Millions of people have been exposed to the deadly substance called asbestos during their working lives. More prevalent in states where manufacturing industries relied on this material, even South Carolinians may have been exposed. Those who have chosen to move to the Palmetto State from places like Pennsylvania can still pursue litigation if their illness is discovered after they relocate.
Asbestos litigation is a complicated area of law, and claimants need experienced guidance to seek compensation. The Shelly Leeke Law Firm specializes in helping the victims and families of those who have been harmed by their employers. We investigate, manage the legal procedures for you, and help you seek maximum compensation for your losses.
How Asbestos Made Millions Sick
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with fibers that was used as an insulating product in manufacturing. It also went into products that were used in schools, offices, and homes. It was extremely prevalent until the 1970s when scientists discovered how it caused illnesses such as cancer.
Despite learning how harmful it was, asbestos remained in many environments and products for many years. This left many more people at risk of becoming ill and needing compensation for how they were injured.
In addition to its use as insulation during high-heat manufacturing, asbestos was present in everyday items such as oven mitts, ceiling tiles, and roofing shingles. It was also used widely in products such as:
- Floor tiles
- Cement compounds
- Textile products
- Automotive parts
- Educational materials
- Automobile components, such as clutches, brakes, and transmission parts
Those who worked in construction, shipbuilding, asbestos abatement programs, and firefighting usually suffered the highest levels of exposure to this deadly material.
Common Diseases Associated with Asbestos Exposure
Because the effects of asbestos exposure can take decades to show up, you may suffer symptoms that you did not know were related to your work or environment. If you smoked, you could dismiss your emphysema as a natural outcome. However, whether you engaged in behaviors that could lead to respiratory illness or cancer, asbestos can definitely make these worse.
The most common disease associated with asbestos is mesothelioma, which is an extremely aggressive cancer. It spreads from the lungs throughout the body very quickly. In South Carolina, the Mesothelioma Center reported 470 fatalities due to mesothelioma over a 14-year period from asbestos exposure.
Non-cancerous diseases include asbestosis, which is exclusively related to asbestos exposure, and pleural disease, which is a thickening of the membranes surrounding the lungs.
Pursuing an Asbestos-Related Lawsuit
Unlike class action lawsuits, there is no single group to join to seek remedy from companies that used asbestos. Although many businesses set up trust funds to repay victims, your attorney must first identify the products or environments that caused your mesothelioma or other illness. That will determine which liable party to pursue.
Your lawsuit will be governed in some aspects by where your exposure took place. In South Carolina, lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date you were diagnosed with your disease. Researching your medical history and exposure over decades can take time, so contacting an attorney immediately is the best course of action.
Once we have the necessary information, our team can initiate the lawsuit. We manage all the legal issues for you, so you can rest easy knowing we are fighting hard for you. We keep you updated on our progress and answer all your questions.
Potential Compensation in an Asbestos Lawsuit
Although every case is unique, there are some common damages that clients recover as a result of successful asbestos litigation. You can seek many kinds of compensation, covering expenses such as:
- All your medical expenses related to your asbestos exposure and illness
- Depression or anxiety
- Emotional distress
- Loss of future income if you could otherwise still work
- Loss of your past income if you had to retire early
- Loss of retirement funds
- Pain and suffering
In situations where a loved one has passed away due to an asbestos-related disease, you may still be able to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. You can recover all the above losses your family member suffered, as well as compensation for your funeral costs, burial expenses, and personal grief.
How Shelly Leeke Can Help with Your Asbestos Exposure Claim
Not just any lawyer will be able to take on this kind of case. You will need a team of attorneys who have experience and the resources to perform research on decades of exposure. The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers the knowledge and skills to thoroughly investigate your claim and determine the correct strategy.
We always work for the maximum compensation for you, focused on the appropriate defendants. Our team provides critical services as part of your legal representation, including:
- Assessing your work and exposure history
- Collecting all necessary evidence to support your claim
- Determining all parties who bear liability
- Filing all paperwork correctly and on time
- Negotiating on your behalf with insurance companies
Shelly Leeke and her team understand the worry and stress you face after a diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness. We treat every client with compassion, care, and dignity while working fiercely to protect their rights. Our attorneys put your needs first and are not afraid to go up against large companies to recover the justice and financial relief you deserve.
Learn More About Asbestos Litigation When You Meet with a Qualified Attorney at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm
When you are suffering the effects of debilitating illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you already have more than you can handle. You need qualified and skilled advisers who can take on the legal burdens for you. We allow you to concentrate on taking care of yourself or your family member with less stress and worry.
We offer free initial consultations so you can ask your questions and get accurate answers. Your asbestos attorney will discuss your options and help you plan how to pursue the compensation you deserve from those who wronged you. We stand up against powerful corporations and demand justice on your behalf.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we are ready to begin working for you, seeking fair and appropriate financial relief for your suffering. Contact us to learn more about asbestos litigation during a no-risk, no-cost case evaluation today.
