An experienced Charleston, South Carolina, mesothelioma lawyer can help if you encountered asbestos at any workplace in the area. Shipyard jobs and numerous other industries in Charleston have been marred by asbestos use for decades.
Keep in mind that if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to considerable compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Charleston, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim and much more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Charleston Asbestos Facts
- South Carolina saw 3,801 deaths from asbestos-related diseases between 1999 and 2017.
- The county with the highest number of asbestos deaths in that period was Charleston, with 550.
- Charleston’s long history with shipyards is a major contributing factor to the asbestos exposure workers experienced for decades.
About Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a natural mineral once used heavily in most industries. It was most commonly used as an insulator. Asbestos materials shed small fibers that can be inhaled or ingested by anyone in the area.
Workers exposed to these tiny asbestos fibers were at risk for later illnesses, including pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. The fibers cause damage to tissues and cells in the body, which can cause cancer to develop years later.
Why Do I Need a Charleston, SC, Mesothelioma Lawyer?
You need an experienced asbestos attorney if you have a diagnosis of mesothelioma. An expert in asbestos cases gives you the best possible chance of recovering damages and being able to pay for costly treatments.
Mesothelioma is caused by negligent workplace asbestos exposure. The companies that failed to protect you from asbestos can and should be held accountable. For a successful claim or lawsuit, you need expert legal guidance.
How to Make a Mesothelioma Claim in Charleston
The first step is to choose an experienced mesothelioma lawyer working in and around Charleston. They should be backed by a large asbestos law firm with the resource to handle your case.
The right asbestos lawyer will offer you a free initial consultation to review your information. If they think you have a case, your lawyer will get you started on one or more types of mesothelioma claims:
- Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit
- Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit
- Asbestos trust fund claim
- VA benefits claim
Your lawyer will do all the work to file and proceed with a lawsuit or claim. They will give you the best chance of a successful outcome and fair compensation.
Where Was I Exposed to Asbestos in Charleston?
Several industries in and around Charleston used asbestos and put workers at risk of exposure and illness. These are just a few examples.
Charleston Naval Shipyard
Business at the Charleston Naval Shipyard grew to over 25,000 workers by 1943. The majority of these contractors and employees faced daily asbestos exposure. Workers here built more than 220 ships at the Charleston Naval Shipyard during World War II alone.
Asbestos long played a role in both U.S. Navy and civilian ship repair, building, and construction throughout much of the 20th century. Asbestos insulated and protected against heat and fire. Asbestos was also desirable on ships for its ability to add lightweight strength to materials.
In 1978, the Navy released the “Controlled Procedure for the Removal of Asbestos Containing Materials” documentation to the Charleston Naval Shipyard.
Although the report provided a detailed outline of how to abate asbestos as safely as possible, the document came after many workers had already been exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers.
After the shipyard closed in 1996, citizens began expressing concerns about exposure to dangerous toxins left behind.
In 2005, new construction began at the old site, now renamed The Navy Yard at Noisette.
In February 2019, The Post and Courier reported that the shipyard “remains very much a work in progress.”
Braswell Services Group
In addition to Charleston Naval Shipyard, the Braswell Service Group was a shipyard that once relied on asbestos. Asbestos was used in almost every type of machinery, equipment, and parts at the shipyard.
Employees at Braswell worked around asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) daily as they built and repaired ships. Asbestos was found in:
- Boilers and turbines
- Electrical, building, and plumbing insulation
- Pumps and valves
- Steampipes
- Incinerators
- Gaskets
- Tiling
- Welding blankets, and more
Other Job Sites Associated with Asbestos Use in Charleston
Along with shipyards, several other companies in and around Charleston used asbestos for years. Several buildings that were constructed with ACMs remain in Charleston today.
Schools
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina
- Basic Science Building- Medical University of South Carolina
- University of South Carolina
Hospitals
- Charleston Memorial Hospital
- Roper St. Francis Healthcare
- Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VAMC
Additional Businesses
- Bird and Son Inc.
- South Carolina Gas and Electric Company
- Charleston Hydraulic Cotton Press
- Charleston Oil Refinery
- Daniel Construction
- General Asbestos and Rubber Company (GARCO)
- J. R. Deans Company, Inc.
- Westvaco Corporation
- Wood Brothers Thresher Company
Specialty Cancer Care in Charleston
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease or been exposed to asbestos and need assistance with testing and diagnosis, contact the Hollings Cancer Center (HCC) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). It has been helping cancer patients since its inception in 1824.
In 1993, HCC was named a designated cancer center backed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
In addition to extensive cancer research and research trials, HCC offers innovative radiology oncology treatment options through its well-known Thoracic Oncology Program.
Hollings Cancer Center
86 Jonathan Lucas St,
Charleston, SC 29425
(843) 792-0700
Additional Information and Getting Legal Help
Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys. If you need additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
