South Carolina Asbestos & Mesothelioma Attorney

Asbestos exposure is the primary source of malignant mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause or source of malignant mesotheliomas and other asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis. While in recent years, the use of asbestos has decreased significantly, asbestos has been a common construction material used for decades in a variety of industries. The latency period for mesothelioma is long – meaning many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma were in contact with the dangerous asbestos materials years ago, even decades.

Companies knew of the risks associated with asbestos, yet they continued to use it and expose their employees to dangerous materials to save costs and cut corners. We fight to stop this injustice and represent individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos.

There are two primary ways individuals can be exposed to asbestos. They can be exposed through their job or “occupational exposure” of they can be exposed through “non-occupational exposure.” An example of “non-occupational exposure” is if a worker is exposed to asbestos and the fibers get on their clothes; this worker brings it home to their spouse and children who can then inhale the asbestos fibers.

Occupational asbestos exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common way individuals came into contact with asbestos when the material was widely used. Industries such as asbestos mining, energy utility companies, manufacturing, and processing are common sources of exposure. Below are common occupations that you or your loved one may have worked and faced asbestos exposure.

Serving in the United States military
Metalworker, ironworker, or welder
Installation installer
Boat or ship manufacturer
Power plant worker or engineer
Shipyard worker
Oil refinery worker
Firefighter
Electrician
Demolition crew member
Chemical plant employee
Sheet metal worker
Residential or commercial construction worker
Painter
Drywall installer
Tile manufacturer
HVAC professional
Automobile plant employee or auto mechanic
Pipefitter or boilermaker
Miners
Various manufacturing plants like plastic, rubber, chemicals, steel, or various other plants
Railroad worker
Machinist

Asbestos was an all-too-common material used in many industries and aspects in our lives. Exposure was common. The threat was and is real. Unfortunately, many employers knew of the dangers but continued to use the product. We are here to help.

Non-occupational exposure

Asbestos fibers are tiny and cling to clothes and other objects. Most non-occupational exposure cases are because a worker who was exposed to the deadly chemical brought it home on their clothing and exposed their family and loved ones. Asbestos can travel on clothing, skins, hair, boots, or other objects. People who lived close to asbestos mines, plants, and manufacturing facilities that used asbestos could also face non-occupational exposure.

What to do if you’re exposed to asbestos in South Carolina?

If you have been exposed to asbestos or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, there is no way to undo any damage that may have been done to your lungs or other organs. You should remove yourself (and others) from the asbestos area to prevent further exposure. Keep in mind asbestos fibers can settle on your hair and clothes and may travel with you.

What are asbestos-related diseases?

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer the develops in the cells that line many of the body’s internal organs. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Mesothelioma treatments are available, but for many people with mesothelioma, a cure isn’t possible.

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer occurs. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma and impacts the lungs. Symptoms include:

Chest pain
Painful coughing
Shortness of breath
Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest
Unexplained weight loss

Another form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in tissue in the abdomen. Symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling
Nausea
Unexplained weight loss

Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is different than mesothelioma based on how the cancer impacts the body. Asbestos exposure can cause both mesothelioma and lung cancer. There are two types of lung cancer: small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer.

Common lung cancer symptoms are similar to mesothelioma symptoms and can include:

Fatigue
Headaches
Coughing
Chest pain
Shortness of breath

Various other cancers linked with asbestos exposure

Individuals exposed to asbestos are at an increased risk for developing lung, gallbladder, throat, kidney, esophagus, breast, and prostate cancer, as well as lymphomas and leukemia.

Asbestosis

When asbestos is inhaled, it can damage the lung, leading to the formation of stiff scar tissue. It may take a decade after the initial exposure for asbestosis develop. Thankfully, the condition is treatable.

Asbestos & Mesothelioma Settlements in South Carolina

Asbestos & mesothelioma cases are often resolved in settlement agreements. This is when the insurance company and/or wrongdoer or “tortfeasor” agrees to cover your costs and damages, including past medical bills, future medical bills, lost wages, lost anticipated income, and pain and suffering. If you are filing on behalf of a loved one, you can also file a wrongful death action. In return, you agree to not file a lawsuit against the wrongdoer or to dismiss an ongoing lawsuit.

You should not accept insurance company’s lowball offers. Insurers or wrongdoers may try to get you to accept less than you deserve. For traumatic brain injuries, it can be particularly difficult to calculate future damages, and therefore, hiring a knowledgeable South Carolina traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you get the best results available to you.

What is a Contingency Fee?

How do I pay for the lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning the victims we represent pay nothing at all unless we win. Once you receive money from either a settlement or verdict, we receive a certain percentage of that settlement or verdict. If your lawsuit is unsuccessful, you will not owe us any attorney fees. This allows the plaintiff to reap the rewards without the risk of having to pay for a loss.