Established in 1927, Carolina Shipping Company has been conducting shipping and related activities in South Carolina for decades. Originally the Carolina Shipping Company owned and operated several cargo vessels, in addition to providing stevedoring and shipping agency services.
By 1989, the Carolina Shipping Company had sold the vessels and its stevedoring services to Stevedoring Services of America. The company was then purchased by Biehl International, located in Texas. Under the new ownership, Carolina Shipping Company expanded to several locations in Georgia and Florida. The company became exclusively focused on steamship operations.
Asbestos Exposure at Carolina Shipping
Unfortunately, employment with Carolina Shipping Company likely exposed unknowing workers to significant health risks posed by asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that is used extensively in shipping and related industry operations. This material is used to rustproof, insulate, fire-and heatproof, soundproof, and much more. While this material has practical benefits, prolonged or acute exposure to asbestos can cause serious physical harm.
If you or a loved one has developed an asbestos-related illness, while working for Carolina Shipping Company, please contact us to learn more about your rights and options.
Direct & Indirect Exposure
One need not directly handle asbestos in order to be exposed. As a Carolina Shipping Company employee, it is possible that you were exposed to asbestos just by working on or near ships and shipyards. This is because asbestos fibers become airborne, at which point people inhale or ingest this material.
A person who inhales or ingests large quantities of asbestos over a short period, or small quantities over a long period is at a greater risk for asbestos related illnesses such as mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare, difficult to diagnose, and deadly form of cancer that affects the mesothelial lining of the heart, chest cavity (lungs) and organs of the abdomen. The only known cause of this cancer is exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma can remain dormant for years or even decades. Thus, a former Carolina Shipping Company employee may have been exposed to asbestos long ago and only now be manifesting symptoms of a related disease.
What You Can Do
If you or a loved one has developed an asbestos-related disease during or after employment with Carolina Shipping Company, you may be able to seek help for your medical and financial expenses and other losses. To learn more, please contact us today.
