How to Prove Asbestos Exposure in Florida
Evidence is key in Asbestos Trust Fund claims and lawsuits
Asbestos exposure is a big concern in Florida, where thousands of people who were exposed to the toxic material in the past are now dealing with lung cancer or mesothelioma later in life. Compensation is available for victims’ medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and more, but collecting the money victims are entitled to is often difficult. Filing a successful lawsuit or trust fund claim requires a large amount of evidence connecting past asbestos exposure to a lung cancer or mesothelioma diagnosis.
In Florida, asbestos victims often struggle to collect the necessary evidence to prove their cases. For one thing, many victims were exposed to asbestos decades ago. Not a lot of documents from that time are readily available today.
To get the most for their asbestos claims or lawsuits, many victims seek the help of experienced asbestos lung cancer lawyers. They can investigate what happened, obtain evidence, and keep claims moving forward while their clients focus on the things that matter most to them. Lawyers with decades of experience filing asbestos claims and lawsuits have a deep understanding of the complicated legal processes involved and how to win. No matter how long-ago exposure happened, they can gather important evidence to prove asbestos exposure in Florida.
How did asbestos exposure happen in Florida?
The evidence collected to prove exposure will depend on how the victim made contact with asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used in a wide variety of products because of its strength, durability, and fire resistance. However, asbestos is now known to be a carcinogen, and exposure to asbestos can lead to several serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Most victims were exposed to asbestos at work. In Florida, high-risk industries for asbestos exposure include:
- Automotive repair
- Power plants
- Construction
- Shipbuilding
- Chemical plants
- Oil refineries
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Aerospace
In addition to occupational exposure, Floridians were exposed to asbestos at home when loved ones who worked with the material brought fibers home in their hair and on their clothes. This is sometimes called “secondary exposure.”
Also, people who lived near asbestos mines or facilities were at a heightened risk of developing asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma. In Florida, known asbestos exposure incidents and operations associated with asbestos include, but are not limited to:
- W.R. Grace & Company, “Zonolite Company,” Tampa.
- Bellinger Shipyard, Jacksonville.
- Offshore Shipbuilding, Panama.
- Crist Power Plant, Pensacola.
- Vero Beach Municipal Power Plant.
- Fort Lauderdale Electric Co.
- Florida Cane Products, Tampa.
- Atlantic Sugar Assoc., Belle Glade.
- Mulberry Phosphate Mine.
- Naval Air Station Key West.
How an attorney can collect evidence
To collect the compensation they deserve, asbestos exposure victims must typically prove four things:
- Type and source of the asbestos involved.
- Duration of exposure.
- Specific dates and locations of exposure.
- Diagnosis of asbestos-related illness like lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Proving a case means collecting a lot of evidence. An experienced lawyer can determine which funds their clients qualify for and gather the required documentation to file successful claims. Common types of evidence required in asbestos claims and lawsuits include:
- Medical records demonstrating a diagnosis. Proof of medical treatment may also be required.
- Employment records showing the victim worked in an asbestos-related industry.
- Purchase orders and documents indicating which asbestos products were used in the victim’s workplace.
- Personal testimony from witnesses who can corroborate exposure to asbestos.
- Lab test results.
- Expert testimony.
It is important to note that the laws governing asbestos exposure and compensation vary from state to state. Which state’s laws apply may depend on where and when you were exposed. An attorney can investigate, get to the bottom of what happened, and determine which legal requirements and deadlines apply to your case.
How a lawyer can help
The process of establishing the link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer can be challenging, but the experienced asbestos lung cancer lawyers and mesothelioma attorneys at the Ferrell Law Group can handle this for you.
The Ferrell Law Group has dedicated more than 30 years to making the process of collecting compensation for asbestos diseases as easy as possible for our clients. You don't need to recall the exact location and time of your asbestos exposure. We conduct thorough investigations that discover important evidence no matter when the incident happened.
We know what it takes to win in communities throughout the state of Florida. Our law firm has successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for victims of mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer and their families.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and is now experiencing mesothelioma or lung cancer, contact the Ferrell Law Group for a free case consultation. A member of our team can listen to the specifics of your case, determine whether you have a solid claim for asbestos compensation, and address any questions you may have.
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