Melbourne Mesothelioma Lawyer

In the 19th and 20th centuries, asbestos often was used in the U.S. construction industry. Unfortunately, it took many years for scientists to discover the link between inhaling airborne asbestos particles and developing mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. Today, the scientific community has widely accepted that exposure is deadly. Therefore, a Florida employer is now legally obligated to protect workers from related health risks. Workers who have become ill after being exposed at work may retain a or Melbourne mesothelioma lawyer and seek compensation from those responsible for their work conditions.

Who is at risk of mesothelioma?

Those who are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure have generally worked in certain occupations. There is also evidence that those who lived in the same household with individuals who were regularly exposed over an extended period may also be at risk of developing illness due to particles entering the household on the skin, hair, clothing and shoes of exposed workers. In the 1940s, millions of Americans in the following trades may have been exposed to airborne particles due to their jobs:

• asbestos mining and milling
• shipbuilding
• asbestos textile manufacturing
• construction
• demolition
• asbestos removal
• drywall removal
• automobile mechanics

In addition to workers who were exposed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, individuals who were involved in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup at the 9/11 World Trade Center attack site are at risk for developing asbestos-related ailments. However, because it may take 10 to 40 years for symptoms of related diseases to appear, these individuals will need to be monitored closely for decades. With exception of those exposed during the World Trade Center efforts, workers today are at a much smaller risk of developing health conditions caused by exposure due to government regulations and improvements in workplace safety.

While all asbestos is considered hazardous, researchers believe some types may specifically correlate with certain diseases. Several studies suggest “amphibole” forms may be more likely to cause mesothelioma because the fibers remain in the lungs longer. The amount of asbestos to which an individual is exposed, duration of exposure, size, shape, and chemical makeup of fibers, and source of exposure also have an impact the development of illness. Related disease risk is especially high among smokers as well as those who have preexisting lung disease.

Filing an asbestos-related claim in Melbourne

In 2005, Florida passed the Asbestos and Silica Compensation Fairness Act to establish a higher threshold for plaintiffs to cross when filing suit for an related illness. In certain cases, the plaintiff must present “prima facie” evidence, or evidence that is sufficient to prove the claimant’s case, prior to proceeding to trial. In addition, the claimant’s ailments must also meet certain medical standards. If the plaintiff’s Melbourne mesothelioma attorneys do not provide sufficient pretrial evidence, the case is dismissed. However, non-smokers who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other cancers of the lungs, larynx, pharynx or esophagus following asbestos exposure are not required to present prima facie evidence before trial.

Impact on defendants

In an effort to limit the size of payouts plaintiffs may receive, Florida does not award punitive damages, compensation intended to discourage bad conduct, in related cases. Prior to the Act, Florida imposed strict liability on all parties who were in the chain of distribution of a defective product. Under the current law, a Melbourne defendant who sells, but does not manufacture, asbestos may only be found liable if 1) the seller failed to use reasonable care and proximately caused harm to the plaintiff, 2) the product failed to comply with an express warranty ad caused the plaintiff’s injury, and 3) the seller engaged in intentional wrongdoing.

Florida’s legislative actions indicate a clear objective to limit plaintiffs in recovering compensation for asbestos exposure. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals who believe they may have developed mesothelioma or any other related illness contact a Melbourne asbestos lawyer as soon as the first symptoms crop up. With the help of a an experienced personal injury lawyer in Melbourne, injured plaintiffs can better protect their rights and receive the compensation they deserve.