Mesothelioma Law Firm in Florida

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were once heavily used in construction, shipbuilding, and various manufacturing industries. Its durability and fire-resistant properties made asbestos seem like a "miracle fiber" when it was first introduced. Asbestos use skyrocketed in the early 1900s, and it was even used in common products like insulation and automobile brake pads. At one point, the US was consuming over 800,000 tons of asbestos per year.

‍

However, by the 1970s, irrefutable research linked asbestos exposure to serious diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. After decades of heavy use, the dangers of asbestos were finally recognized. Yet, many asbestos-containing materials remain in older buildings and products. This means asbestos exposure is still possible today.

‍

If you worked in construction, shipyards, power plants, or other high-risk industries before the late 1970s, you may have had significant occupational exposure to asbestos. Even indirect or environmental exposure from living with someone who worked with asbestos can be dangerous. In Florida, common sources of asbestos exposure include the vermiculite processing plant in Tampa, the Hampton Roads Naval Shipyard, power plants, construction sites, and other industrial facilities.

‍

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. These fibers cause chronic inflammation and genetic damage that eventually leads to malignant mesothelioma cells forming in the mesothelium. The tumor cells multiply rapidly, forming malignant masses in the pleura (lungs), peritoneum (abdomen), or pericardium (heart).

‍

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, representing about 75% of cases. The early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, and a persistent cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for about 20% of cases and causes abdominal swelling, pain, and bowel obstruction. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the protective sac around the heart but is extremely rare.

‍

Regardless of the type, mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. The relative 5-year survival rate is only 10%. This makes it absolutely crucial to get an accurate diagnosis and seek treatment from a specialist as soon as the first symptoms appear. The earlier mesothelioma can be diagnosed, the better the potential treatment outcomes.

Anyone exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma later in life. However, some occupations have much higher asbestos exposure levels. If you worked in any of the following high-risk jobs, especially before safety regulations were tightened in the 1970s, you may have a strong basis for a mesothelioma lawsuit:

‍

• Construction workers, including insulators, drywallers, electricians, and plasterers
• Shipyard workers, including boilermakers, mechanics, and pipefitters
• Energy industry workers, including power plant operators and refinery workers
• Automotive and manufacturing workers
• Veterans in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard
• Railroad workers

‍

Mesothelioma has a long latency period, often developing 20-50 years after the initial asbestos exposure. That is why mesothelioma claims often involve exposures in the 1950s, 60s, or 70s, even though asbestos use declined dramatically by the 1980s. Any worker who directly handled asbestos products or worked near others using asbestos is at major risk.

The challenges of battling mesothelioma become significantly worse when patients also face expensive medical bills, lost income, and reduced quality of life. However, victims do have legal options. Companies that negligently exposed workers and consumers to the dangers of asbestos can be held financially accountable.

‍

By filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Florida, victims can recover compensation for:

‍

• Medical costs, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials, and pain medication
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Physical pain and emotional suffering

‍

With an experienced mesothelioma law firm on your side, you can focus on your treatment and recovery while attorneys handle the complex legal process. Reputable firms work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and legal fees come out of any settlement. It is critical to have a mesothelioma lawyer with a proven track record in these specialized asbestos claims.

‍

We fight for the rights of those harmed by asbestos exposure, and work to recover the compensation clients deserve. Our network of dedicated asbestos litigation attorneys have intimate knowledge of Florida’s laws and courts, and can fully investigate your exposure history, pinpoint what companies are responsible, and build a strong claim on your behalf.

The challenges of battling mesothelioma become significantly worse when patients also face expensive medical bills, lost income, and reduced quality of life. However, victims do have legal options. Companies that negligently exposed workers and consumers to the dangers of asbestos can be held financially accountable.

‍

By filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Florida, victims can recover compensation for:

Medical Costs

Mesothelioma treatment is extremely expensive. Patients may need multiple types of treatment including:

‍

• Surgery - Aggressive mesothelioma surgeries like pleurectomy and extrapleural pneumonectomy can cost over $100,000.
• Chemotherapy - Powerful chemodrug cocktails are used to try to kill cancer cells. Each round costs $10,000-$15,000.
• Radiation Therapy - This targeted high-energy radiation can cost up to $60,000.
• Clinical Trials - Experimental new treatments are costly but may extend life.
• Medications - Opioid pain medications, anti-nausea drugs, and other supportive medications are essential but expensive.

‍

Lost Income

Most mesothelioma patients have to leave their jobs due to health issues. Losing this income places a huge financial burden on families already struggling with medical costs. A mesothelioma settlement can provide compensation for:

‍

• Lost wages from being unable to work during treatment
• Reduced earning capacity due to ongoing health problems
• Lost future earnings due to an early death

Funeral and Burial Costs

Sadly, many mesothelioma victims do succumb to this aggressive disease. Funeral expenses in Florida average $7,000-$12,000. Mesothelioma settlements often provide compensation so families don't have to handle these costs during their grief.

‍

Pain and Suffering

‍

Mesothelioma is an excruciating disease. Settlements account for the:

‍

• Physical pain of tumors pressing on organs
• Misery of harsh treatments like surgery and chemo
• Emotional toll of an asbestos-related terminal illness

‍

With an experienced mesothelioma law firm on your side, you can focus on your treatment and recovery while attorneys handle the complex legal process. Braver Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and legal fees come out of any settlement. It is critical to have a mesothelioma lawyer with a proven track record in these specialized asbestos claims.

‍

There are many general personal injury firms in Florida, but you need a law firm specifically experienced in mesothelioma cases. Factors to consider when choosing a law firm include:

Staff Experience

• How long has the firm been handling asbestos lawsuits? Look for decades of focused experience.
• What are the qualifications and track record of the lead attorneys? Opt for mesothelioma specialists.
• Have the attorneys been recognized leaders in asbestos litigation?

Past Results

• How many mesothelioma settlements has the firm won in Florida? Higher numbers indicate greater success.
• What is their average settlement amount? Top firms secure compensation well into seven figures.

Case Preparation

• Will they thoroughly investigate your exposure history? This is key to identifying all liable companies.
• Do they have partnerships with leading medical experts? Expert testimony strengthens your case.
• Will they file your claim immediately to avoid statutes of limitations? Timing is important.

Level of Service

• How responsive are their attorneys and staff? You need immediate support.
• Will you have direct access to senior partners? Don't settle for inexperienced junior lawyers.
• Do they provide compassionate guidance during this difficult time? Personality fit matters.

Braver Law is the clear choice. As a leading mesothelioma law firm in Florida, we exceed expectations in all of these categories. Our attorneys secure asbestos settlements for wronged victims. Our network of lawyers knows the state courts and laws inside and out, and take an individualized approach to each case, partnering with nationally renowned mesothelioma specialists to build the strongest claim possible.

‍

Too many companies historically have put profits over people by exposing workers and the public to asbestos hazards. Victims of these unethical corporations have every right to hold them legally and financially accountable through a mesothelioma lawsuit in Florida.

‍

Filing a successful claim starts with identifying all parties responsible for asbestos exposure. This can include:

‍

• Employers that directly exposed workers to asbestos daily. For example, construction companies, shipyards, power plants, and manufacturers.
• Equipment and product manufacturers that used asbestos without proper warnings. Asbestos was found in machinery, industrial materials, and even common consumer goods.
• Property owners that failed to remediate asbestos hazards, leading to toxic exposure. This includes companies and landlords.
• Contractors that supplied or installed asbestos products. Construction contractors, electricians, plumbers, roofers, and many trade professionals potentially exposed others.
• Distributors, retailers, and suppliers that sold asbestos products without adequate safety precautions and warnings. The entire supply chain can share liability.

‍

Experienced mesothelioma law firms have the resources and knowledge to identify all potentially liable companies in Florida. This casts the widest net possible to secure fair compensation.

‍

Many major asbestos companies set up special trust funds to pay victims’ claims after going bankrupt. There are currently over 60 asbestos bankruptcy trust funds holding over $30 billion. Top mesothelioma law firms know how to secure compensation from these trusts for their clients. This is often vital to recovering the maximum settlement.

Each state has time limits, known as statutes of limitations, on filing asbestos lawsuits. In Florida, there is a 4-year limit from diagnosis. This deadline comes fast amidst cancer treatment. Reputable law firms file claims quickly to prevent missing deadlines. They also look for exceptions if a deadline was missed to still secure compensation.

‍

With extensive legal experience and resources, top mesothelioma law firms in Florida get results. Braver Law has navigated complex asbestos cases to get results for clients. No case or situation is alike, and past recoveries do not guarantee future outcomes. However, Braver Law will fight with you and your loved ones to secure the compensation you deserve.

‍