posed a serious health risk for the family members and loved ones of asbestos workers, many of whom were exposed during common household chores like laundry.

Top Exposure Sites in Florida

Dozens of major asbestos companies did business in Florida, including nationwide operations such as Johns-Manville, which established the first asbestos trust fund, and W.R. Grace, which processed over 128,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite at facilities in Jacksonville, Tampa, Hialeah, Pompano Beach, and Boca Raton.

There are 2,233 known asbestos worksites in Florida. If you were exposed to asbestos at one of these worksites or elsewhere, you may be eligible for multiple forms of compensation.

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Florida

Some asbestos companies are still active and financially stable (solvent), either in their own right or through successor companies. Because they have never declared bankruptcy or established an asbestos trust fund, the only way for victims to pursue compensation from them is through asbestos lawsuits.

A successful asbestos lawsuit can result in significant compensation, either through an out-of-court settlement or through a trial verdict.

Solvent asbestos companies active in Florida:

• Florida Power & Light (FPL)
• Union Carbide
• DeLaval (through successor Alfa Laval)
• Johnson & Johnson

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Florida

As hundreds of thousands of sick workers and their loved ones sought justice, many asbestos companies were unable to meet their asbestos-related liabilities. These companies sought relief from their financial obligations by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

To resolve their legal liabilities and continue doing business, these companies had to establish asbestos trust funds to compensate all their current and future victims.

There are more than 60 active asbestos trust funds in the U.S., with over $30 billion in remaining assets. Claimants have already received $20 billion in trust fund compensation.

Florida asbestos companies with trust funds:

• Celotex Corporation
• DII Industries
• Johns Manville
• W.R. Grace

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Florida

While you can pursue compensation on your own, most claimants choose to work with a lawyer. Asbestos litigation is a complex field, so choosing a law firm that focuses on asbestos claims may help you secure more effective support.

Working with an experienced attorney can offer multiple benefits, including specialized resources to track down historical evidence and the knowledge required to maximize your potential compensation by filing multiple trust fund claims and lawsuits at the same time.

With experienced legal guidance, the claims process doesn’t have to be stressful. Our legal partner, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has spent over a decade refining their process for handling mesothelioma claims smoothly:

1. Meet With a Mesothelioma Attorney
   • Your initial consultation gives you the chance to ask your prospective lawyer questions. The goal is to help you understand your options, the potential value of your case, and what you can expect from the compensation process.
2. Gather Evidence & Documentation
   • If you choose to move forward, your legal team will handle gathering the evidence needed to build a strong case. Even if you’re unsure where to find certain records, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help track down employment histories, medical records, and more to support your claim.
3. File Claims
   • Next, your attorney will file your claim with the appropriate court, asbestos trust fund, or other compensation program. Because many victims qualify for compensation from multiple sources, your legal team may pursue several claims at the same time to help maximize your total recovery.
4. Claim Discovery or Review
   • Once your lawyer files your claim, the defendant(s) will review the information. They may conduct their own investigation or request additional supporting evidence. Your lawyer will handle all communication during this stage.
5. Settlement, Trial, or Liquidation
   • Often, a strong claim results in an offer of payment, either through a trust fund payout or a negotiated out-of-court settlement. In some cases, your claim may continue to trial, where your attorney will represent you until a judge or jury determines your final award.

For many mesothelioma claimants, applying to asbestos trust funds is a critical part of the compensation process. Trusts offer claimants a quick route to compensation without ever needing to step into a courtroom. Many trust claims pay out only 90 days after filing.

Changes to Asbestos Litigation in Florida

Every state has the right to set local laws and regulations governing asbestos litigation within its borders, and Florida is no exception. It details most of the relevant rules in section 774 of the state statutes, including the Asbestos and Silica Compensation Fairness Act.

Aspects of Florida asbestos litigation governed by these statutes include:

• Medical criteria: Claimants with non-cancerous asbestos diseases must provide specific evidence of actual physical impairment linked to their disease in order to file a lawsuit. Claimants with cancer, such as mesothelioma, usually don’t have to meet this requirement.
• Two-disease rule: Claimants can file a new lawsuit for asbestos-related cancer even if they previously filed a lawsuit against the same defendants for a non-cancerous asbestos disease.
• Limited liability: Companies that qualify as successors, renters, lessors, or sellers in Florida are protected by laws that restrict how much they can be held responsible for asbestos injuries.

If you qualify for compensation in Florida, it’s important to work with a lawyer who understands the state’s unique legal landscape.

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Florida?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. Although local cancer doctors can be an important part of a patient’s care team, they may not be the best choice to take the lead on a mesothelioma treatment program.

Florida has several providers that offer patients cutting-edge care and access to clinical trials.

Top mesothelioma treatment centers in Florida:

• AdventHealth Cancer Institute
• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
• Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
• Orlando Health Cancer Institute
• Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

It’s common for a mesothelioma diagnosis to unleash an avalanche of tasks and stressors. Patients and their families suddenly have to understand a complex diagnosis while finding and paying for the best treatment.

Our patient advocates can connect you with over 500 top mesothelioma providers nationwide through our Doctor Match Program. Once we’ve identified the best provider for you, we’ll leverage our relationships with partner providers to help you get seen quickly, so you can get the diagnosis, second opinion, or care you need.

We can also help you identify and apply for compensation opportunities: a critical step for many patients who may otherwise struggle to afford the high costs of mesothelioma treatment. Let our patient advocate connect you with the legal, medical, and financial resources you deserve. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

How We Can Help

Asbestos in Florida has hurt thousands of workers and residents, leaving them and their families struggling to cope with the physical, financial, and emotional costs of asbestos-linked illnesses like mesothelioma. If you or someone you love is dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis, remember that help is available.

Florida claimants may qualify for multiple forms of compensation. At the Mesothelioma Fund, we can help you determine your eligibility at no cost to you, apply for compensation, find specialist medical care, and connect with experienced asbestos attorneys, like our sponsoring law firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg.

Meirowitz & Wasserberg’s team of asbestos litigation attorneys has helped clients secure over $500 million in total asbestos compensation. Their decades of combined litigation experience provide victims and families with the legal guidance they deserve, both in Florida and nationwide.

The Mesothelioma Fund provides support with every step of the claims process. Whether you need help getting a diagnosis, learning about your eligibility, or seeking legal guidance, our patient advocates will meet you where you are in your journey. Contact us today to get a free case evaluation and learn more about your options.

Written & Legally Reviewed By

Daniel Wasserberg, Esq. Attorney and On-Site Legal Advocate

Daniel Wasserberg was a New York metropolitan area “Super Lawyer Rising Star” from 2013 to 2018 (attorneys under age 40), and a Super Lawyer in 2019. In 2017, Daniel was named a “Top 100 Civil Litigator” by the National Trial Lawyers organization. This recognition is rarely awarded to attorneys under the age of 40. Daniel is proud to call himself a Trial Lawyer, and is often asked to speak at gatherings of the nation’s leading attorneys, from both sides of the bar.

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