Many victims of asbestos exposure in Florida are fighting for justice with the help of experienced Miami mesothelioma lawyers. Shipyards and many other Miami job sites and industries used asbestos for decades before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limited its use.
If you or someone you love suffers from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Miami, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Miami and Asbestos Facts
- Miami-Dade County had the fourth-highest number of asbestos-related deaths in Florida between 1999 and 2017.
- The county’s death toll from asbestos causes was 972 during that period.
- Several shipyards in Miami contributed to asbestos deaths in the area. Other contributors included Bendix, a brake manufacturer, and Nabi Pharmaceuticals.
Understanding Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlements
When individuals or families seek compensation for mesothelioma cases, settlements typically range from $1 million to $2 million. These figures can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the illness, the number of parties being sued, and the strength of the legal case.
Influential Factors
- Severity of Diagnosis: The stage of the disease and its impact on the individual’s quality of life can significantly affect the settlement amount.
- Company Responsibility: If multiple companies are involved, or if one company bears significant responsibility, the financial outcome can differ.
- Legal Representation: Experienced legal teams can negotiate higher settlements due to their expertise in handling complex asbestos-related cases.
Understanding the Components
Settlements usually cover several expenses:
- Medical Costs: Includes past, current, and future treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensates for income lost due to inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Acknowledges the emotional and physical pain caused by the illness.
Conclusion
While the average settlement ranges optimistically between $1 and $2 million, each case is unique. Various elements shape these numbers, emphasizing the importance of tailored legal advice and understanding one’s specific circumstances.
What Can a Miami Mesothelioma Lawyer Do for Me?
“If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, the right lawyer can help you get much-needed compensation. Mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses cost you a lot of money in treatments, travel costs, lost wages, and more. You have mesothelioma because one or more companies negligently exposed you to asbestos. Let an experienced asbestos attorney in Miami help you hold those companies accountable:
- Guidance and Expertise: An experienced attorney is crucial for navigating the complex legal process of a mesothelioma lawsuit. They will guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is handled with the utmost professionalism.
- Case Review and Investigation: A lawyer will review your case for free and provide guidance on what to do next. If they take your case, asbestos lawyers will investigate your past asbestos exposure. They will determine which companies can be sued. If any of those companies went bankrupt, your lawyer can find the appropriate asbestos trust and help you file a claim.
- Financial Recovery: The asbestos trusts still have $30 billion available for claimants. Your lawyer will file a lawsuit and negotiate a settlement with the defendants. Experienced attorneys often achieve settlements out of court, providing substantial compensation to plaintiffs.
Your lawyer will give you the best chance of recovering damages and will maximize the compensation you receive. If settlement negotiations fail, your lawyer will litigate your case in court and seek a jury verdict and award. Most importantly, the right lawyer allows you to rest and focus on treatment while they take legal actions in your best interests.”
Why Acting Quickly on Mesothelioma Claims Matters
Understanding the Latency Period
Mesothelioma is a unique and challenging illness, often taking decades to manifest after exposure. This long latency period means that symptoms only become apparent years later, making it essential to act swiftly once diagnosed.
Legal Time Constraints
Each state has specific statutes of limitations for filing a mesothelioma claim. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the clock starts ticking. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the chance to seek justice and compensation.
Securing Vital Evidence
Over time, crucial evidence related to asbestos exposure can be lost or become harder to obtain. Witnesses may become unavailable, companies may dissolve, and records might be lost. Acting quickly can ensure that essential documentation and testimonies are gathered effectively.
Maximizing Compensation
Prompt action increases the likelihood of receiving the full compensation you deserve. Delays might affect the viability of a claim, potentially minimizing the financial support available for medical treatments, living expenses, and family security.
Navigating the Legal Maze
Filing a mesothelioma claim involves navigating a complex legal system. By reaching out to an experienced attorney sooner rather than later, you can benefit from guidance and advocacy, helping to streamline the process and focus on recovery.
Acting promptly isn’t just about meeting deadlines; it’s about safeguarding your future and ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.
What Steps Should One Take if Exposed to Asbestos in Miami?
Finding yourself exposed to asbestos can be a worrying situation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this challenging scenario.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation
- The first and foremost action is to schedule a comprehensive medical evaluation. Reach out to a healthcare professional who specializes in environmental or occupational health. Early detection of any asbestos-related conditions is key to effective management.
2. Document the Exposure
- Keep a detailed record of your exposure. Note the date, location, duration, and any potential sources of asbestos. This information will be essential both for your medical records and any future legal actions.
3. Monitor Health Symptoms
- Pay close attention to respiratory issues, persistent coughing, or shortness of breath. Regular health check-ups will help detect any arising complications early.
4. Consult a Specialist Lawyer
- Contact a qualified attorney who specializes in asbestos-related cases. They can evaluate whether you have grounds for a claim and guide you through the process of pursuing compensation for medical costs and other damages.
5. Gather Evidence and Witnesses
- Collect any evidence related to your exposure, including photographs and witness statements. This will support any case you decide to pursue legally.
6. Stay Informed about Asbestos Regulations
- Educate yourself about local and national asbestos regulations. Understanding the laws can empower you in protecting yourself and advocating for safer environments.
By taking these steps promptly, you can safeguard your health while ensuring that your legal rights are duly represented. It’s important to act swiftly and seek professional guidance each step of the way.
How to Choose a Top Miami Mesothelioma Lawyer
Top-rated Florida mesothelioma lawyers in Miami can help you make your case and get the compensation you deserve. It’s essential that you choose the right lawyer to get the best results. Here’s what to look for in a lawyer for your asbestos claims in Miami:
- A lawyer experienced in working with and winning for asbestos clients
- A local attorney or someone who can come to you but who is part of a large, nationwide firm with adequate resources to investigate and prove your case.
- Someone who offers a free initial consultation and doesn’t charge you any fees until you win compensation.
How Did I Get Mesothelioma?
If you live in Miami and received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you probably worked with or around asbestos at some point in your career. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma.
Asbestos releases tiny fibers that become airborne and are inhaled by anyone working nearby. Inside your body, those fibers can cause damage that might lead to cancer, often pleural mesothelioma or lung cancer.
While not everyone gets sick from asbestos exposure, those who do develop devastating illnesses. Exposure is most often from the workplace and is negligent. Companies can be held accountable. Industries in which asbestos was once common include shipping, construction, manufacturing, energy, and automotive repair. These industries often utilized a variety of asbestos-containing products due to the material’s durability and resistance to heat. In Miami, many buildings still contain these products, posing potential risks to residents and workers alike.
Some of the common products that might be present include:
- Adhesives: Used in various applications, often hidden under floors or behind walls.
- Floor Tiles: Frequently found in older buildings, these tiles can release asbestos fibers when disturbed.
- Insulation: Widely used for its fire-retardant properties, particularly in older homes and commercial buildings.
- Pipes: Asbestos was a popular choice for insulating pipes, especially in industrial settings.
- Roof Shingles: Many roofs still contain asbestos shingles, which can be hazardous during renovations or repairs.
Understanding these materials and where they are likely to be found helps in assessing the potential asbestos exposure in Miami’s buildings.
Shipyards and Asbestos Use in Miami
Miami’s economy once relied on the shipbuilding and repair industry. Since time used, asbestos in nearly all components, putting workers at risk of exposure. Shipyards associated with asbestos in Miami include:
- Miami Shipbuilding Corporation
- Jones Boat Yard
- Miami-Dade Drydock
- American Shipbuilding
- Merrill Stevens Drydock
Bendix Brakes and Asbestos
The shipbuilding industry has been among the heaviest users of asbestos in the past, but not the only one. Bendix, a company that manufactured vehicle brakes, used asbestos in its parts. The asbestos helped to reduce friction and overheating in components.
In 2008, a Miami jury ruled against Honeywell International, the parent company of Bendix, after a former employee filed an asbestos lawsuit.
Stephen Guilder worked for Bendix during the 1970s and 1980s. Several years later, Guilder was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, which stemmed directly from his prolonged exposure to asbestos while working as a mechanic for Bendix.
Guilder’s health declined rapidly, and the courts expedited the trial, resulting in a $24.1 million victory for Guilder. In addition, his wife and three children were awarded $7.1 million, which was factored into the total amount. The total includes pain and suffering, as well as future lost income.
Asbestos at Nabi Pharmaceuticals
Another area job site resulted in a substantial monetary award for a victim of asbestos exposure. Charles Thornton worked at Nabi maintaining equipment made by GEA Mechanical Equipment.
Centrifuges and other machinery used in the labs contained asbestos in some parts. While doing maintenance work on them, Thornton was exposed and ultimately developed mesothelioma. His lawyers recently helped him recover a jury award of $70 million.
Other Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Miami
Several other Miami businesses and buildings have been associated with asbestos, including:
Hospitals
- Jackson Memorial
- Lebanon
- Mercy
- Mt. Sinai
- St. Francis
- Miami VA
Schools
- Miami High School
- Palmetto Middle School
- Holmes Elementary School
- Martin Luther King Elementary School
- Tropical Elementary School
- Riviera Middle School
- Coral Gables High School
- Miami Springs High School
- Miami Beach High School
- University of Miami School of Medicine
- Northwestern High School
Hotels
- Delido Hotel
- Diplomat Hotel
- Doral Hotel
- Eden Rock Hotel
- Fontainebleau Hotel
- Hollywood Beach Hotel
- Holiday Inn Miami
Other Businesses
- Miami Herald
- Miami Electric Light & Power
- Dadeland Shopping Center
- Miami Beach Convention Center
- Miami International Airport
- Miami Steam Electric Station
- Turkey Point Power House
- Pabco Packing Company
Asbestos in Miami-Dade Schools
Around 1978, several Miami-Dade Public School District schools began experiencing asbestos fibers floating through the hallways. Many students from area high schools transferred to other buildings while crews worked to secure the problems.
In 1988 asbestos issues surfaced again, and hundreds of elementary school children were transported to different schools during air quality testing. More than half of the schools tested in 1988 showed positive signs of asbestos.
Mesothelioma Treatment in Miami
Mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses require specialized care. Seek out physicians who are experienced with these types of diseases.
Miami is home to a designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, facilities recognized for treatment, patient care, and research.
The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center treats a wide range of cancers, including pleural mesothelioma. Treatments include robotic-assisted surgery, medical oncology, and advanced radiation therapy. Physicians and surgeons at Sylvester work together in multidisciplinary teams to treat patients.
How Much Is a Mesothelioma Claim Worth?
Compensation depends on your diagnosis, exposure history, and the type of claim. The table below shows the main paths and typical ranges.
| Claim type | What it covers | Typical range / source | Lawsuit needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos trust funds | Claims paid from bankrupt asbestos manufacturers’ trust funds | $30B+ available across active trusts; each trust sets its own payout schedule | No — filed directly, often in months. Trust fund payouts → |
| Mesothelioma settlement | Negotiated recovery from solvent companies that caused the exposure | Averages ~$1M–$1.4M (varies widely by case) | Yes — a lawsuit is filed; most cases settle before trial |
| Wrongful-death claim | Filed by a surviving spouse or family after the patient has passed | Medical bills, lost income, and loss of companionship | Yes — must be filed within the state deadline. Wrongful death → |
| VA benefits | For veterans with an asbestos-related disease from military service | VA disability compensation plus health care (not a lawsuit) | No — a separate VA claim. Veterans benefits → |
Getting Legal Help in Miami
Paul at Mesothelioma Lawyer Center provided outstanding support when my family faced a mesothelioma diagnosis. From the start, his professionalism and genuine care were evident. Paul explained every step of the legal process with patience and empathy.
–Patrick M
His meticulous attention to detail and expertise ensured our case was handled swiftly and efficiently. What truly impressed us was Paul’s responsiveness—he was always quick to reply and kept us well-informed throughout.
I highly recommend Mesothelioma Lawyer Center.
If you’ve been injured by asbestos, there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
