Although asbestos does not naturally occur in Florida, large amounts of the mineral were shipped to the state, and many contaminated products were used in construction and other commercial industries. Records indicate that nearly 110,000 tons of asbestos were shipped to Florida from Libby, Montana for processing in five cities: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Pompano Beach, Jacksonville and Boca Raton.
According to The Mesothelioma Center, Florida ranks second in the U.S. for asbestosis and mesothelioma deaths. From 1999 to 2010, there were 2,410 fatalities in Florida, 1,968 due to mesothelioma and 442 resulting from asbestosis, according to The Mesothelioma Center. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition or if you have questions about asbestosis vs. mesothelioma, Attorney Group for Florida can evaluate your case and help you determine if you have a case.
Asbestosis vs. Mesothelioma: What is the Difference?
It can be easy to confuse the two conditions as both cause similar symptoms such as chest pain, dry cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. However, the biggest difference in asbestosis vs. mesothelioma is that asbestosis is a long-lasting lung condition and mesothelioma is a type of cancer. While asbestosis is not cancerous itself, it has been shown to increase a person’s risk of developing mesothelioma.
The five states with the highest number of fatalities due to asbestosis vs. mesothelioma include Florida, California, Pennsylvania, New York and Texas. Mesothelioma is almost solely caused by asbestos exposure while lung cancer can occur not only due to repeated inhalation of the fibers but also exposure to radon gas and second-hand smoke.
Statistics indicate that mesothelioma can take between 20 to 50 years to develop, and 80 percent of cases occur due to repeat asbestos exposure. If you have questions about asbestosis vs. mesothelioma or if you have been injured or been diagnosed with cancer and you believe that asbestos exposure was the cause, consider seeking legal representation to file a lawsuit against those responsible and recover damages for your condition.
Asbestos Lawsuits in Florida
The Sunshine State has set laws in place to regulate the removal of asbestos, including large penalties for violating the law. Currently, financial penalties are the only punishments for failing to act under the Department of Environmental Protection’s regulations. If an individual is harmed due to asbestos exposure or following the removal of asbestos from any site in the state, the only recourse that a victim has is to file a lawsuit and hold the appropriate parties responsible for your condition.
Thankfully, residents do not have to be concerned with environmental sources of the mineral since it does not naturally occur in Florida. However, exposure through contaminated products is always a possibility, and staying informed of preventative measures to avoid exposure is often the most beneficial approach to reducing or eliminating contact with the toxic mineral.
Attorney Group for Florida Can Help
Plaintiffs throughout the country are currently pursuing claims against employers and other companies that allegedly knew of the dangers of repeat asbestos exposure yet failed to adequately warn their employees of the hazards. If you believe that you have a case after you developed a disease or if you have questions about asbestosis vs. mesothelioma in a lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Florida today. We can answer your questions and connect you with an affiliated attorney who can handle your claim throughout the legal process. You may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.
