Mesothelioma: The case of Lakeland, Florida
Posted on Friday, August 26th, 2016 at 3:33 pm
Lakeland History
Lakeland is located between Tampa and Orlando. The city was founded in 1882 by Abraham Munn who bought eighty (80) acres of land. Today, those eighty (80) acres make up the downtown part of Lakeland, Florida. The city became incorporated in January 1885. As the name suggest there are numerous lakes within the city. Some of the lakes formed naturally however, others are former phosphate mine pits which filled up with water over time.
In the early twentieth (20th) century, the Florida land boom started and this led to the expansion in Lakeland. Rail lines ran through the city and major structures were built. The first major utility in the city was Lakeland Electric and Water. The utility expanded and built the Lake Mirror Power Plant in 1916. The demand for electric power continued to grow and it led to the construction of Lake Parker Plant in 1949. Growth and development continued that today the city has a population of about ninety thousand (90000) people.
Asbestos exposure
Over many years the use of asbestos containing products in Lakeland’s manufacturing, construction and industrial settings has been an issue. Job sites in the city where asbestos exposure occurred have been identified as still keeping asbestos containing materials. These sites are known to have exposed a number of workers to asbestos and led to asbestos related diseases. Some asbestos related diseases include mesothelioma, asbestosis and other forms of cancer.
Some job sites that are said to contain asbestos containing materials are listed but are not limited to the below:
- Lakeland Light and Water department
- Acid Inc.
- City of Lakeland Department of Electric and Water Utilities
- Florida Power and Light
- Phosphate Mining company
- Occidental Petro and Research Company
- Makintosh Power Plant
- Becker Industries
- Lakeland Parker Plant
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you may be liable for compensation. Contact Vinson Law Office to assist you with your claim.