South Carolina Mesothelioma Lawyer

A qualified South Carolina mesothelioma lawyer can assist you with legal options if you have an asbestos illness. South Carolina has a long history of asbestos exposure from industries that include mining, textiles, construction, and more.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in South Carolina, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Keep in mind that we offer assistance to residents in all cities and towns in South Carolina, including:

Columbia, Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, Greenville, Summerville, Sumter, Goose Creek, Hilton Head Island, Florence, Spartanburg, Aiken, Myrtle Beach, Greer, Anderson, Mauldin, Taylors, Greenwood, St. Andrews, North Augusta, Socastee, Easley, Simpsonville, Hanahan, Lexington, Wade, Hampton, Conway, Seven Oaks, West Columbia, Ladson, Five Forks, North Myrtle Beach, Red Hill, Gantt, Clemson, Dentsville, Berea, Orangeburg, Bluffton, Beaufort, Cayce, Gaffney, Fort Mill, Irmo, Port Royal, Parker, James Island, Forest Acres, Newberry, Oak Grove, Woodfield, Little River, Garden City, Laurens, Moncks Corner, Georgetown, Lancaster Lake, Wylie, Sangaree, Bennettsville, Boiling Springs, Clinton, Tega Cay, Red Bank, Seneca, Union, Powdersville, Murrells, Inlet, Fountain Inn, York, Hartsville, Sans Souci, Burton, Lugoff, Camden, Marion, Homeland Park, Lake City, Dillon, Centerville, Welcome, Darlington, Laurel Bay, Cheraw, Valley Falls, Belvedere, Chester, Clearwater, Batesburg-Leesville, Clover, Walterboro, Lake Murray of Richland, Central, Abbeville, Piedmont, Travelers Rest, Hollywood, Edgefield, Barnwell, and more.

About Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. It affects the lining around the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the tissue lining in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Some of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include coughing, chest pains, and shortness of breath. Peritoneal mesothelioma causes gastrointestinal distress, constipation or diarrhea, and abdominal pain and swelling.

In its early stages, the symptoms of mesothelioma can be vague and difficult to identify. These symptoms might also include difficulty breathing and general abdominal swelling. Because these signs are not very specific, they can often be overlooked or mistaken for less serious conditions.

If these symptoms persist, it’s important to consult a doctor. A physician may begin the diagnostic process with a chest X-ray, which can provide initial clues about the presence of mesothelioma. However, it’s important to note that misinterpretation of X-rays is not uncommon, which can unfortunately lead to a delayed diagnosis.

To confirm suspicions of mesothelioma, more detailed imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs may be ordered. These advanced diagnostics offer a clearer picture and help in accurately identifying the condition, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate treatment as early as possible.

Anyone who worked with or around asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. They could have inhaled tiny asbestos fibers, which cause damage in the body that can lead to mesothelioma and other illnesses.

How is Mesothelioma Definitively Diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma involves a comprehensive approach beginning with a physical evaluation. During this exam, a doctor looks for unusual signs such as lumps. To gather more insights, the physician may proceed with imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, which can reveal abnormalities.

However, while these procedures provide valuable information, the only way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is through a biopsy. In this process, a tissue sample is taken and analyzed to detect the presence of cancerous cells. This definitive step ensures an accurate diagnosis, guiding the course of treatment.

Can Smoking Cause Mesothelioma?

No, smoking does not cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, particularly that which affects the lining of the lungs, is recognized as being caused primarily by asbestos exposure. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services refers to it as a “signal tumor” indicative of asbestos involvement.

While smoking is a well-known risk factor for many other lung-related diseases, including lung cancer, it does not establish a proven link to mesothelioma. Here are some common inhalants not associated with mesothelioma:

• Car exhaust
• Paint fumes
• Radiation from chest X-rays
• Radon gas

It’s crucial to distinguish mesothelioma from other diseases where lifestyle factors like smoking play a role, ensuring clarity and informed decision-making.

Why File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Most people sue over mesothelioma to get compensation. Mesothelioma is an expensive illness and also has emotional costs. Because most cases of mesothelioma result from negligent asbestos exposure, companies can be held liable for these expenses.

If you were exposed to asbestos and are now sick, you have legal rights. You have a right to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. If the companies responsible went bankrupt, you may be able to make an asbestos trust fund claim.

A mesothelioma lawsuit can provide significant financial relief by covering:

• Medical bills: Treatment for mesothelioma can be incredibly costly, and a lawsuit can help manage these expenses.
• Lost income: Compensation can cover the income lost due to inability to work.
• Pain and suffering: Financial restitution can be awarded for the physical and emotional distress caused by the illness.
• Loss of companionship (consortium): Families may receive compensation for the loss of companionship experienced due to the illness.

Beyond financial relief, pursuing a lawsuit can also help families alleviate the emotional burden by reducing financial stress, allowing them to focus on emotional healing. Moreover, identifying a definitive cause and holding a responsible party accountable can offer a sense of justice and closure.

To begin this process, it’s crucial to take the first step by consulting with specialized mesothelioma attorneys. They can offer you free legal advice and guide you through your options without any obligation. This initial consultation can provide clarity on your situation and help you understand the potential for compensation through legal channels.

Steps to Start Your Mesothelioma Lawsuit:

1. Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer: Reach out to a lawyer specializing in asbestos-related cases to discuss your specific circumstances.
2. Gather Documentation: Collect any medical records, employment history, and evidence of asbestos exposure to support your case.
3. Evaluate Your Options: During your consultation, explore all possible avenues for compensation, including personal injury lawsuits and trust fund claims.

By taking these initial steps, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the legal landscape and pursue the compensation you deserve for the challenges you face.

Can You Sue for Asbestos Exposure, and What Health Issues Are Associated With It?

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos at your workplace and developed a serious illness, there’s a possibility you could file a legal claim. While many of these cases are resolved through settlements, some do go to court if an agreement cannot be reached. However, it’s important to note that mere exposure to asbestos isn’t sufficient for a legal claim; there must be a connection to a diagnosed illness.

Health Issues Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure is notorious for leading to several severe health conditions. Although mesothelioma is the most recognized disease linked to asbestos, there are other serious health issues associated with this material, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are some of the conditions related to asbestos exposure:

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease causing scarring of lung tissue.
• Larynx Cancer: A type of cancer affecting the tissues of the larynx.
• Lung Cancer: A malignant tumor in the lungs.
• Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer, typically affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
• Ovarian Cancer: Cancer that originates in the ovaries.
• Pleural Disease: A non-cancerous lung condition affecting the lining of the lungs.

Moreover, current studies have suggested possible links between asbestos exposure and cancers of the pharynx, stomach, and colorectum.

Understanding Your Legal Options

If you’re facing any of these health issues due to asbestos exposure, it may be worthwhile to consult with a legal expert to explore your options for compensation. Each case is unique, and understanding the connection between your illness and asbestos exposure is key in determining your eligibility for filing a claim.

Can Veterans Sue for Asbestos Exposure They Encountered During Military Service?

If you’re a veteran who was exposed to asbestos during your time in the military, you might be wondering about your legal options. While direct lawsuits against the military for asbestos exposure aren’t possible, there are still avenues available for seeking compensation and justice.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

1. Can’t Sue the Military: Federal law prohibits suing the U.S. Military directly for injuries suffered as a result of military service, including those stemming from asbestos exposure.
2. Targeting Manufacturers: Many veterans have successfully filed claims against the companies that manufactured and supplied asbestos-containing products to the military. This is because these third-party manufacturers can be held liable for failing to warn about the dangers of asbestos.

Steps to Consider

• Explore Legal Options: Veterans often have the option to pursue compensation by filing lawsuits against these private companies. Legal advisors with experience in such cases can guide you through the process.
• Check Eligibility for Benefits: Beyond lawsuits, veterans may qualify for VA benefits specifically tailored for conditions like mesothelioma, which is often linked to asbestos exposure.

Additional Support

• VA Benefits: Veterans afflicted by asbestos-related conditions may be eligible for healthcare and financial support through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This can be an essential resource while navigating treatment and compensation claims.

In summary, while you cannot directly sue the military for asbestos exposure, opportunities exist to hold responsible companies accountable. Veterans also have recourse through VA benefits, ensuring they receive the support and compensation they deserve.

What Is the Average Mesothelioma Settlement in South Carolina?

Nationwide, the average settlement amount in a mesothelioma lawsuit is between $1 million and $1.4 million. Most asbestos lawsuits end in settlements. If a case goes to trial, it can result in a substantial jury award.

Compensation in an asbestos case varies by individual. Your compensation amount depends on several factors:

• Past and current medical expenses
• Future expected medical expenses
• Home care and medical equipment
• Travel costs for treatment
• Lost wages
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering

South Carolina Asbestos Lawyers Can Help You Prove Asbestos Exposure

Because asbestos causes illness decades later, it can be difficult to figure out where and when you were exposed. Exposure to asbestos was particularly common in certain industries, especially through the 1970s. If you worked in any of the following fields, it is likely that you may have encountered asbestos:

• Manufacturing: Products such as insulation, roofing, and brake pads often contained asbestos.
• Automotive Repair: Mechanics frequently handled parts with asbestos.
• Construction or Demolition: Asbestos was used widely in building materials.
• Shipyards: Ship construction and repair involved asbestos-laden materials.
• Railroading: Asbestos was used in trains and related infrastructure.
• Steel Mills: Asbestos provided heat resistance in these environments.
• Shipboard or Offshore Work: Asbestos was a common material in maritime settings.

If you worked in multiple fields or with different employers, it’s possible you received multiple exposures to asbestos.

Experienced mesothelioma lawyers have the resources available to investigate your past work history and asbestos exposure.

They have access to information about asbestos companies and workplaces and hire expert investigators. They also work with medical experts to prove that your past exposure led directly to your current asbestos illness.

This is one of the most important reasons to work with an experienced asbestos or mesothelioma law firm. They can help piece together your work history and exposure timeline, providing the necessary evidence to support your case.

Can You Get Disability Benefits for Asbestos Exposure?

Securing disability benefits solely due to asbestos exposure presents challenges, but it’s possible under certain conditions. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must demonstrate that asbestos exposure led to a disabling illness that prevents you from working. Merely having been exposed isn’t enough; the illness caused by the exposure must significantly impair your ability to perform any job-related tasks.

Navigating the Complex SSDI Application

Applying for SSDI is known for its complexity due to the detailed paperwork and stringent guidelines established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Incorrectly filled forms or failure to meet deadlines can result in denied claims. Seeking the expertise of a Social Security Disability attorney can streamline the process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

• Filing Tips:
  1. Collect comprehensive medical evidence linking your illness to asbestos exposure.
  2. Provide detailed documentation of how your condition limits your work abilities.
  3. Be aware of potential denials, and prepare to appeal with legal assistance if necessary.

SSDI benefits are calculated based on factors like your age and previous earnings and continue as long as your disability prevents you from working.

Special Considerations for Veterans

Veterans may also be eligible for additional compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provided they received an honorable or general discharge. The VA’s process can be lengthy and precise in its documentation requirements, making the initial application crucially important.

• Veterans’ Filing Tips:
  • Maintain thorough medical records and military service documentation.
  • Understand that delays may occur, but legal advocacy can support appeals and expedite decisions if necessary.

In summary, while obtaining disability benefits for asbestos-related conditions involves navigating complex legal and bureaucratic landscapes, legal support can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.

Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in South Carolina?

You were most likely exposed to asbestos at a former workplace or more than one. Several industries in South Carolina used asbestos heavily in the past.

Mining and Vermiculite Processing

One important industry in South Carolina is vermiculite processing. Plants in South Carolina received vermiculite shipments from W.R. Grace, a large global chemical and materials company known for mining and supplying other industries with asbestos-tainted vermiculite for years.

South Carolina also mined vermiculite. While there were no asbestos mines in the state, there are natural deposits. Any contaminating asbestos in the vermiculite mines put workers at risk.

Textile Manufacturing

The textile industry in South Carolina was also known for its use of asbestos. Raybestos Manhattan, located in the North Charleston area, put workers at risk for asbestos exposure for years.

Even though the company knew of the dangers of asbestos by the 1970s, it continued to use hazardous minerals for years.

Raybestos Manhattan was only one of the textile companies that put workers at risk. A test was conducted on previous textile workers in South Carolina to determine the rate of asbestos-related diseases that had developed.

At least 18% of the textile workers exposed to asbestos have developed an asbestos-related illness.

Other job sites in South Carolina known to have put workers at risk of asbestos exposure include:

Chemical Companies

• Monsanto Chemical Plant, Anderson
• Stauffer Chemical Plant, Anderson
• Celanese Chemical Plant, Spartanburg

Vermiculite Processing Plants

• Palmetto Vermiculite, Woodruff
• Zonolite (W.R. Grace), Enoree
• Patterson Vermiculite Company, Enoree
• Carolina Vermiculite Mining Division, Enoree

Paper Mills

• West Virginia Pulp & Paper Mill, Charleston
• International Paper Mill, Georgetown

Textile Companies

• Raybestos-Manhattan, Charleston
• Spartan Mill, Spartanburg
• Fiber Industries Textile Plant, Greenville

Schools, Shipyards, and Military

•  University of South Carolina, Columbia
• U.S. Navy Mine School, Charleston
• Goose Creek Naval Shipyard, Charleston
• Detyens Shipyard, Charleston
• Fort Jackson, Columbia
• U.S. Naval Receiving Station, Charleston

Power, Gas, and Steam Companies

• South Carolina Power & Light, Charleston
• South Carolina Electric & Gas, Columbia
• Georgetown Powerhouse, Georgetown

The Savannah River Site (SRS)

From 1950 until the mid-1980s, the Dupont Corporation, a company known for its heavy use of asbestos, ran a nuclear materials site called SRS. The company regularly polluted the air and exposed workers to asbestos.

NIOSH studied 18,883 former employees and contractors who worked at the job site.

The results revealed that most workers were at high risk for or had already developed an asbestos-related disease, specifically pleural mesothelioma.

SRS is still in operation today. However, it’s now run by the Department of Energy and used primarily as an environmental management site. Since removing asbestos from the site, the rate of asbestos-related diseases has decreased.

Asbestos Exposure Is still a Risk in South Carolina

Most asbestos exposure occurred in the past and has repercussions today. Although less of a risk, unfortunately, workers and residents can still be exposed to asbestos in South Carolina.

Most of this risk comes from asbestos that lingers in older buildings. When asbestos materials deteriorate, they shed harmful fibers. Neglect, repair work, renovations, and demolitions of these older buildings can expose workers, residents, and anyone in the area.

Asbestos was a risk recently at Anderson University. The U.S. Department of Justice prosecuted an asbestos abatement company owner who falsified records for asbestos in campus buildings. He reported no asbestos, which was false and put his workers at risk.

Asbestos also put people at risk in Andrews, SC, in 2023 when workers demolished a building without a permit. The partially-demolished high school gym was found to be contaminated with asbestos. Without taking proper precautions, the workers put people at risk of exposure.

How Much Compensation Is Available for South Carolina Asbestos Victims?

When victims suffer harm from asbestos exposure, they can take legal action. Recent examples of asbestos claims in favor of victims show how much a good lawyer can help their clients recover:

• Kathy Lynn Weist received a $32 million verdict from a South Carolina jury for her mesothelioma. She came into contact with asbestos fibers on the clothing of her male relatives. They worked for Kraft Heinz and Metal Masters Inc. The jury agreed those companies were responsible for her exposure and illness.
• In another case, Brenda Jolly won an appeal from the South Carolina Court of Appeals, upholding a $2.87 million jury verdict. Her husband died after working for years at Duke Energy replacing gaskets made with asbestos. He passed away before the case concluded.
• The family of a worker at the Celanese Corporation plant received a wrongful death settlement of $14 million after he died from mesothelioma in 2014. The court ordered Celanese to pay the family $12 million in compensatory damages and $2 million in punitive damages. The case brought memos to light that proved executives knew about the risks of asbestos but hid that information from workers.
• A South Carolina woman was awarded $29 million in a case against talc suppliers and manufacturers. She developed mesothelioma after using talc-based cosmetic products for many years. Talc is now known to sometimes be contaminated with asbestos. Supplier Whittaker, Clark & Daniels was found liable.

The actual amount of compensation you might receive in an asbestos claim or lawsuit depends on the factors of your case. Every case is different. An experienced lawyer cannot guarantee you a certain amount, but they can give you the best chance of receiving maximum compensation.

South Carolina Asbestos Laws

Asbestos laws in South Carolina include safety regulations to protect current workers and residents. They also include laws and precedents that determine how mesothelioma plaintiffs get compensated.

Statute of Limitations for Asbestos Lawsuits in South Carolina

Along with a strict statute of limitations, South Carolina also has some of the most stringent laws in the nation regarding asbestos-related lawsuits.

• The plaintiffs filing an asbestos lawsuit must be able to prove their medical condition with specific, high-level amounts of medical documentation as well as in-depth documentation concerning how, where, and why the asbestos exposure occurred.
• Lawsuits must be filed within three years from the time of an official diagnosis.
• For those filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you must file within three years of the date of the victim’s death.

Asbestos Safety Regulations

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulates state laws and policies regarding asbestos.

Anyone who wants to remove, repair, or tear down a home, building, or facility must follow these policies:

• Write the South Carolina Air Quality Bureau to get permission for asbestos disposal.
• Keep the materials wet at all times until you can dispose of them properly at a landfill that accepts asbestos.
• Burning asbestos-containing materials is strictly forbidden.
• Never throw or drop asbestos-containing materials on the ground.
• If debris lands on the ground, it should be collected immediately and sealed for proper disposal.
• A qualified Asbestos Building Inspector must thoroughly inspect a building before any renovations, removals, or demolitions.
• Before removing asbestos from buildings and/or facilities, you must write the DHEC at least 10 days in advance.

For more information regarding asbestos-related laws in South Carolina, contact the DHEC Asbestos Section at 803-896-7665.

Mesothelioma Treatment in South Carolina

Treatment for any other type of asbestos-related disease is extremely important. However, not all physicians and clinics understand the complexities of these types of rare diseases. Seek assistance from physicians and clinics backed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) specializing in cancer and asbestos-related diseases.

Once mesothelioma has been diagnosed, there are three primary treatment options, which may be used singly or in combination:

• Surgery: Typically used to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
• Radiation Therapy: Targets and kills cancer cells using high-energy rays.
• Chemotherapy: Involves drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.

There are also other treatment options under investigation. These include:

• Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy: Cancer cells are made more sensitive to light and exposed during surgery.
• Immune System Therapies: Designed to boost the body’s natural defenses against cancer.

Despite these efforts, the 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma remains less than 10%, highlighting the importance of seeking specialized care.

The Hollings Cancer Center is an NCI-designated hospital that treats all forms of cancer, focusing on mesothelioma and asbestosis. It’s conveniently located at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and has some of the nation’s best researchers, physicians, and cancer investigators. For more information, call the center directly at 843-792-0700.

The mesothelioma Lawyer Center supported my father during his challenging time. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication were truly remarkable. Not only did they handle the legal complexities with proficiency, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance to our family throughout the entire process. Thanks to their relentless efforts, my father received the compensation he deserved, allowing him to focus on his health and well-being. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking justice and assistance in similar situations.

– Jingjing Z.

South Carolina Legal Help and Additional Information

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.