South Carolina Workers Exposed to Asbestos: An Asbestosis Guide

Asbestosis is a severe medical condition caused by exposure to asbestos. Many workers throughout the state face asbestos-related health risks on the job, and it is important for them to know what to do if they develop any asbestos-related medical condition. The following can help South Carolina workers exposed to asbestos: An asbestosis guide can answer some of your most pressing legal questions if you find yourself in this situation.

South Carolina Workers Exposed to Asbestos: An Asbestosis Guide

Thousands of people working in various industries face asbestos exposure risks at work. While asbestos is commonly linked to mesothelioma, a terminal form of lung cancer, it is also possible for noncancerous asbestosis to form after exposure to asbestos. While this condition may not be as serious as mesothelioma, it is still a very complex and dangerous condition that is very difficult to treat. Most people with this condition will require lifelong medical support.

South Carolina employers are required to carefully address any asbestos risks in their operations. This means complying with all applicable workplace safety rules set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), identifying asbestos exposure risks and taking appropriate steps to minimize harm to workers, providing workers with appropriate safety equipment, and carrying workers’ compensation insurance as required by state law.

What to Do if You Are Exposed to Asbestos at Work in South Carolina

If you discover that you have been exposed to asbestos at work in the state, it is vital to know your legal options in this situation. Depending on how and why you were exposed, it is possible to have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer, but you may also have the right to pursue a personal injury suit depending on how, where, and why you were exposed.

Workers’ compensation insurance will require the claimant to prove that they contracted their disease from their workplace. If an investigation determines that the employer failed to meet any workplace safety regulations or negligently exposed their employees to asbestos, the employer could face various serious legal penalties. An experienced attorney can help their client navigate the complex legal proceedings they may face after an asbestosis diagnosis.

If you are able to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer, it is possible to recover medical expense benefits and disability benefits. The insurance company will typically pay for all medical care a claimant needs for a work-related injury or illness, and the claimant can receive disability benefits if they are unable to work while they recover. It is also possible for a claimant to qualify for permanent disability benefits if they cannot return to work.

Asbestosis may not be a terminal cancer like mesothelioma, but it is often still debilitating. The victim may require ongoing medical support at home, experience various symptoms that interfere with their ability to work and handle daily household tasks, and they may also experience a severely diminished quality of life. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with asbestosis, it’s important to know your legal options in this situation.

FAQs

Q: How Much Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Asbestosis?

A: Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause asbestosis or mesothelioma. It is important to remember that no amount of asbestos exposure is safe, and it is possible for just a single exposure to eventually cause severe adverse medical conditions. If you believe your medical condition resulted from asbestos exposure, an experienced attorney can help you trace the source of the condition and determine your legal options.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Asbestosis and Mesothelioma?

A: The main difference between asbestosis and mesothelioma is that asbestosis is a noncancerous lung condition, while mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer. While not as serious as mesothelioma, asbestosis is still a very complex medical condition that can be very difficult to treat, and the symptoms can be extremely debilitating. Many people diagnosed with asbestosis will require lifelong medical support to manage their symptoms.

Q: Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Asbestosis?

A: Yes, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for asbestosis if you can trace the source of your condition to asbestos exposure while working. Workers’ compensation insurance applies to injuries and illnesses workers experience while on the job. An experienced attorney can help you prove that you qualify to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits and guide you through your interactions with the insurance company until you receive a fair determination of benefits.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in the State?

A: You should have a mesothelioma lawyer to help you file a workers’ compensation claim in the state if you want to have the easiest possible time resolving your claim. The right attorney can help you complete all required paperwork, navigate your interactions with the insurance carrier, and ensure that you receive a fair determination of benefits. They can also help you explore alternative avenues of legal recourse you may have overlooked on your own.

Q: How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for an Asbestosis Claim?

A: The cost to hire a lawyer for an asbestosis claim may only be a percentage of your case award. If you choose Wallace & Graham, P.A., to represent you, our contingency fee policy means you pay nothing upfront and no fees if we are unable to secure compensation for you. If we do win your case, our fee will only be a percentage of your total case award. This policy ensures that legal counsel is accessible when you need it most.

Wallace & Graham, P.A., has successfully helped many past clients pursue compensation for asbestosis and mesothelioma in the state, and we are confident we can provide the legal counsel you need for your situation. You have a limited time in which to pursue your recovery, so it is vital that you contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney about your case.