Florida Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Florida Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Attorney

In Florida, workers were exposed to asbestos for decades before the toxic substance was finally banned for most uses. Still, millions of workers across the country were potentially exposed, and hundreds of thousands developed mesothelioma as a result of that exposure. If you were exposed to asbestos or developed symptoms of an asbestos-related disease, you can rely on the services of a Florida mesothelioma & asbestos exposure lawyer who can discuss your personal injury.

A Trusted Law Firm Representing Victims of Asbestos Exposure

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating, leaving you with unanswered questions and concerns about how you will pay for medical treatments. The legal team at Wallace & Graham, P.A. has represented a wide range of Floridians who were exposed to asbestos and helped them reclaim a wide range of damages for the harm they suffered.

Setting our firm apart is our 40 years of combined legal experience and recognitions, like the 2020 Trial Lawyer of the Year Award. We maintain a vast network of medical doctors and consultants who understand how to identify signs of asbestos exposure so you can pursue an injury claim with the help of our lawyers. Our services won’t cost you out-of-pocket expenses because we work on a contingency fee basis and offer no-cost case evaluations.

Understanding Asbestos Exposure in Florida

Each year, approximately 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. The average age for a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis, which affects the lining of the lungs, is 72.

In 2021 alone, 2,803 new cases were reported nationwide. Despite decades of regulation, asbestos remains a concern, especially in older buildings and during demolition or renovation projects.

In March 2025, residents of the Li’l Abner mobile home park in Miami-Dade County raised alarms after asbestos was discovered in multiple demolished units. County inspectors confirmed the material’s presence in four homes, sparking protests over alleged lapses in safety protocols. Advocates claim demolitions proceeded without thorough inspections, potentially endangering tenants with airborne asbestos fibers.

To address these ongoing risks, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection updated its Asbestos Program Rule (62-257, F.A.C.) effective March 23, 2025. The revisions clarify notification procedures and introduce a simplified fee structure for asbestos project filings. These changes are designed to encourage safer handling practices and better regulatory compliance across the state.

Asbestos Dangers in Florida’s Industrial and Residential Areas

Florida’s history with asbestos is tied to post-war development and active naval stations. Industrial worksites have also been common hotspots for asbestos exposure. Shipyards in Tampa and former naval stations in Pensacola were built using materials that contained high levels of asbestos.

While these materials are no longer commonly used, homes, worksites, and buildings still contain these materials. Disturbing them during renovations or demolitions can release these microscopic fibers into the air. Urban growth in cities like Orlando, Jacksonville, and St. Petersburg led to asbestos being used in insulation, tiles, and roofing materials throughout the middle of the 20th century.

Unfortunately, much of that infrastructure still stands. Schools, public buildings, and commercial sites in these regions have tested positive for asbestos-containing materials during routine inspections.

Symptoms and Health Risks of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Patients experience the worst damage to the lining of the lungs. Early symptoms often resemble common illnesses and can include:

• Chronic cough
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic fatigue

Unfortunately, this can lead to an initial misdiagnosis, especially in the early stages of the disease. As tumors grow, they can cause severe pain, fluid buildup around the lungs, and difficulty breathing. Treatment is often costly and complex. It may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation.

In Florida, many patients receive specialized care at facilities like Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, both of which handle complex mesothelioma cases. If you are experiencing these symptoms and have a history of working around asbestos, it’s critical to seek immediate medical care and begin exploring your legal options for compensation.

Who Is Liable for My Lung Disease?

When someone is exposed to asbestos due to an employer failing to provide protective gear or even warn them of the potential dangers of the work environment, that employer may be liable for any harm that befalls their workers. In other instances, contractors or property owners may be liable for failing to inform workers about the risk.

If you worked in places like Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station or the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, you may have been exposed without proper safety equipment or training. Companies that go out of business may still be held financially liable. In some cases, those companies were required to create trust funds to compensate future plaintiffs who were stricken with mesothelioma.

Liability may also cover multiple parties. Examples might include a property owner who failed to remove known asbestos from a building and a supplier who provided the hazardous material in the first place. The task of finding all the parties who may be liable is challenging when you do not have legal representation from an attorney with experience holding defendants accountable for exposing workers and individuals to this extremely dangerous material

Why You Need Legal Representation to Secure Compensation?

Filing a mesothelioma claim without legal help can lead to delays, denied claims, or lowball settlements that further your financial hardships. Asbestos exposure cases often involve complex medical records and lengthy examinations of work history documents to build a strong claim for compensation. Without legal help, you may fail to reach the high legal bar needed to prove that one or more parties caused you material harm.

An attorney can identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation through asbestos trust funds or other legal avenues that most individuals aren’t aware of. With a skilled legal team, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Having the right legal team by your side also ensures you meet critical deadlines that preserve your right to compensation.

FAQs About Florida Mesothelioma Law

Q: What Is the Average Payout for an Asbestos Case?

A: The average payout for an asbestos case varies based on diagnosis, exposure history, and company responsibility. Many Florida claimants with mesothelioma qualify for six-figure compensation through asbestos trust funds or negotiated settlements. Exact amounts depend on medical costs, loss of income, and long-term impact. You can increase your settlement by keeping records of your job duties, diagnoses, and the companies tied to your exposure.

Q: Can I File a Claim for Asbestos Exposure in Florida?

A: Yes, you can file a claim if you were exposed to asbestos and developed an illness like mesothelioma or asbestosis. This includes exposure at worksites, shipyards, or older buildings in Florida. You can start the claims process by gathering your employment history records and medical diagnosis to support your eligibility. Claims typically target the manufacturers or distributors of asbestos products.

Q: What Are the Fees Associated With Hiring a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

A: Most mesothelioma lawyers in Florida work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if your claim results in compensation. This often-favorable arrangement allows you to pursue a claim without paying upfront fees. Review the contract closely to understand how much will be deducted from your final award if your case is successful.

Q: How Do I Prove That I Was Exposed to Asbestos?

A: To prove that you were exposed to asbestos, you’ll need a detailed work history, medical records, and any available documentation that connects you to asbestos products. Asbestos exposure often occurred in Florida shipyards, construction sites, or manufacturing plants. Witness statements and company records can also help you prove you were exposed to asbestos. Your search can focus on the time period you worked and the types of materials you handled when working those jobs.

Q: What Jobs in Florida Have the Highest Risk of Asbestos Exposure?

A: High-risk jobs in Florida include shipbuilders in Jacksonville, construction workers in Miami, and mechanics who handled asbestos-containing brakes. Power plant workers and those in chemical manufacturing also faced daily exposure. If you worked in these industries before the 1990s, identify the job site and product types to begin building your claim.

Contact a Trusted Florida Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure Lawyer Today

Mesothelioma cases in Florida often stem from exposure in shipyards, construction sites, or aging buildings that still contain asbestos. At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we know how to trace exposure sources and pursue accountability, even decades later. Whether you’re a retired Navy veteran, a former mechanic, or a family member affected by secondhand exposure, we understand what’s at stake and how to build a strong case.

If you are seeking compensation for asbestos exposure, you want to work with a law firm that focuses on these types of cases. Our lead attorneys have nearly 40 years of combined legal experience in asbestos litigation. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A. online to schedule a consultation today. We’ve helped clients across the country recover the compensation they were owed, and we don’t charge for our services until we win your case.