Jacksonville Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Attorney in Jacksonville, FL

If you or a loved one in Jacksonville were exposed to asbestos on the job or at home, you may now be suffering the painful consequences of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a medical diagnosis that resulted from a lifetime of corporate neglect that had put profits ahead of people. At Wallace & Graham, P.A., our Jacksonville, FL mesothelioma & asbestos exposure lawyers fight for victims and families to receive the justice and financial security they deserve following an asbestos-related illness.

Hire a Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

In mesothelioma claims, our results and reputation speak for themselves at Wallace & Graham, P.A. Bill Graham, an attorney with Wallace & Graham, has been named one of the nation’s Top 10 U.S. Jury Verdicts for mesothelioma. For nearly 40 years, we have been steadfast in our representation of families whose lives were devastated by asbestos exposure and have helped ensure those affected received relief, retribution, and closure.

Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s industrial past has given rise to large-scale exposure to asbestos. Shipyard workers, Navy veterans, paper mill workers, construction workers, and others have worked with or around asbestos-containing products. Asbestos can still be found in many schools and pre-1980s public buildings.

Asbestos exposure often did not end at the job site. The fibers could also transfer to work clothes and be brought home to families. You may have been exposed to asbestos years ago, and the symptoms may take time to develop.

When the symptoms are first recognized, they can often be identified by a doctor as an asbestos-related illness in its early stages. Some of these warning signs include:

• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Chest pain or shallow breathing
• Dry cough or wheezing
• Unexplained fatigue or weight loss

Understanding Your Legal Options After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A mesothelioma diagnosis changes your life, and the next steps can seem overwhelming. Many people in Jacksonville who were exposed to asbestos years or even decades ago don’t know they still have legal options. The legal options available to you depend on where and how you were exposed to asbestos.

• You may be entitled to compensation from:
• Personal injury or wrongful death claims
• Asbestos trust funds
• Veterans’ benefits from military exposure

Building Your Mesothelioma Case

Building your mesothelioma case is more than just collecting medical records and bills. It’s about putting them in context. Wallace & Graham, P.A., investigators will look for where and when the exposure occurred, even identifying old workplaces or products long forgotten.

We partner with leading medical professionals to confirm the diagnosis and trace back to the source of exposure. We use our discovery to tell a full story around your case through evidence and professional medical testimony. We fight with a single-minded focus because the facts need to be proven instead of assumed.

Providing Justice and Financial Recovery for Families

A mesothelioma diagnosis can financially devastate a family. Treatment costs, lost wages, and the loss of a breadwinner can all result in a loss of financial security for a family.

Financial compensation is available to help victims and families with the future, not the past, but to help make the future survivable. An experienced Jacksonville asbestos lawyer can explain these options with clarity and compassion.

FAQs About Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in Jacksonville, FL

What Are the First Signs of Mesothelioma After Asbestos Exposure?

Initial symptoms of mesothelioma mimic common and relatively minor respiratory problems, which is why many people ignore them early on. Shortness of breath, chest pain, and a persistent cough are some of the first warning signs.

Fatigue and unexplained weight loss are other possible early symptoms. As it can take many years for symptoms to develop, if you worked with or around asbestos at Jacksonville shipyards or construction sites, make sure to inform your doctor.

How Long After Exposure Can Mesothelioma Develop?

It can typically take 20 to 60 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos. This long time period can make it difficult to determine where the exposure occurred. A knowledgeable Jacksonville asbestos lawyer can evaluate your work history, pinpoint likely locations, and collect evidence to establish liability.

An early consultation with an attorney helps preserve evidence before it’s lost and protects your right to compensation.

Is Mesothelioma Common in Jacksonville and Across Florida?

Jacksonville has a long history of shipbuilding, naval activity, and industrial construction. This industrial legacy has made asbestos exposure a more common occurrence than in other cities across Florida. Workers along the St. Johns River or in older facilities along Talleyrand Ave were particularly at risk for coming into contact with insulation, cement, and brake materials with asbestos. Nationally, the CDC reported 2,669 new mesothelioma cases in 2022.

Can Family Members Develop Mesothelioma From Secondhand Exposure?

Family members can be exposed secondhand to asbestos fibers when their loved ones’ work clothes, hair, or tools are contaminated with asbestos. As a result, it takes decades of indirect exposure for families to develop illness.

In Jacksonville, many secondhand exposure cases are the result of naval or industrial employment, which unknowingly exposed family members by carrying asbestos fibers home. An attorney can help connect the exposure history and diagnosis and pursue fair compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Mesothelioma Claim in Florida?

As of March 24, 2023, Florida reduced its statute of limitations for personal injury cases from four years to two, under House Bill 837 (HB 837) amending Fla. Stat. § 95.11. This means mesothelioma victims have two years from diagnosis to file a claim, and families have two years from a loved one’s passing to pursue wrongful death. Because evidence fades over time, contacting a Florida mesothelioma lawyer quickly helps protect your right to compensation.

Contact a Jacksonville Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Mesothelioma cases require attention to detail, compassion, and tenacity. At Wallace & Graham, P.A., our Jacksonville attorneys provide families with the support and know-how they need every step of the way. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, contact us today to hire a mesothelioma & asbestos exposure lawyer and schedule your no-obligation consultation.