Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Citrus County

Asbestos is a deadly mineral that, when inhaled or ingested, can cause numerous diseases, including mesothelioma, a life-threatening condition affecting individuals in Citrus County and beyond.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is the most aggressive disease caused by asbestos exposure that usually attacks the inner lining of the abdomen or lungs. Researchers have not discovered a cure for mesothelioma, and doctors often inform the estimated 2,500 to 4,000 patients diagnosed each year that they may have less than a year to live. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Crystal River or Inverness, you should strongly consider filing a lawsuit.

Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure can seek financial compensation for their losses. You may need to confront the reality that you have limited time left to live or that you will require extensive and costly medical treatment to have any chance of surviving this serious disease. While the thought of pursuing a claim through the Florida court system may seem overwhelming, the Citrus County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can guide you through every step of the process so that you know exactly what to expect.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure: Legal Help for Victims in Citrus County

While every case is unique, the steps involved in filing a mesothelioma claim generally include the following:

1. Obtain Initial Details: You can start this process by contacting Whittel & Melton to review your potential case. By providing us with preliminary information, we can help you decide the possible value of your case.
2. File a Legal Complaint: Next, file a legal complaint against the company or individuals responsible for asbestos exposure.
3. Gather Critical Evidence: The attorneys involved will gather all necessary evidence to prepare for the trial. You or your loved one need to undergo a thorough investigation to determine when and where you encountered asbestos. Mesothelioma symptoms can take 15 to 50 years to appear, so gathering evidence for your case may require substantial time and research. At this stage, you should collect, organize, and present evidence of the responsible party’s guilt on your behalf.
4. Negotiations and Settlements: Many plaintiffs settle their personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits before going to trial. Both sides may wish to settle a case outside of court, rather than proceeding to trial. Whether your case is settled through negotiation or litigation, the Citrus County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton will pursue every option to maximize your financial recovery.
5. Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. Both sides will present the evidence they have obtained throughout the process, and a jury will determine the outcome of the case.

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Florida

Regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Florida, as a victim, you can file a personal injury claim, or if your loved one has passed away from this terminal disease, you can file a wrongful death claim. Florida law awards victims the right to seek compensation for certain types of economic and non-economic losses, such as:

• Medical Bills
• Rehab Costs
• Pain and Suffering
• Mental Grief and Anguish
• Lost Wages
• Lost Earning Capacity
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life
• Punitive Damages
• Financial Security for Family Members

Understanding Florida’s Asbestos and Silica Compensation Fairness Act

In 2005, Florida passed the Asbestos and Silica Compensation Fairness Act, which restricts lawsuits related to these substances. Victims must prove their health issues stem from asbestos or silica and must either live in Florida or have been exposed to these materials in the state to file a claim. The Citrus County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can explain how this Act applies to your case.

Contact a Citrus County Injury Attorney

If you or a family member has suffered from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, please contact the Citrus County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call 352-726-0078 for a complimentary consultation.