If you or your loved one was suddenly diagnosed with a dangerous condition such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may feel frightened and confused. But you have the right to request compensation for your pain.
This exposure could have come in many forms, including performing work-related duties. Our asbestos lawyers in South Carolina at Shelly Leeke Law Firm are here to help you recover compensation if you qualify for a case.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a term used to refer to a set of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Asbestos has been used for many years in a number of different domestic, commercial, and industrial capacities because it is extremely durable and fire-resistant. It was often used in the following products:
- Roofing shingles
- Floor tiles
- Ceiling materials
- Cement compounds
- Textile products
- Automotive parts
Asbestos has six primary sub-classifications, namely, chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Of these six sub-classifications, chrysotile and amosite asbestos are the most common.
We now know today that asbestos is a toxic mineral, and exposure has been directly and scientifically linked to several severe and dangerous lung and respiratory health conditions. As a result, its use is now strictly regulated. Unfortunately, these regulations come too late for the thousands of Americans who have already been exposed and could still face health ramifications.
For a free legal consultation with a exposure lawyer serving South Carolina, call 1-844-736-8342
Why Is Asbestos So Dangerous?
Asbestos is dangerous because it presents a significant threat to our health and safety. It is a human carcinogen that is easily inhaled. Once it has been inhaled, the asbestos fibers cling to the respiratory system. This includes the lining of the lungs as well as the inner cavity tissue.
From there, they become lodged and are not easily expelled or broken down in the body. This material is so hazardous that no amount of exposure can be deemed safe, and there is no “safe” type of asbestos. Anyone who has had a history of being exposed to this material is potentially at risk for life-threatening health complications.
What Are the Most Common Complications Asbestos Exposure Can Cause?
When you’re exposed to Asbestos for any amount of time, you may develop health complications that can have long-term effects. Three of the most common complications resulting from exposure include:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lung and the mesothelium. It originates in three locations, with the lining of the lungs being the most common. It can also arise, however, in the lining of the abdominal cavity or the lining of the heart.
Lung cancer is another common complication resulting from asbestos exposure. Symptoms of this type of cancer include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Asbestosis is not a form of cancer; however, it is a degenerative and progressive long-term respiratory condition.
It results when scar tissue plaques form on the visceral surface of the pleura. It can be a precursor to mesothelioma.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone who was exposed to any amount of asbestos is at risk of developing complications. However, those who worked in certain industries prior to 1980 are more likely to have encountered this dangerous substance. The industries that have high amounts of asbestos exposure include:
- Shipbuilding
- Commercial product manufacturing
- Power plants
- Construction
If you work in any of the industries listed above, it’s important to go to the doctor often so you know if you’ve been exposed to asbestos. If you were, your doctor can identify any warning signs and prevent the development of any health issues.
South Carolina Exposure Lawyer Near Me 1-844-736-8342
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for Asbestos Exposure in South Carolina?
When you get exposed to asbestos and develop an asbestos-related health condition, you have three years from the day you received your diagnosis to file an asbestos claim. This gives you time to work with an asbestos attorney to gather evidence to support your claim.
It’s important that you file your claim as soon as you can in order to avoid missing the deadline. Another benefit of filing a claim early is that you have a higher chance of winning your case at the highest compensation.
Even though South Carolina’s statute of limitations gives you 3 years to file, depending on the details of your situation, you may have more or less time to file. When you get in touch with one of our South Carolina asbestos attorneys, they can tell you exactly how much time you have to file.
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What Losses Can You Experience When You’re Diagnosed with an Asbestos-Related Cancer?
When you get diagnosed with a health condition as a result of asbestos exposure, it can be devastating. But your diagnosis doesn’t have to become a financial burden. By working with an attorney from our firm, we can help you recover damages that can help you pay for treatment and regain hope, such as:
- Medical bills
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of income
- Loss of quality of life
- Transportation costs for medical treatment
- Medical anguish
You may be eligible to recover additional damages if your condition is severe enough to affect multiple aspects of your life. Our attorneys can review your case and tell you what damages you qualify for.
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What Should You Do If You Have Been Exposed?
While anyone who was exposed to this substance is at risk, not everyone will develop an asbestos-related illness. If you or a family member is diagnosed with lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis, you should contact an asbestos attorney in South Carolina as soon as possible. It is also important to choose a law firm that has a history of handling this specific type of case.
One of our experienced lawyers can help you conclude whether or not your condition likely arose from your asbestos exposure by asking questions about your work history, jobs, work environments, and other relevant aspects of your life.
Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm to Talk to an Asbestos Lawyer in South Carolina
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer, and it could have been prevented, you may be eligible for an asbestos case and compensation. When it comes to legal claims relating to asbestos exposure, it is important to act quickly.
Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm by filling out the contact form on our website or calling us.
Call or text 1-844-736-8342 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
