FL Senate Approves Bill Requiring Form for Asbestos Lawsuits

The Florida Senate voted to approve Republican Senator Travis Hutson’s proposed SB 720 requiring courts to dismiss asbestos claims without a completed information form. The bill’s next stop is the Florida House of Representatives. If the House approves the measure, it would then go before the governor. If signed into law, those with asbestos-related diseases will have to provide more extensive information when filing a lawsuit. SB 720 has the backing of businesses. Lobbying groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Insurance Council also support the measure.  However, veterans groups and advocates for mesothelioma survivors and their families have raised concerns about what they see as a problematic procedural hurdle. They note this will make it more challenging to seek justice and compensation for medical expenses.  Amending the Asbestos and Silica Compensation Act Hutson’s measure is an amendment to the 2005 Asbestos and Silica Compensation Act. SB 270 requires claimants to complete a form with details about their smoking history and witnesses to their silica or asbestos exposure. Additionally, the name, address, date of birth and marital status of witnesses who will testify about the plaintiff’s exposure must be included. SB 270 would apply to all asbestos and silica claims filed in Florida on or after July 1, 2024. Republican Representative Robert Brackett proposed a similar bill in the Florida House of Representa...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos (general) Asbestos Exposure Asbestosis Cancer (Non-Meso) Florida Legal Lawsuit Mesothelioma Source Type: news