Terms Used In Florida Statutes 774.207

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(1) Punitive damages may not be awarded in any civil action alleging an asbestos or silica claim.
(2) At the time a complaint is filed in a civil action alleging an asbestos or silica claim, the plaintiff must file a verified written report with the court which discloses the total amount of any collateral source payments received, including payments that the plaintiff will receive in the future, as a result of settlements or judgments based upon the same claim. For any asbestos or silica claim pending on the effective date of this act, the plaintiff shall file a verified written report within 60 days after the effective date of this act, or at least 30 days before trial. Further, the plaintiff must update the reports on a regular basis during the course of the proceeding until a final judgment is entered in the case. The court shall permit setoff, based on the collateral source payment information provided, in accordance with the laws of this state as of the effective date of this act.