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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.
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
Morgan & Morgan
How Can a Mesothelioma Attorney in DeLand Help You?
Deciding to file a mesothelioma claim is a complicated matter. You’ll typically need to prove that you developed mesothelioma from workplace exposure. Family members whose loved ones worked in industries where mesothelioma exposure was commonplace may also be able to file a claim.
Family members are known to be susceptible to the disease because their loved ones often unwittingly bring home particles of asbestos on their clothing. Asbestos can attach itself to fibers throughout the home, like on sofas and carpeting. It also freely circulates in the air.
Your attorney can help you determine the appropriate claim and establish evidence for your case. They will work with medical and industry professionals to ensure you have adequate support for your case.
Attorneys will also handle all of the court filings associated with your claims. If your case goes to court, they will represent you in front of the judge and jury.
Why Should I Hire Morgan and Morgan?
Established in 1988, Morgan & Morgan is the largest personal injury firm in the United States. Since we first opened our doors, we’ve won over $13B in court verdicts and settlements for our clients in all types of personal injury cases. We have offices across the country, including Florida.
Our attorneys pride themselves on being compassionate individuals who seek the best for our clients. We work hard to ensure that our customers receive their due compensation. If a defendant is unwilling to provide fair remuneration, we have no problem taking them to court.
When you hire Morgan and Morgan as your attorneys, you can expect a knowledgeable and skilled team dedicated to protecting your rights. We’ll keep you abreast of your case as it goes through the legal process.
What Is Mesothelioma?
are two main types of mesothelioma, including pleural and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma develops in the linings of the lungs and often occurs from the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of internal organs, such as the stomach. It also occurs through the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
There are treatments available for mesothelioma, but most are largely ineffective because the diagnosis of the disease often doesn’t occur for many years. Treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. They may be extraordinarily painful for the victim, especially if the individual is in the later stages of the disease.
Life expectancy for individuals with pleural mesothelioma is one to three years. Peritoneal mesothelioma victims have a longer life expectancy, generally ranging from two to six years.
What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Chest pain
- Dry cough
- Ongoing fatigue
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Blood clots
Individuals who experience any of the symptoms of mesothelioma should seek immediate medical assistance.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms often remain latent for decades after asbestos exposure. In some cases, individuals don’t exhibit symptoms for forty to fifty years. During that time, their condition gradually worsens until it becomes a full-blown mesothelioma case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Mesothelioma Claim in DeLand?
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma have up to four years to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party in DeLand.
Florida’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years.
While Florida allows a more extended period to file a legal claim, it’s essential to begin the process quickly. The sooner you file a lawsuit, the faster you may obtain compensation to cover your medical expenses and other losses.How Much Money Can I Receive in a Mesothelioma Claim?
The value of your mesothelioma case will vary according to the type of claim you file. VA benefits generally include a specific monthly payment that the VA will pay to victims and survivors. Trust fund claims limit compensation to a particular amount.
If you file a personal injury or wrongful death claim, you may be able to obtain more compensation. A mesothelioma lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can assess the potential value of your claim.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Claim?
The time it takes to resolve your case will depend on the type of claim you file. Trust fund and VA benefits cases typically take six months to a year to resolve.
In a personal injury or wrongful death claim, it may take up to six months to receive compensation if the defendant offers a settlement. If the settlement is unfair to you, we will take your case to court. A legal claim that goes to trial may take several years to resolve fully.
Morgan And Morgan: Lawyers Ready to Fight for You
Morgan & Morgan attorneys have helped thousands of personal injury victims recover damages for losses related to the negligence of others. We can help you pursue your mesothelioma claim. Get the assistance you need from a mesothelioma attorney in DeLand. To schedule your free case evaluation, fill out our convenient online form.
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