01. Filing Claims and Lawsuits in South Carolina
Filing Mesothelioma Claims and Lawsuits in South Carolina
South Carolinians diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness may be eligible to file a legal case. Hundreds of state residents have been negatively impacted by asbestos. Between 1999 and 2017, there were 778 South Carolina residents diagnosed with mesothelioma. During approximately the same period, 702 South Carolina residents died from mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma develops after exposure to asbestos. South Carolina residents who develop an asbestos-related disease may be eligible to file a mesothelioma case. By taking legal action, asbestos victims can hold guilty parties accountable for their illnesses. A mesothelioma lawyer can help individuals determine if they are eligible to file a case.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina residents and workers with an asbestos disease may be eligible for a mesothelioma case. Loved ones of deceased patients may also be able to file a case.
Asbestos and mesothelioma cases in South Carolina may stem from occupational asbestos exposure. This type of exposure can occur when individuals work around asbestos jobsites and products. Notable sources of asbestos exposure in South Carolina include:
- Military sites: Asbestos was frequently found in military barracks, airplanes, ships and buildings constructed before 1980. As a result, many veterans may have been exposed to asbestos during their service. In South Carolina, veteran asbestos exposure may have occurred at Fort Jackson, Parris Island Marine Base and Charleston Air Force Base. Shipyards using asbestos also caused exposure, including Naval Station Pascagoula.
- Textile plants: Individuals who worked around asbestos in textile manufacturing may have experienced high levels of exposure. One 1997 study measured asbestos exposure among South Carolina textile workers. Workers at the plant produced textiles with chrysotile asbestos until 1975. The study authors found greatly elevated rates of asbestosis, lung cancer and pleural plaques among the textile workers compared to the study’s control population.
Residents of South Carolina who lived in the following cities and towns have filed mesothelioma lawsuits to protect their rights and to seek compensation from negligent manufacturers and distributors of asbestos:
- Aiken, SC
- Anderson, SC
- Beaufort, SC
- Belton, SC
- Bluffton, SC
- Campobello, SC
- Central, SC
- Charleston, SC
- Columbia, SC
- Conway, SC
- Florence, SC
- Fort Mill, SC
- Fort Mills, SC
- Gaffney, SC
- Great Falls, SC
- Greenville, SC
- Greenwood, SC
- Greer, SC
- Hilton Head, SC
- Johnsonville, SC
- Little River, SC
- Longs, SC
- Maudlin, SC
- Mount Pleasant, SC
- Murrells Inlet, SC
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Parksville, SC
- Pawleys Island, SC
- Rock Hill, SC
- Saint Helena Island, SC
- Simpsonville, SC
- Summerton, SC
- Summerville, SC
- Sumter, SC
- Surfside Beach, SC
- Wagener, SC
- West Columbia, SC
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in South Carolina
Asbestos victims wishing to file a case should contact a South Carolina mesothelioma attorney to determine their eligibility.
An important part of case eligibility is the statute of limitations. These statutes dictate how long a lawsuit can be filed after an injury occurs or is discovered. Each state has its own statutes of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.
Individuals may also be able to seek compensation through asbestos trust funds. These funds are set up by bankrupt asbestos companies to cover asbestos expenses for current and future claimants. Attorneys at experienced law firms can help asbestos victims understand their options for compensation.
02. South Carolina Mesothelioma Law Firms
Mesothelioma Law Firms in South Carolina
Mesothelioma law firms can help South Carolina residents file a claim and receive compensation. These law firms have experience with different types of claims, including lawsuits and asbestos trust funds. Lawyers at these firms can explain an individual’s eligibility for different claim options and assist with the entire claim process.
The following law firms can help people living in South Carolina receive compensation:
A nationwide law firm will give you access to experienced attorneys who will be happy to travel to you. They will guide you through the details of your case and address any questions you have. These lawyers will assist you throughout the entire claim process.
Additionally, these law firms have years of experience, a deep knowledge of asbestos laws and access to extensive resources to build your lawsuit. With their background, the lawyers at these firms can decide which jurisdiction will provide the most favorable financial outcome for your case. Filing a lawsuit outside your state of residence may have the best outcome. Their legal teams will guide you through the whole process.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
03. South Carolina Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Settlements in South Carolina
Many South Carolina residents have filed mesothelioma lawsuits. Compensation may come from a lawsuit verdict, a mesothelioma settlement or another type of legal action. For example, veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for a VA claim.
Successful cases can result in compensation awards to cover medical bills, loss of wages and general pain and suffering.
We have listed below a few of the verdicts and settlements compensating victims of asbestos exposure in South Carolina:
- $4.8 MILLION: Millwright/Construction – 75 years old
- $3.5 MILLION: Navy/Electrician – 80 years old
- $3.2 MILLION: Navy/Mechanic – 68 years old
- $3.0 MILLION: Plant Worker/Navy – 70 years old
- $2.3 MILLION: Navy – 73 years old
- $2.1 MILLION: Navy – 84 years old
- $1.8 MILLION: Engineer/Sales Worker – 73 years old
- $1.7 MILLION: Painter/Maintenance – 77 years old
- $1.5 MILLION: Air Force/Mechanic – 84 years old
- $1.4 MILLION: Machinist/Office Worker – 69 years old
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Verdicts in South Carolina
In February 2019, a South Carolina appeals court upheld a $14 million jury award to the family of a mesothelioma victim. The victim experienced years of asbestos exposure on the job. He worked as a maintenance and repair worker at a fiber plant.
The victim worked at Hystron Fibers, Inc.’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant from 1971 to 1980. His daily tasks included maintaining and repairing pumps, valves, condensers and other equipment in the plant’s piping network. Many of these components contained asbestos, exposing him to the mineral.
The victim’s family and estate received a total of $14 million. The award included:
- $7 million in actual damages to his estate
- $5 million in actual damages to his wife for her loss of consortium claim
- $2 million in punitive damages
The defendants appealed the awards, though the total amount was upheld by the appeals court.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable South Carolina mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
04. Asbestos Laws in South Carolina
South Carolina Asbestos Laws & Regulations
South Carolina has several state asbestos regulations to oversee use, handling and proper removal procedures. They are overseen by two state bodies:
- The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
- The South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
These bodies administer the state’s asbestos rules. Relevant rules include South Carolina Code 44-87-10. This section of code sets requirements for licensing for asbestos projects, how to conduct safe asbestos handling and penalties for failure to follow these rules.
Other South Carolina laws establish rules for asbestos cases. One such law is South Carolina Code 44-135-10, known as the Asbestos and Silica Claims Procedure Act of 2006. This act establishes requirements for medical documentation of an asbestos-related disease when filing claims.
It also contains a provision for people who have been exposed to asbestos but do not yet have a related diagnosis. If these individuals become sick in the future, the act preserves their right to file for legal action.
Experienced mesothelioma lawyers are up to date on state and federal asbestos trends. These professionals can help victims ensure their cases follow all relevant regulations.
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