Asbestos-Related Deaths in South Carolina – All You Need to Know

Asbestos is no longer used in the applications that were once popular throughout the United States, but this substance still poses severe health risks in many locations throughout the country. Asbestos-related deaths in South Carolina still occur, and when they do, surviving family members typically have lots of difficult legal questions they are unable to answer for themselves.

If you have lost a loved one in South Carolina because of any type of asbestos-related medical condition, you may have grounds for a claim against whoever is responsible for your loved one’s exposure. The attorneys at Wallace & Graham, P.A., have years of professional experience representing clients affected by asbestos, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you in the aftermath of asbestos-related deaths in South Carolina.

Common Risks of Asbestos Exposure in South Carolina

Most of the asbestos-related deaths in South Carolina each year result from mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers embed in the lung tissue and in the pleura surrounding the lungs. Mesothelioma takes a very long time to cause noticeable symptoms, so most people diagnosed with this condition discover that they were exposed decades in the past.

For years, asbestos was used as insulation and as a fireproofing material in many types of constructions. Asbestos fibers are very thin, sharp, and light particles that can remain suspended in still air for hours or even days at a time. Once inhaled, the victim is likely to eventually develop an asbestos-related health condition, even after just one exposure. It’s possible for someone to encounter asbestos in many types of buildings, especially older ones.

Legal Options for Asbestos-Related Deaths in South Carolina

If you have lost a family member from any type of asbestos-related illness in South Carolina, it is natural to wonder whether your family has any grounds for legal recourse. When another party is responsible for causing a fatal injury or illness, it typically forms the foundation of a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of personal injury claim aims to secure compensation for the losses suffered by the surviving family of the deceased.

One of the most challenging aspects of pursuing legal recourse for any type of asbestos exposure is the fact that the negative health effects of asbestos exposure can take a very long time to appear. It’s possible for asbestos exposure to lead to severe health problems after many years, leaving the victim and their family to determine exactly when, where, and how the exposure occurred.

Wallace & Graham, P.A., can provide the legal assistance you need in this challenging situation. Our firm has assisted many past clients with all types of asbestos-related claims, including wrongful death suits for asbestos-related deaths in South Carolina. We can help you and your family trace the source of your loved one’s asbestos exposure and determine which parties may bear liability for wrongful death.

You have a limited time in which to pursue legal recourse following an asbestos-related death or a diagnosis of any asbestos-related medical condition. Due to the time often required for discerning the cause of an asbestos-related medical condition, it is crucial to connect with trustworthy legal counsel as quickly as possible in this situation.

FAQs

Q: How Many Asbestos-Related Deaths in South Carolina Have Been Recorded?

A: According to a study from Asbestos Nation, the number of asbestos-related deaths in South Carolina between 1999 and 2017 was 3,801. Of these deaths, 512 were cited as caused by asbestosis, while 663 resulted from mesothelioma. An estimated 2,652 deaths resulted from non-mesothelioma lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It is vital to remember that asbestos can cause a number of serious adverse health effects, most of which are terminal.

Q: What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

A: The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma a person has. If they have pleural mesothelioma, it affects the linings of the lungs and can cause symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, painful cough, and more. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the abdomen and can cause severe nausea, sudden weight loss, abdominal pain, and swelling. These symptoms are commonly confused for other, less serious conditions.

Q: Is Mesothelioma Curable?

A: Mesothelioma is incurable. Additionally, the disease commonly does not cause noticeable symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Once mesothelioma has become noticeable, the optimal course of medical treatment generally involves symptom management and retaining the quality of life for the victim for as long as possible. Mesothelioma has a very long latency period that can be longer than 50 years following initial exposure.

Q: Can You File a Wrongful Death Suit for Mesothelioma?

A: Yes, you can file a wrongful death suit for mesothelioma if your family member has died from this disease and another party is directly liable for their exposure. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine whether you have grounds for such a claim and help you understand the legal criteria for filing a wrongful death suit in South Carolina. This type of personal injury claim seeks compensation for the losses suffered by the family of the deceased.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer may not be as much as you might expect if you choose Wallace & Graham, P.A., to represent your case. Our firm accepts these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning our firm will only collect a fee from our client after we have won their case, and our fee will be a percentage of the total compensation we recover for them. There is no fee at all if we are unable to obtain compensation for our client.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham, P.A., have years of professional experience handling all types of asbestos-related civil claims in South Carolina, including workers’ compensation claims, personal injury claims, and wrongful death suits. Whatever your situation requires, we are confident in our ability to provide the compassionate and responsive legal counsel you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.