Florida Governor Signs Asbestos and Silica Bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Gov. Jeb Bush on June 20 signed Florida House Bill 1019 into law, effectively prohibiting punitive damages and placing medical criteria restrictions on claimants seeking to file asbestos and silica claims.

The 'Asbestos and Silica Compensation Fairness Act of 2005,' which goes into effect July 1, cites an 'overpowering' need to defer claims of those exposed to asbestos who are not sick.

The bill will utilize the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment in regards to asbestos claims. The bill also requires that the claimant present physical impairment in asserting a nonmalignant asbestos claim, including …