Mesothelioma Attorney in DeLand

Mesothelioma is a devastating, fatal, and preventable type of cancer. It occurs when people experience long-term asbestos exposure, often from their jobs. The dangers of asbestos were unknown for a long time, and companies used the substance in numerous products, including clothing, paint, and building materials.

In the 1970s, regulators began to take notice of asbestos after a personal injury case brought by a worker who had asbestosis. OSHA began to regulate worker exposure to the substance, and the EPA began a ten-year study to understand its health impacts. In the late 1980s, the EPA banned asbestos, but the federal courts overturned the ban two years later.

To this day, asbestos is still available in multiple products. However, many workers have sued organizations for their asbestos exposure and subsequent development of mesothelioma. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have a claim against a prior employer or other entity. A mesothelioma attorney in DeLand can help. Contact Morgan & Morgan to schedule your free case evaluation.

How Workers Develop Mesothelioma

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Florida ranks second amongst all states for the highest mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths. Workers in Florida can develop both diseases from exposure at the workplace. Other individuals may experience asbestos exposure in other states but relocate to Florida for retirement.

Known industries where workers have sustained regular asbestos exposure include:

Shipyards 

As a state bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Gulf of Mexico in the west, Florida is a prime hub for shipyards and shipbuilding. Shipyards frequently use asbestos as a material in ships and boats. It’s known for being fire-resistant, so designers and manufacturers may include it to safeguard a vessel from potential fires. 

Shipyard workers who maintain, build, and repair maritime vessels can come in contact with the substance. Over the long term, they may develop mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Manufacturing Sites

Manufacturing sites use asbestos to develop products, including clothing, chemicals, automobiles, and paper. Anyone regularly employed at a manufacturer’s plant may suffer from asbestos exposure. While workers may wear equipment to protect them from harm, asbestos particles are tiny and can attach to clothing.

Construction Sites

Construction workers can come in contact with asbestos, especially when building or repairing homes and buildings. Asbestos was regularly used for insulation against the cold in homes. Homes that include fireplaces required asbestos as a fire-resistant substance in chimneys, paint, and other areas.

Most homes built before the mid-1990s still contain asbestos. Construction workers who repair older homes must be careful to protect themselves from the substance.

Military Veterans

Military veterans will likely suffer from asbestos exposure no matter what branch they worked for. Asbestos is a popular substance in Navy vessels and Air Force jets. Older base housing may also contain asbestos. There are multiple military bases throughout Florida where exposure can occur.

Known Locations in Florida for Asbestos Exposure

Several military bases and corporations in Florida have known asbestos sites. Anyone working at these locations may develop mesothelioma or asbestosis due to their exposure. Sites include:

• Cape Kennedy Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral
• Eglin Air Force Base, Valparaiso
• Homestead Air Reserve Base, Miami
• Rayonier Paper Company, Fernandina Beach (Closed)
• MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa
• Hurlburt Field, Okaloosa County
• McCoy Air Force Base, Orlando
• Patrick Air Force Base, Brevard County
• Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral
• Mayport Naval Air Station, Mayport
• Naval Air Station Pensacola, Pensacola
• Tampa Shipyards, Tampa
• Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City
• Tampa Bay Shipbuilding, Tampa
• Bellinger Shipyard, Jacksonville
• International Paper Company, Panama City
• Florida Power and Light Company, Miami
• Saint Regis Paper Company, Jacksonville

If you don’t see your prior employer on the list, it’s still possible that your mesothelioma may be due to workplace asbestos exposure. 

A mesothelioma attorney in DeLand can help determine who is responsible for your sickness.

Types of Mesothelioma Claims in Florida

You may potentially obtain compensation for asbestos exposure resulting in mesothelioma in four ways. A mesothelioma attorney in DeLand can assist you in determining the proper type of claim.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

A personal injury lawsuit occurs between you and a negligent party, like your prior employer. To prove a company or organization is responsible for your disease, you’ll need to show that the business did not adequately warn you of the risks of asbestos exposure. An attorney can help you develop your claim.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If you are a family member of someone who lost their life to mesothelioma, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. In a wrongful death lawsuit, you’ll need to prove that another party’s negligence led to your loved one’s disease and death. Spouses, children under 25, parents, and blood relatives may file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Veterans Administration Claim

If you are a veteran of the military and can connect your asbestos exposure to your time in service, you may be able to obtain additional benefits from the VA. A mesothelioma attorney in DeLand can help you file a claim. The amount of your VA benefits can vary based on different factors.

Trust Fund Claim

Many organizations that regularly exposed their workers to asbestos went bankrupt as mesothelioma claims began to compound. However, most companies were required to set up trust funds for future mesothelioma victims. If your prior employer is no longer in business, you may be able to obtain compensation through their trust fund.