FAQs

In South Carolina, the attorney client privilege protects confidential information given to a lawyer by his or client regarding  a legal matter. Not all communication between a client and his lawyer is protected information. There must be an attorney client relationship and the communication must be confidential. Several other factors contribute to determining whether or not a communication is protected. To learn more about the attorney-client privilege in South Carolina, click here.

Pain and suffering damages are money awarded for the physical pain and emotional suffering that a victim incurred in addition to medical costs and lost wages.

Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of a body part. Mesothelioma can occur in the lining of the abdomen, heart, and most commonly, the chest. The disease is most prevalent in men age 65 or older and is almost always associated with asbestos exposure that may have occurred 25-30 years prior to the diagnosis. Mesothelioma is the deadliest of asbestos exposure related illnesses, and there is no effective cure or treatment. Symptoms include shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue and pleural effusions. Mesothelioma testing is initiated by a CT scan, followed by biopsy and lab testing with specialized stains. Mesothelioma is deadly and life expectancy averages only 4-18 months following a diagnosis. The disease can lay dormant for years after exposure to asbestos, so if you suspect or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the work related exposure may well have occurred long ago.

If your injury is covered by workers' compensation benefits, your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier must pay the following:

1) Any and all medical expenses related to the injury;

2) Weekly disability benefits checks for all periods you are out of work with written doctor's authorization;

3) A lump sum payment for permanents disabilities and/or lost wages you incurred after your treatment has finished.

You may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income provided you meet the stringent requirements for this program. A Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina will take the time to sit down with you and discuss your case.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that isn't funded by Social Security taxes but rather by general tax revenues. It is a federal income supplement program to help those with basic needs. Basic needs could include shelter, food and clothing.

SSI is also for the disabled, elderly and the blind when they have little or no income. 

Eligibility for SSI can be determined by a Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina. However, you should know that SSA determines this based upon the Benefit Eligibility Screen Tool (BEST). 

The BEST will take you through a number of questions and based on those answers, will list which, if any, benefits you are eligible for. Even this doesn't necessarily mean you will automatically get them. You still must apply and finish the process of determining whether or not you qualify.

Some of the questions that may be asked will pertain to your personal finances, along with your spouse's earnings. To better understand the types of questions you may be asked, you should speak with a Social Security disability attorney.

When it comes to Social Security, any component can be very time-consuming and complex. This is why it is usually best to enlist the help of someone who has experience in this area of law. A Social Security disability attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina can look at the specifics of your case to help you determine your eligibility.

Seeking the Help of a Social Security Disability Attorney in Charleston County, South Carolina

The South Carolina Social Security disability attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help with the complicated and time-consuming tasks associated with filing a disability claim. Before you file a Social Security disability claim in South Carolina, contact a disability attorney for a consultation 1-888-690-0211.

To determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor you must look at the employer's right of control over the worker. There are four common questions used to determine an employer's right of control:

1) Is there direct evidence of the right to control?
2) Who paid the worker?
3) Who furnished the supplies or equipment?
4) Who has the right to fire the worker?

If you were injured in a work accident and are usure if you are an employee or an independent contract contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm at 843-277-6061.