South Carolina Mesothelioma Lawyers

Many South Carolinians may be surprised to know that in 2014, South Carolina was ranked 18th in the nation for mesothelioma rates per 100,000 residents, with the port city of Charleston displaying death rates above both the state and national averages.

Life-threatening mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases can develop decades after the initial exposure, with even trace amounts of asbestos being potentially deadly if inhaled. Many of those exposed unfortunately were not warned of the dangers posed by asbestos-containing products or provided the necessary safeguards to protect themselves from toxic asbestos exposure.

Contact a South Carolina Asbestos Attorney

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos and later developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease, you may contact South Carolina asbestos lawyers Anne McGinness Kearse or John Herrick at 1.800.923.4237 or by email to discuss your legal options.

South Carolina Asbestos Litigation is in our Roots

We understand the many issues that families face when confronting asbestos exposure and mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Based in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, just outside of downtown Charleston, we are familiar with South Carolina’s worksites and other potential exposure sites and are able to conduct extensive investigations.

Additionally, many asbestos attorneys with Motley Rice call South Carolina home, with some having fought for decades to hold asbestos manufacturers and industrial facilities accountable for harm caused to workers and their families. As a result, we have represented thousands of asbestos exposure victims, several thousand of whom were South Carolinians.

Motley Rice co-founder and South Carolina native Ron Motley (1944-2013) revealed asbestos manufacturers and the harmful and disabling effects of occupational, environmental and household asbestos exposure. He represented thousands of asbestos victims and achieved numerous trial breakthroughs. We are proud to continue his legacy and fight for fellow South Carolinians harmed by toxic asbestos exposure.

We have fought for our clients through trial resulting in liability verdicts, as well as securing settlement resolution to resolve cases. Our attorneys have also served in leadership roles with the asbestos bankruptcy trusts and, as a result, know how to effectively navigate trust claims.

The firm has also served as counsel in claims alleging various insurers of asbestos defendants engaged in unfair settlement practices in connection with the resolution of underlying asbestos personal injury claims.

South Carolina Asbestos Rates

In 2015, the latest year for which data is available, 31 South Carolinians died from mesothelioma. In particular, Charleston County, the state’s third most populated county, records nearly nine asbestos-related deaths for every 100,000 residents, which is double the state rate and exceeds the national average. Charleston County’s heightened level of asbestos exposure has largely been attributed to the Charleston Naval Shipyard, which operated for more than 95 years before closing in 1996, and required workers to handle toxic asbestos insulation, often used for fireproofing, while building and repairing ships.

South Carolina Job Sites Linked to Asbestos Exposure

In addition to the shipyard, several other job sites have been linked to asbestos exposure throughout the state. Some of these sites include (Please note that this is not a complete list. There are dozens of worksites in the state linked to asbestos exposure. If you have a question about a location where you or a loved one worked, please ask us. We maintain a through database of worksites in South Carolina and across the country):

• Bowater Paper – Rock Hill
• Carolina Eastman – Irmo
• Charleston Naval Shipyard
• Chemstrand/Monsanto – Greenwood
• Duke Powerhouse – Seneca
• E.I. DuPont Camden (May Plant)
• Hoechst Celanese – Spartanburg
• International Paper Mill – Georgetown
• Santee Cooper Powerhouses (Jefferies - Moncks Corner & Grainger - Conway)
• Savannah River Plant
• SCE&G – All across state (SCANA)
• Westvaco/Kraft Mead - North Charleston, SC

Pursuing asbestos litigation can be a lengthy and confusing process, particularly during a time when you or loved ones are also navigating medical care or the loss of a loved one.

While considering whether litigation is the right option for you, please know that Motley Rice attorneys are available to offer guidance and answer any questions that you may have. Our attorneys frequently make home visits and are able to travel to you.