South Carolina Mesothelioma Attorney:

Fighting for Asbestos Victims

Seeking Justice for a Relentless Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a devastating diagnosis that changes everything in an instant. This rare and aggressive cancer, affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, is unique because it is caused by a single known factor: exposure to asbestos. Often, the exposure that caused the illness happened decades ago in a South Carolina shipyard, power plant, or factory, but the consequences are felt acutely today.

At The Law Offices of David L. Hood, we understand that while money cannot restore your health, it can provide the financial security your family needs and a sense of justice against the companies that put profits over people. With over 30 years of experience, attorney David L. Hood and his co-counsel legal team specialize in navigating the complex world of asbestos litigation. We have the resources to track down the source of your exposure and the tenacity to pursue the compensation you deserve.

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What is

Mesothelioma?

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Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium—the thin layer of tissue that covers most of your internal organs. It is characterized by a long “latency period,” meaning it can take 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure for symptoms to appear. By the time it is diagnosed, the disease is often at an advanced stage.

Primary Types of Mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma:
The most common form, affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura). Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Affects the lining of the abdominal cavity. Symptoms often include abdominal swelling, pain, and digestive issues.
Pericardial and Testicular Mesothelioma:
Rarer forms affecting the lining of the heart or testes.
Asbestos:

The Silent Killer

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Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once praised for its heat resistance and durability. Throughout the 20th century, it was used extensively in South Carolina industries. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release microscopic fibers that, when inhaled or swallowed, become permanently lodged in the body’s tissues, eventually causing inflammation and cancer.

High-Risk Locations in South Carolina:

Shipyards:
Particularly the Charleston Naval Shipyard, where asbestos was used in nearly every square inch of ship insulation.
Power Plants and Utilities:
Boilers, turbines, and pipes were traditionally wrapped in asbestos insulation.
Construction Sites:
Many older buildings in cities like Columbia and Greenville still contain asbestos in roofing, flooring, and "popcorn" ceilings.
Secondary Exposure:
Many victims are the spouses or children of workers who unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home on their work clothes or hair.
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Your Path to Compensation

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Because the dangers of asbestos were hidden from the public for decades, legal systems were established to ensure victims are compensated. We help you explore all available avenues:

Asbestos Trust Funds:
Many companies that produced asbestos-related products filed for bankruptcy but were forced by courts to set aside billions of dollars in "trusts" to pay future victims. We can help you file claims against these funds without ever stepping into a courtroom.
Personal Injury Lawsuits:
If the company responsible for your exposure is still in business, we can file a direct lawsuit to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death Claims:
If you have lost a loved one to mesothelioma, we can seek compensation for funeral expenses and loss of support for the surviving family.
VA Benefits:
Many veterans were exposed to asbestos during their service, particularly in the Navy. We can assist in coordinating claims for those who served.
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Proving Your Case

Proving a mesothelioma claim requires a specialized legal investigation. Our team works to:

1
Confirm the Diagnosis:
Utilizing pathology reports and expert medical testimony.
2
Trace the History:
Creating a detailed timeline of your employment and residence history to pinpoint where exposure occurred.
3
Identify the Product:
Finding evidence of specific asbestos brands or materials used at your job site decades ago.

Strict Legal Deadlines

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is generally three years from the date of diagnosis. However, because evidence can be lost and health can decline quickly, it is vital to contact an attorney as soon as a diagnosis is confirmed.

We Stand With South Carolina Families

A mesothelioma diagnosis is a heavy burden, but you don’t have to carry the legal weight alone. From our principal office in Murrells Inlet to our locations in Charleston and beyond, we offer the compassionate, results-oriented representation your family deserves.

Contact The Law Offices of David L. Hood today or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we successfully secure compensation for you.

The Law Offices of David L. Hood’s principal office is located in Murrells Inlet, SC and that is where Attorney Hood principally performs legal services and practices law. This website constitutes attorney advertising and is designed for general information only. The information presented in this website should not be construed to be formal legal advice or create an attorney client relationship.
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