South Carolina Mesothelioma Lawyer | Asbestos Lawsuit Help

South Carolina Mesothelioma Lawyers

South Carolina ranks 25th in the nation for annual mesothelioma diagnoses, with 42 new cases and 65 deaths each year.

Shipyards, textile mills, and paper mills formed the backbone of asbestos exposure in South Carolina, concentrated along coastal and upstate geographic corridors where industrial activity boomed in the twentieth century. Workers at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, which operated for over 95 years until 1996, handled toxic asbestos insulation for fireproofing during shipbuilding and repairs, while Detyens Shipyards posed similar risks to shipbuilders using the material on vessels. Textile facilities like Milliken Mills, Regal Textiles, and the Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Plant incorporated asbestos in machinery, pipes, gaskets, and even nylon production for durability, and paper mills such as South Carolina Industries relied on it to insulate high-heat equipment, releasing airborne fibers as materials aged. Vermiculite mining by Patterson Vermiculite Company and W.R. Grace and Company in the northwest added to the dangers, as local deposits and shipments from Libby, Montana, carried asbestos contamination, with other sites including the Lee Steam Plant, Monsanto Chemical Plant, and Oconee Nuclear Plant contributing broadly. This state's exposure history stood out due to its intense shipbuilding alongside textile dominance and unique vermiculite production as the nation's largest, amplifying risks in a compact network of 18 documented sites across five cities in five counties.

Documented asbestos exposure sites span 5 cities across 5 counties. People with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases trace their conditions to these industries, alongside secondary sources like Fort Jackson military base in the Columbia area, where construction from 1917 used asbestos in over 2,000 buildings including barracks and hospitals. Insulators, machinists, electricians, plumbers, textile operators, paper mill employees, miners, and their families faced heightened exposure, with Charleston County recording nearly double the state mesothelioma death rate in 2015, reflecting 613 such deaths statewide from 1999 to 2017 alongside 198 asbestosis fatalities. The legacy persists as people who inhaled fibers decades ago continue developing illnesses, prompting ongoing litigation against manufacturers for concealing risks, as ruled in 1978 South Carolina courts, while remnants in aging structures sustain environmental threats for residents and former workers alike.

Filing Deadlines in South Carolina

South Carolina law sets strict time limits for filing mesothelioma lawsuits. These deadlines, called statutes of limitations, determine how long you have to take legal action after a diagnosis.

Personal Injury

3 Years from Diagnosis

For claims filed by mesothelioma patients

Wrongful Death

3 Years from Death

For claims filed by surviving family members

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation. Even if you believe you have time, consulting an attorney early ensures your case gets the attention it needs.

When the Clock Starts

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations typically begins on the date of diagnosis, not the date of asbestos exposure. This is known as the "discovery rule."

Because mesothelioma has a latency period of 20–50 years, this rule is essential. Without it, most patients would be barred from filing before they even knew they were sick.

The clock starts when:

You receive a formal mesothelioma diagnosis from a physician
You reasonably should have known you had the disease based on symptoms

Personal Injury Claims in South Carolina

South Carolina allows 3 years from diagnosis to file a personal injury claim for mesothelioma. These claims are filed by the patient during their lifetime and can seek compensation for:

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
Lost wages: Income lost due to illness
Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress
Loss of quality of life: Impact on daily activities and relationships

Wrongful Death Claims in South Carolina

South Carolina allows 3 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can be filed by:

Surviving spouse
Children (including adult children)
Parents (in some cases)
Estate representative

Wrongful death claims can recover compensation for:

Medical expenses incurred before death
Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance

Asbestos Exposure Sites in South Carolina

South Carolina has 15 cities with documented asbestos exposure sites and 28 liable parties on record. Workers in these areas may have grounds for mesothelioma claims.

Select a city to view specific exposure sites, companies, and facilities with known asbestos exposure history.

Greenville 8 sites Columbia 4 sites Florence 2 sites Loris 2 sites Winnsboro 2 sites

South Carolina has 1 cancer centers specializing in mesothelioma treatment. For a complete list of documented asbestos exposure sites in South Carolina, see our exposure database.

Types of Compensation in South Carolina

Mesothelioma patients in South Carolina may be eligible for multiple forms of compensation. An experienced attorney can help pursue all available options.

Lawsuits and Settlements

Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits can be filed against companies responsible for asbestos exposure. Most cases settle before trial, with average mesothelioma settlements ranging from $1 million to $2.4 million. Total compensation can be significantly higher when combining multiple sources. South Carolina courts generally allow expedited scheduling for mesothelioma cases.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Over 60 bankruptcy trusts hold more than $30 billion for asbestos victims. These claims are separate from lawsuits and can be filed regardless of whether a company is still operating. Trust fund claims have their own deadlines and requirements.

Learn about trust fund claims →

Choosing a South Carolina Mesothelioma Lawyer

When selecting legal representation for a mesothelioma case in South Carolina, consider these factors. Our guide to choosing a mesothelioma law firm covers this in detail:

Experience with asbestos cases: Look for attorneys who focus on mesothelioma and asbestos litigation
Track record: Ask about past settlements and verdicts in similar cases
Resources: Firms need databases of products, companies, and expert witnesses
Knowledge of South Carolina courts: Familiarity with local procedures and judges matters
Communication: You should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving updates

Most mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you. Learn more about mesothelioma lawyer costs and how contingency fees work.

Legal Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is different. Consult with a qualified attorney to understand your specific legal options.

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