Florida Mesothelioma Lawyer

Florida Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma Statistics

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos. It can occur after a single instance of exposure or after decades of prolonged exposure. It’s not uncommon for it to take 20-50 years for the signs of asbestos-related illness to first appear.

In Florida, thousands of job sites were known sources of asbestos exposure. Asbestos statistics in Florida show that the cancer-causing mineral remains a serious public health threat across the state.

Florida asbestos exposure and mesothelioma statistics include:

• Florida ranks second among all 50 states for the most asbestos-related deaths, according to EWG.
• From 1999 to 2017, more than 18,200 asbestos-related deaths were recorded in Florida, with 1,588 linked to asbestosis, 3,343 to mesothelioma, and 13,372 to lung cancer.
• During this period, Palm Beach County saw about 1,545 asbestos-related deaths, followed by Pinellas County with 1,225, Broward County with 1,186, Miami-Dade County with 972, Hillsborough County with 869, and Volusia County with 817.
• Florida recorded 5.2 asbestos-related deaths per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the nationwide average of 4.9. Citrus County had the state's highest asbestos-related death rate at 12.4, followed by Indian River County at 11.4, and Hernando County at 11.1.
• At least 17 counties in Florida average over 20 asbestos-related deaths each year.
• Florida is home to over 20 military bases. For decades, asbestos was widely used across all branches of the U.S. military, putting those who lived or worked on these bases at risk of exposure.

Many Florida residents were directly exposed to asbestos while working in industries like construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and public infrastructure, where asbestos-containing materials were widely used for decades.

Florida Asbestos Exposure Sites

There are currently over 1,900 known job sites linked to asbestos exposure throughout the state of Florida. Common sources of asbestos exposure include shipyards, construction sites, and factories.

Florida Power Corporation, Monsanto, and Gulf Power Co. are among the companies with the most Florida job sites linked to asbestos exposure.

Other known asbestos sites around Florida include:

• Adamo Insulation
• Aerojet General Shipyards
• Alachua General Hospital
• Babcock & Wilcox
• Banner Supply
• CF Chemicals
• Davidson Chemical Co.
• Disney World
• Fairfax Station
• Florida Power & Light Company
• General Electric Plant
• Great Atlantic Boiler Service
• Jacksonville Naval Air Station
• Key Ford Motor Company
• Mayport Shipyard
• NASA Launch Complex
• Owens Corning Fiberglas
• Standard Lumber Company
• Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative
• Tampa Tank & Welding
• U.S. Navy Yard
• Vermilion Sugar Factory
• Winter Haven Water Ice and Light Company
• W.R. Grace
• York Corporation

These are just a few workplaces throughout Florida where asbestos has been found. It's important to note that this list does not reflect the current conditions of these locations. Many sites have since removed all asbestos-containing materials.

Use our free asbestos exposure job site database to see if you may have been exposed to asbestos while at work.

An asbestos attorney in Florida can help determine if you may have been at risk of exposure at any of these sites.

Our Florida Mesothelioma Settlements & Verdicts

Florida mesothelioma lawsuits award between $1 Million and $11.4 Million on average, depending on whether your case results in an out-of-court settlement or trial verdict.

Our experienced mesothelioma lawyers have secured over $5.5 Billion total for victims of asbestos exposure, including significant results for families across Florida.

Our past Florida mesothelioma settlements and verdicts include:

• $11.49 Million for a Pembroke Pines demolition worker
• $6.74 Million to a U.S. Army veteran and mechanic in Weeki Wachee
• $6 Million for a Sarasota sheet metal worker with pleural mesothelioma
• $5.82 Million to a U.S. Navy veteran and HVAC worker in Marathon
• $4.63 Million for a Cocoa crane operator and machinist
• $3.95 Million to a Pensacola bus driver and U.S. Army veteran
• $3.82 Million for a Pompano Beach laborer
• $3.79 Million to a Tampa housewife who was exposed to asbestos secondhand through her husband's job with the U.S. Air Force
• $3.67 Million for a Dunnellon assembly line worker
• $2.53 Million to a U.S. Navy veteran exposed to asbestos in Florida
• $3.61 Million for a U.S. Air Force veteran in Ruskin
• $1.44 Million to a U.S. Navy veteran and shipfitter in Yulee
• $3.58 Million for an Orlando mechanic
• $2.23 Million to an aviation technician and laborer in Cantonment
• $3.35 Million for a Plant City man exposed to asbestos
• $1.43 Million to a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and maintenance worker in Belleview
• $2.39 Million for a boiler technician and mechanic in Holt
• $3.17 Million to a Florida man who worked for AT&T for over 30 years
• $2.08 Million for a U.S. Army veteran and laborer in Davie
• $3.64 Million to a Venice engineer with pleural mesothelioma
• $4.58 Million for a Vero Beach HVAC worker with pleural mesothelioma
• $5.24 Million to a Brooksville roofer
• $5.52 Million for a Zephyrhills chief engineer with pleural mesothelioma

This money comes from companies that knew about the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn employees, consumers, or the public in order to protect their own profits.

While there’s never a guarantee of mesothelioma compensation in any case, our Florida mesothelioma lawyers will fight hard to secure the largest payout possible in the shortest amount of time.

In fact, many of our clients start to receive compensation in as few as 90 days of first contacting us.

Let Sokolove Law Fight for You

Since 1979, Sokolove Law has secured more than $5.5 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma victims and their families.

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Who Can Mesothelioma Lawyers in Florida Help?

Generally speaking, Florida mesothelioma law firms can help anyone who was exposed to asbestos and has since been diagnosed with a related illness like this rare cancer.

Your attorney must be able to link your medical diagnosis to asbestos exposure and substantiate your exposure through employment records, witness testimony, or other evidence.

Our mesothelioma law firm in Florida can help:

• Patients with illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis
• Family members, including spouses and children of the person diagnosed
• Representatives of the mesothelioma victim’s estate in the case of wrongful death

"Our primary role in the very beginning stages of a mesothelioma lawsuit is to be detectives. We have to find products that were around the victim during the time of their exposure to asbestos."
– Jim Sokolove, Founder (Retired 2013)

Even if you don’t remember how or when you were exposed to asbestos, our Florida mesothelioma attorneys may still be able to help. We have the resources to prove asbestos exposure and pinpoint the companies responsible for your illness.

Florida Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations are state laws that set strict deadlines for filing a mesothelioma personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

In Florida, the statute of limitations on mesothelioma claims is generally 2 years from the patient's diagnosis or the date of their passing.

If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to file an asbestos lawsuit and pursue compensation. Don’t wait and leave money sitting on the table.

Call (800) 647-3434 right now for help determining your eligibility to file a Florida mesothelioma lawsuit. It costs nothing to speak with us.

Filing a Florida Mesothelioma Lawsuit: What to Expect

When families choose to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, they’ll often go through a series of structured steps designed to identify the source of asbestos exposure, gather strong evidence, and pursue compensation from the companies responsible.

The majority of mesothelioma lawsuits end in a settlement, which means you may never have to set foot in court to receive compensation.

Filing a Florida mesothelioma lawsuit generally involves:

• Contacting an experienced asbestos attorney
• Gathering evidence to prove exposure
• Filing the claim in the best court for your case
• Negotiating a settlement that provides full compensation
• Fighting for you in court if necessary

When you work with Sokolove Law, our mesothelioma attorneys can handle every step of the legal process on your behalf. Find out more about how filing a Florida mesothelioma lawsuit works.

1. Find the Best Mesothelioma Lawyer Near You

At Sokolove Law, our Florida mesothelioma attorneys can provide you with a free legal consultation to determine if you may be eligible to file a claim.

During your consultation, we will ask you questions about your life and work history to determine how you were exposed to asbestos.

If you have a case, we can travel to meet you at a time and location of your choosing at no cost to you.

Our team understands how difficult a mesothelioma diagnosis can be and how quickly medical bills can pile up. That’s why we work to get started on your case as quickly as possible — often within 24 hours of your initial call.

“Sokolove Law was quick after we contacted them. They sent someone out immediately, and the person came to our home and talked to us.”
– Alicia, Wife of a Mesothelioma Client

2. We’ll Gather Evidence to Build Your Claim

Asbestos exposure can take place 20-50 years before a mesothelioma diagnosis, which can make identifying the manufacturer of the asbestos-containing products you were exposed to difficult.

Thankfully, Sokolove Law has decades of experience working on mesothelioma cases, which has allowed us to compile a warehouse of evidence on:

• Asbestos-containing products
• Known sites of asbestos exposure
• The companies that may have put you in harm's way

We can use our experience and databases of evidence to identify the manufacturers responsible for your exposure and build a strong legal case on your behalf.

3. File Florida Mesothelioma Claims

By working with an experienced legal team, you can get help filing your Florida mesothelioma claim and ensuring that all deadlines are met and the paperwork for your case is properly submitted.

Patients and their families may qualify for compensation from different types of Florida mesothelioma claims, including asbestos lawsuits against manufacturers, claims with trust funds created by bankrupt companies, and VA benefit claims.

When you work with Sokolove Law, we will pursue compensation through all of the avenues available to you in order to maximize the amount of money you may receive.

4. Negotiate Mesothelioma Settlements

Your Florida asbestos attorney will work to negotiate a mesothelioma settlement with the asbestos-related companies on your behalf. The average settlement for this cancer is over $1 Million.

Asbestos cases can involve over 70 defendants, and you may qualify for compensation from each one.

The majority of mesothelioma cases end in settlements, providing families with quicker access to much-needed financial support.

"Our clients could receive compensation in as few as 6 weeks. The more likelihood is 2 or 3 months, and then you'll probably continue receiving various compensation for another year."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney of Sokolove Law

5. Florida Mesothelioma Trial Attorneys Fight for You

If a company doesn’t settle, the case may continue to court, where both sides will present their arguments before a judge and jury. The jury will then deliver a verdict on whether the company’s asbestos-containing products played a role in your illness and determine the amount of compensation to be awarded.

Past Florida mesothelioma verdicts include:

• $70 Million to a former lab technician with mesothelioma and his wife
• $20 Million for the family of a Fort Lauderdale doctor
• $6.6 Million to a South Florida construction supervisor
• $18 Million to a peritoneal mesothelioma patient who was exposed to asbestos secondhand

Our Florida mesothelioma trial attorneys are committed to preparing strong, evidence-backed cases that are designed to stand up in court and help families secure the compensation they deserve.

Our Florida Attorneys for Mesothelioma Maximize Your Payouts

At Sokolove Law, our team has helped over 9,300 asbestos exposure victims nationwide, securing more than $5.5 Billion total. We know how to fight for the most compensation possible on behalf of our clients.

Our Florida attorneys for mesothelioma can help clients prove asbestos exposure and pursue compensation through every available legal avenue.

Sources of compensation include:

• Mesothelioma lawsuits
• Asbestos trust funds
• Veterans benefits

Not every firm has the ability to pursue compensation from all of these sources. By thoroughly investigating your asbestos exposure and building a strong case, we work to maximize your total payout.

Filing Florida Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawsuits award between $1 Million and $11.4 Million on average, depending on whether your case settles or goes to court. These claims are filed against the companies that made, sold, or used the asbestos-containing materials that made you sick.

By working with our Florida mesothelioma lawyers, you can get help:

• Identifying the asbestos-containing products you were exposed to
• Holding the companies that made or sold those products accountable for your illness
• Pursuing significant compensation that can help cover treatments and provide financial stability

Over 99% of mesothelioma lawsuits result in settlements, which means many of our clients never have to step foot in court in order to receive compensation.

Our Florida mesothelioma attorneys can also help families file an asbestos claim after the death of their loved one.

Pursuing Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts

Many asbestos-related companies declared bankruptcy to avoid the lawsuits filed against them. However, the courts ordered these companies to create asbestos trust funds to pay current and future mesothelioma victims.

Asbestos trust fund claims don't require you to go to court. You may be able to access compensation from multiple trust funds without leaving the comfort of your own home.

Mesothelioma VA Benefits for Veterans

If you or your loved one developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure during military service, you may be able to file a claim for VA benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mesothelioma has a 100% disability rating, which means veterans with this cancer may be eligible for over $3,930 a month in compensation and free health care.

Our VA-accredited lawyers can help you prepare your claim, even if you have been denied VA benefits in the past. Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit won't impact your VA claim.

Florida Mesothelioma Lawsuit News 2026

Mesothelioma claims continue to move forward in Florida as victims seek justice for asbestos exposure. Courts have held companies accountable for exposing workers, veterans, and consumers to dangerous asbestos fibers.

These cases have resulted in significant verdicts and settlements, helping families recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and more. Staying informed about Florida mesothelioma lawsuit news can help those affected better understand their legal rights.

Here are some of the latest Florida mesothelioma lawsuit updates:

• March 2026: A court allowed a $20 Million Florida mesothelioma verdict to stand after denying Johnson & Johnson's motions for a new trial.
• November 2025: The Stephan Company, a Tampa-based hair and personal care product distributor founded in 1897, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company cited more than 500 pending mesothelioma claims alleging that their products contained asbestos-contaminated talc.
• October 2025: A Florida jury ordered J&J to pay $20 Million to the family of Dr. Alberto Casaretto, a Fort Lauderdale doctor who passed away from mesothelioma after regular use of the company’s talcum powder products.
• March 25, 2025: In Broward County, a jury awarded $18 Million to a woman with peritoneal mesothelioma who was exposed to asbestos through her father’s job. Hennessy Industries, who made a brake grinder used by the victim’s father, was found to be 15% responsible for her diagnosis.
• March 24, 2025: Asbestos was found in demolition debris at Li'l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater, leaving remaining residents fearful of the impact on their health. The property was fined over $100,000 as a result.
• March 3, 2025: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enacted revisions to Rule 62-257, which governs asbestos abatement. Contractors must now submit a Notice of Renovation or Demolition at least 10 working days before starting any project involving asbestos-containing materials.

These developments show that asbestos exposure remains a serious public health and legal issue across Florida. From major Florida mesothelioma verdicts to enforcement actions, courts and regulatory agencies continue to hold companies accountable.

$20 Million Florida Mesothelioma Verdict Against J&J

A Florida jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $20 Million to the family of Dr. Alberto Casaretto, a Fort Lauderdale nephrologist who passed away from mesothelioma.

Dr. Casaretto reportedly used talcum powder products like Johnson’s^® Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower^® for years, which his family claimed were contaminated with asbestos fibers.

During a 6-week trial, lawyers argued that J&J knew about the risk of asbestos in their products, yet failed to warn consumers or properly test for the carcinogen.

“It’s vindication for this amazing family. Baby powder with asbestos, even at low levels, should not be sold.”
– Florida Mesothelioma Trial Attorney

$18 Million Florida Asbestos Verdict for Mesothelioma

Jurors awarded an $18 Million mesothelioma verdict to Denise Cook, a 64-year-old Florida woman with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Cook was reportedly exposed to asbestos-containing dust that was brought home on her father’s clothes after he worked on car brakes. Hennessy Industries, the last remaining asbestos-related company left at trial, was found 15% responsible for her diagnosis and was ordered to pay $2.7 Million.

Jurors apportioned the remainder of fault (85%) among 15 other defendants named in the case, which included multiple autopart manufacturers.

For those diagnosed with mesothelioma, these updates highlight that justice and compensation are possible with experienced legal representation. Our Florida mesothelioma lawyers are ready to fight hard for everything you deserve.

See If We Can Help Your Family Too

Since 1979, Sokolove Law has secured over $5.5 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma victims and their families.

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John & Dee Sokolove Law Clients

Types of Asbestos Lawyers in Florida

Asbestos lawyers in Florida handle a wide range of cases involving asbestos exposure and related illnesses. Depending on your diagnosis and how you were exposed, different types of asbestos attorneys in Florida may be able to pursue compensation and accountability on your behalf.

Our Florida asbestos lawyers can help with cases involving mesothelioma, lung cancer, secondary asbestos exposure, talcum powder, and more.

Florida Mesothelioma Lawyers

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Our Florida mesothelioma lawyers can investigate your work history and other potential exposure sources to identify the companies responsible.

Over 230 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed throughout Florida each year, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Our team can pursue compensation from multiple sources, including lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits to help cover medical expenses, lost income, and other costs.

Florida Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawyers

If a patient passes away before filing a claim or before their case is resolved, their surviving family members or estate representative may still have the right to pursue compensation with the help of our Florida mesothelioma wrongful death lawyers.

More than 18,200 Florida residents have passed away from asbestos-related diseases, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Mesothelioma wrongful death claims can help families recover compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income or companionship, and more.

Florida Lung Cancer Lawyers

Asbestos exposure can also cause lung cancer, especially in workers exposed over long periods. Thousands of job sites across the state caused many workers to come in contact with toxic fibers.

Florida sees an estimated 11,000-12,000 new lung cancer cases each year, according to the American Lung Association.

Our Florida lung cancer lawyers help victims determine whether exposure contributed to their diagnosis and pursue compensation from those responsible.

Florida Talcum Powder Lawyers

Many talcum powder products have been found to contain microscopic asbestos fibers, which can increase the risk of mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other serious illnesses.

Our Florida talcum powder lawyers can help individuals who used contaminated talc products file lawsuits against manufacturers that failed to warn consumers about asbestos risks.

Florida Secondary Asbestos Exposure Lawyers

Secondary asbestos exposure can occur when workers unknowingly bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing or tools, exposing family members. Spouses or children later become sick often without realizing how they were exposed in the first place.

Our Florida secondary asbestos exposure lawyers can help spouses, children, and other family members pursue compensation if they developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness secondhand.

Hear from Our Florida Mesothelioma Clients

We’re committed to helping families throughout Florida seek justice after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our team provides every client with the personalized attention they deserve and strives to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Hear from clients who have worked with our Florida mesothelioma lawyers to hold asbestos-related companies accountable and pursue compensation for their families.

Helping an Auto Mechanic with Mesothelioma in Florida

When Jose and his wife first moved to the United States, he took a job replacing brake pads on cars. The work involved sanding pads, which released asbestos fibers into the air. He was never warned that the materials he handled contained asbestos or that he was being exposed to a dangerous substance.

Decades later, Jose began experiencing unexplained weight loss and fatigue. He was eventually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma.

At first, Jose and his wife were hesitant to take legal action. However, they were relieved to learn that Sokolove Law had Spanish-speaking staff who could guide them through every step of the legal process. Our Florida mesothelioma attorneys were able to secure justice on their behalf.

“The lawyers at Sokolove Law are supremely professional people and, quite frankly, they know how to treat the injured,” said Jose’s wife Señora L. “My experience with them was excellent.”

Play Senora L & Jose L (Shortened)

Video Summary: Señora L. worked with Sokolove Law after her husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma. View Transcript.

Nosotros vimos en la televisión la publicidad de la firma de abogados y procedimos a llamarlos. Inmediatamente le diagnosticaron a él el problema. Cogí un número y llamé, y efectivamente me contestó el señor Jones. Habla inglés, habla español, y para la semana siguiente realmente estuvieron allí en el apartamento.

Para mí fue una luz encontrar a la persona que me hablara en mi idioma, porque yo estaba en un desespero y no sabía qué hacer. Siente uno apoyo, siente uno un acompañamiento.

Realmente son unas personas muy profesionales en lo que hacen.

Sokolove Law: Top Mesothelioma Attorneys in Florida Since 1979

At Sokolove Law, we understand how truly devastating a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be. Let us put our resources to work for you in your fight for justice.

Over the past 45 years, we've secured more than $5.5 Billion total for families across the country, including in Florida.

Additionally, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our mesothelioma attorneys in Florida — we only get paid if you do, so there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.

Call us at (800) 647-3434 right now or fill out our contact form for a free case review. Our team is standing by 24/7 to help with any questions you may have.

Florida Mesothelioma Law Firm FAQs