Reviewed By: Personal Injury Team Last Updated: July 30, 2026
After years at your job, you can’t seem to have ditched the dry cough and fatigue that has only worsened over time. While you initially chalked it up to just a “tickle” in the throat and maybe a need for better sleep, could it actually be more?
Asbestosis, brought on by exposure to the mineral fiber commonly found in building materials, is an occupational lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue over time. The result? Difficulty breathing, coughing, and severe, irreversible lung impairment.
If your job was to blame for asbestos exposure and the resulting condition, will workers’ compensation benefits cover it?
Keep reading to find out how our workers’ compensation attorneys dive into the dangers of asbestos and how we can help in the aftermath of a claim.
What is Asbestos?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs naturally in rock and soil. Its strength and heat resistance have made it a critical element in manufactured goods and building materials, such as roofing shingles, insulation, automobile transmission parts, and heat-resistant fabrics.
Now, if asbestos exposure can result in such harmful health conditions and symptoms, why is it used?
Materials that utilize asbestos are not in themselves hazardous to your health. They can, however, pose a detriment when the asbestos fibers are released into the air. This release of the fibers may be brought on by demolition work, home maintenance repairs, or remodeling efforts.
Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure
Those who have experienced a long period of asbestos exposure typically don’t show symptoms for years or even decades after the initial exposure.
Common symptoms associated with asbestos exposure, or asbestosis, include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent, dry cough that worsens over time
- Chest tightness or pain
- Crackling sound when breathing
- General fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Widening of the fingertips and toes (clubbing)
- Bluish tint to the skin
If you believe you are suffering from any of the above-listed asbestos exposure symptoms, seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible.
Does My Job Present a High Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
Although asbestos exposure in the workplace has decreased over the past decade, certain jobs pose a higher risk of asbestos inhalation than others.
Workers in the following fields are at higher risk of asbestos exposure and developing asbestosis, including:
- Factory workers
- Construction workers
- Roofers
- Flooring installers
- Firefighters
- Electricians
- HVAC technicians
- Textile workers
Does Workers’ Comp Cover Asbestos in South Carolina?
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace, you are eligible for workers’ compensation coverage and benefits – so long as you can prove your condition and symptoms are work-related.
While asbestosis is a recognized occupational disease, claimants can face difficulty proving their condition is related to the workplace, given the extended period before symptoms present themselves.
With the help of an experienced workers’ comp lawyer, we can help you seek compensation related to asbestos exposure, including medical care, lost income, physical impairment, and rehabilitation, among other expenses.
Fight the Effects of Asbestos with Help from Hoffman Law Firm
Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys, located conveniently near you, don’t believe you should suffer in silence for a condition that was out of your hands.
If you or someone you love is facing the harsh realities of work-related asbestosis, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer near you at Hoffman Law Firm.
As one of the leading workers’ comp law firms in the Palmetto State, our team has extensive experience handling a wide variety of cases. With offices in Charleston, SC, and Georgetown, SC, we have established a reputation for success, as well as great service!
Don’t live with ongoing pain in your chest – contact a member of our team today!
SOURCES & REFERENCES
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Asbestos Basics, Exposure Risks, and Health Effects
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Asbestos Standards and Workplace Exposure Limits
- South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC): Occupational Diseases & Injury Claims
- South Carolina Code of Laws: Title 42 – Workers’ Compensation (S.C. Code Ann. § 42-11-10 et seq. Occupational Diseases)
LEARN MORE ABOUT WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Want to make sure your Workers’ Compensation claim is fully protected? Explore these related guides from Hoffman Law Firm:
- Workers’ Compensation for Occupational Diseases: What Are Your Rights?: Key legal guidance on proving illnesses like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and respiratory conditions caused by prolonged workplace exposure.
- The Serious Impact of Non-Impact Workplace Injuries: How toxic chemical exposures, overexertion, and repetitive strain qualify for benefits.
- 6 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Workers’ Compensation Case: Common pitfalls injured workers make and how to avoid them during recovery.
- The Dos and Don’ts of a Workers’ Compensation Case: Essential rules for documenting your injury, communicating with doctors, and handling insurance adjusters.
- The Most Dangerous Workplaces in South Carolina: An overview of hazardous workplace accidents and injuries for tough jobs.
- What to Do If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied: Key steps to take if the insurance company disputes your injury or refuses to cover medical treatment.
- Understanding Your Permanent Disability Rating: How doctor assessments impact your long-term benefit calculations and settlement value.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every workers’ compensation claim and asbestos exposure case is different. If you believe you developed a work-related illness, consult a qualified medical professional and speak with an experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney about your legal options.
