Miami Attorney Speaks at National Silica Litigation and Medicine Conference on the Impact of New Asbestos and Silica Legislation
 

        Foley & Mansfield Miami office attorney Jana Marie Fried spoke to a group of physicians, lawyers, scientists and business executives at Mealey’s Silica Litigation and Medicine Conference, which took place in Marina del Rey, California on November 14-15, 2005. Her presentation, “Litigating Under the New Legislation – A Report from the Field,” provided attendees with practical insight into the challenges facing those who must comply with The Asbestos and Silica Compensation Fairness Act, new Florida legislation which now governs silica and asbestos cases.

        The Asbestos and Silica Compensation Fairness Act establishes medical criteria that must be met by plaintiffs seeking damages for personal injuries related to asbestos or silica exposure. Florida is the fourth state to enact this type of legislation following enactment in Ohio, Georgia and Texas. The legislation is aimed at unclogging courts and relieving defendants of the financial burden of defending or settling unjustified claims.

        More information on the Act can be found on the official internet site of the Florida Legislature at: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0774/PART02.HTM

        Ms. Fried was part of a three-member panel of litigators practicing in Ohio, Texas, and Florida who discussed unexpected surprises being faced and attempts that are being made to work creatively within the parameters of the new legislation.

        She presented examples of current silica and asbestos claims in Florida and conveyed the litigation attorney’s perspective on how to meet client needs while remaining compliant with the new legislation.

        Concentrating primarily on product liability and toxic torts with a particular emphasis on asbestos and silica cases, Ms. Fried also represents clients in construction and surety litigation, commercial disputes, and general liability defense.

        Founded in 1989, Foley & Mansfield is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading litigation law firms. Its attorneys serve clients ranging in size from multi-million dollar corporations to small businesses and their owners in the areas of admiralty and inland marine, catmn-web1phic loss, commercial litigation, commercial finance and corporate transactions, construction law, employment law, environmental and pollution law, general liability and civil litigation, insurance coverage and litigation, intellectual property, probate and trust, product liability, toxic tort and mass litigation, and pro bono services. The firm is headquartered in Minneapolis and has additional offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, St. Louis and San Francisco.