The automotive industry has a long history of using asbestos-containing vehicle components. While asbestos could offer heat resistance and other helpful qualities to vehicles, it posed a significant danger to human health. At Wallace & Graham, our South Carolina automotive workers’ mesothelioma lawyers are here for you if you develop mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness.
Mechanics and repair workers who serviced asbestos-containing vehicles faced a significant risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers while working. Even brief exposure significantly increased the risk of mesothelioma development decades later.
When people servicing asbestos-containing vehicles accidentally inhale or ingest asbestos, the fibers may become lodged in the thin layer that lines their organs, called the mesothelium. Although symptoms typically take years to develop, the fibers lodged in the mesothelium cause scarring and inflammation that can lead to mesothelioma.
Brake pads and linings, gaskets, seals, clutch facings, and insulation are common vehicle parts that contain asbestos. Even seemingly minor exposure can cause mesothelioma to develop later in life.
Early detection of mesothelioma is vital for successful treatment. However, long latency periods between exposure and the onset of symptoms can make mesothelioma difficult to diagnose in its early stages. The common symptoms to be aware of include:
If you work in the South Carolina automotive industry and experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Potential asbestos exposure, paired with any number of symptoms, can be cause for concern. Receiving an early mesothelioma diagnosis can significantly improve your treatment outcomes.
At Wallace & Graham, we understand your unique challenges when diagnosed with mesothelioma after a career in the South Carolina automotive industry. Our skilled mesothelioma attorneys can assist you by:
We work to investigate your case thoroughly. Our team can comb your work history and gather evidence to identify the companies or manufacturers that are responsible for your asbestos exposure.
We can guide you through the process of filing your compensation claim. You can consider all possible compensation avenues with us, such as asbestos trust funds, workers’ compensation benefits, and personal injury claims.
Records and documentation are vital when you pursue compensation claims. With the proper evidence presented, you and your loved ones can face a lighter financial burden. Contacting our attorneys means that you can understand your legal options, how you can get paid, and the path to navigating the intricacies of the legal process.
Negotiating with the proper entities is difficult when you do not have experience advocating in a legal setting. We handle the negotiation for you. The process can be complex, but our experienced attorneys in South Carolina can fight to secure your maximum compensation.
Sometimes, it is necessary to go to court or raise litigation as a possibility. Our skilled team has the experience to represent you and aggressively advocate for your optimal outcome.
Mesothelioma can cause physical and financial hardship that can change the lives of everyone around you. While we cannot help your physical stress like a medical professional can, we know how to alleviate your financial burden. The compensation we seek can recover various expenses, such as:
A: The compensation that you can get for mesothelioma depends on your situation. The different types of mesothelioma compensation include trial verdicts, asbestos trust fund payouts, and settlements. While some trust funds pay out in the hundreds of thousands, some settlements pay in the millions.
Many asbestos companies are now bankrupt. Although this does not remove their liability, it can mean that payouts may be different than they would have been before bankruptcy.
A: Mesothelioma claims can vary in length because of the different timeframes needed to resolve different claim types. Other factors include the kind of legal action that must be taken and the complexity of the facts in the case. Some claims can take months, while some can last years before being resolved.
Asbestos trust funds usually resolve faster, especially when the claim is reviewed expeditiously. Benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can have a several-month review process.
A: Mesothelioma claims are legal claims that patients and family members can bring against companies that were responsible for asbestos exposure, such as manufacturers, employers who failed to protect workers, and mining companies. People who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma usually file personal injury claims, while families that lost someone might bring a wrongful death claim.
People with primary or secondary asbestos exposure may file mesothelioma claims.
A: The requirements for mesothelioma claims include documentation and following the proper deadlines. Vital documentation can include:
To learn South Carolina’s statutes of limitations for mesothelioma claims and other deadlines, it is wise to contact a South Carolina automotive worker mesothelioma lawyer.
You do not need to wait to get the help you deserve. Our compassionate attorneys can listen to you, fight for your rights, and help secure the compensation you desperately need. You can focus on your health and loved ones while we handle the legal matters. We can hold negligent asbestos companies responsible on your behalf.
If you or a loved one worked in the South Carolina automotive industry and now have a mesothelioma diagnosis, contact Wallace & Graham today for a consultation.