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Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Attorneys Named to 2024 South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC proudly announces that four of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2024 South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
Charles W. Patrick, Jr., Esq. is a founding member of the firm and serves as of counsel. He is an esteemed personal injury and product liability lawyer with a distinguished career litigating some of the most significant public health trials in American history. He was pivotal in crafting the legal theories entitling state entities to recover healthcare costs from tobacco companies, leading to a historic $200 billion master settlement. Charles pioneered early asbestos litigation, handling more than 50 individual cases and four mass consolidation cases, advocating for clients suffering from mesothelioma and other cancers due to asbestos exposure. He was selected to the Super Lawyers list from 2012 to 2014 and each consecutive year since 2016.
Elizabeth Middleton Burke, Esq. is a top-rated medical malpractice lawyer and member of the firm’s pharmaceutical and medical device team. Beth dedicates the majority of her practice to representing women seriously injured by prescription medication in challenging and complex legal matters, successfully litigating against some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical corporations. She is a member of the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. She also chairs the Republican Trial Lawyers Caucus and the State Delegates for the American Association of Justice and serves as a College of Charleston Trustee. Beth has been selected to the Super Lawyers list each year since 2018.
Kenneth J. Wilson, Esq. is an experienced personal injury lawyer who concentrates his practice on clients suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses, beginning his career with the legal team that pioneered asbestos and tobacco litigation. Ken is a leading authority on industry-specific asbestos exposure and maximizing recoveries from manufacturers producing asbestos-containing products. Since the late 1980s, he has represented thousands of asbestos victims throughout the United States in both individual and consolidated cases. This is Ken’s first year being selected to the Super Lawyers list.
Deon Tedder, Esq. is a skilled personal injury lawyer with extensive experience handling cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death cases, as well as mass torts. Deon is a staunch advocate for troubled youth. A community leader, Deon is a South Carolina State Senator for District 42. He has been named a Top 40 Under 40 personal injury attorney by the National Black Lawyers Association and has been named to the Rising Stars list each year since 2022.
Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes top-rated attorneys in more than 70 different practice areas. This prestigious selection is determined through an extensive multi-phase process consisting of peer nomination and recognition, professional achievements, honors and awards, and independent research. Rising Stars recognizes the professional achievements of up-and-coming lawyers under 40, showcasing their potential and promising careers in the legal field.
Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC is a premier personal injury and product liability law firm with a team of seasoned and compassionate attorneys. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, call 843-727-6500 or visit www.rpwb.com. With offices in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, the firm serves clients in South Carolina and beyond.
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Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Attorneys Named to 2025 The Best Lawyers in America®
Several Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC attorneys have been selected to the 2025 The Best Lawyers in America list, with three receiving Lawyer of the Year awards. All are recognized for their accomplishments in numerous practice areas, including antitrust law, mass tort, personal injury, product liability, class action, and medical malpractice litigation. Rogers, Patrick, […]
READ MORETypes of Car Accidents—Which Are the Most Common?
With so many distractions in vehicles, there are many ways to blunder the importance of giving the road your undivided attention. Considering there is a traffic collision on South Carolina’s roadways every 3.6 minutes, it is important to look at all the types of car accidents and possible ways to avoid them. Here is a […]
READ MOREQuartz Countertops Silicosis Lawsuits: What You Should Know
If you are a worker in the countertop manufacturing industry, you have probably heard of the lung disease called “silicosis.” If you believe you have been affected by silica exposure while on the job, Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC will help you. This article will provide an in-depth look at silicosis, its causes, and […]
READ MORERogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Attorneys Named to 2024 South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC proudly announces that four of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2024 South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Charles W. Patrick, Jr., Esq. is a founding member of the firm and serves as of counsel. He is an esteemed personal injury and product liability lawyer […]
READ MOREGordon Rhea Nominated To Be US-VI Attorney General
RPWB would like to extend a congratulations to our colleague, Gordon Rhea, on his nomination to become the next Attorney General of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. recently announced the nomination of Rhea, who worked at RPWB first as a member attorney and then later in an of counsel capacity. While at […]
READ MOREAsbestos Finally Banned in United States
We’ve been waiting nearly 50 years to type this: Asbestos is finally banned in the United States. After decades of inadequate protections for workers, the EPA has finally banned the only remaining type of asbestos still imported into America. More than 50 countries have already banned the use of asbestos, which is known to cause […]
READ MOREGordon Rhea Wins USVI Bar Association’s Highest Honor
RPWB of counsel attorney Gordon Rhea was honored with the highest award during the Virgin Islands Bar Association’s annual meeting on December 8, 2023. The award ceremony highlighted Rhea’s dedication to the legal profession and his commitment, dedication and valuable contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands. The Winston A. Hodge Award for Public […]
READ MORERPWB Represented a Whistleblower who Helped the Federal Government Recoup $1.7 million
ORLANDO, Fla. – The federal government has recouped $1.7 million from a healthcare provider who fraudulently billed Medicare and TRICARE for medical procedures that were not deemed necessary and were performed by an unqualified technician. In the settlement agreement, Jena Medical Group LLC, as well as several individuals associated with the company, have agreed to […]
READ MORELocal Non-Profit to Receive $500,000 to Help Low Income Households Save Money on Power Bills
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READ MORERPWB Announces the Passing of J. David Butler
It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our friend, colleague and law partner, J. David Butler on September 30, 2023, after a valiant three-year battle with cancer. He was a friend to all and was, quite simply, the nicest guy one could have the pleasure of knowing. Dave […]
READ MORE17 RPWB Attorneys Selected for Best Lawyers in America List
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C – Seventeen RPWB attorneys were selected for the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® list for numerous practice areas including personal injury, product liability, mass tort, class action, qui tam and medical malpractice litigation. This marks the seventh consecutive year in which RPWB is the top-listed plaintiff law firm in […]
READ MORETrial Lawyer Deon Tedder Joins RPWB
Trial attorney Deon Tedder has joined Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, where he will focus on personal injury, mass torts and criminal defense work out of the firm’s Mount Pleasant and Columbia offices. Tedder joins RPWB after working at David Aylor Law Offices for the past five years, where he helped many clients in […]
READ MOREJohnson & Johnson Talc Bankruptcy Petition Dismissal is a Win for Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Victims
By Dave Butler In a significant victory for injured consumers, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the bankruptcy petition of a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary that holds the company’s liabilities for claims brought by thousands of consumers injured by exposure to asbestos-contaminated talc in Johnson & Johnson products. The dismissal, on January 30, 2023, […]
READ MOREU.S. News & World Report: RPWB is a Top National Law Firm for Mass Torts & Class Actions
CHARLESTON, S.C. — RPWB is incredibly proud to be selected as one of the top national law firms for mass torts and class actions by U.S. News & World Report. RPWB is officially listed as a Tier 1 law firm for such cases, the highest possible designation. In addition to the national selection, RPWB also […]
READ MOREHow Do Camp Lejeune Lawsuits Actually Work?
You’ve no doubt seen the ads on television, but did you ever wonder how Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits actually work? Our team breaks it down for you. RPWB has filed its first administrative claims with the Navy JAG, the first step in the litigation process under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The JAG is tasked […]
READ MOREWith Sixteen Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers List, RPWB is the Top-Listed Product Liability and Class Action Law Firm in the State
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READ MOREWith a New Law, Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Victims Finally Have Legal Recourse
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READ MORECongress Passes Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Law
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READ MORERPWB Helped Doctors Get Refunds for Non-Conforming Records Software
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READ MOREFederal Court Certifies Fair Labor Standards Act Collective Action Against Las Vegas Restaurant
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READ MOREWhistleblower Case Involving Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Settles for $24.5 million
Physician Partners of America, of Tampa, Fla., has agreed to repay the federal government $24.5 million in a settlement to resolve four whistleblower cases brought under the False Claims Act. Current and former employees of the company came forward to allege that the company billed Medicare and Medicaid for unnecessary medical testing and services, paid […]
READ MOREEPA Proposes Asbestos Ban
Many people do not realize it, but asbestos is not banned in the United States despite the fact it kills thousands of Americans each year by causing mesothelioma cancer and other forms of lung disease. That might be about to change. The EPA has announced it intends to ban the known carcinogen using new authority […]
READ MOREAsbestos Awareness Week Shines Light on Mesothelioma, a Cancer that Continues to Devastate
The first week of April 2022 is Asbestos Awareness Week in the United States. Members of both houses of Congress unanimously approved resolutions making the designation. Once ubiquitous in worksites and homes throughout the country, we are still experiencing the negative health effects of asbestos decades after its peak use. Mesothelioma, the insidious cancer caused […]
READ MOREU.S. News: RPWB is a Best Law Firm for National Mass Torts & Class Actions
RPWB is a top plaintiff law firm for our work on national mass torts and class actions, according to the 2022 Best Law Firm rankings by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to the national ranking for mass torts/class actions, RPWB was listed as a Best Law Firm for personal injury, product liability, medical […]
READ MOREJury Awards $8.2 million to Soldier in 3M Military Earplugs Case
Pensacola, Fla. – Another federal jury has found 3M liable for producing defective earplugs that caused our nation’s veterans to suffer from hearing loss and tinnitus. On October 1, 2021, jurors awarded $8.2 million to Army veteran Brandon Adkins of Washington, marking the third trial in which plaintiffs have been awarded money from 3M to […]
READ MOREBurke: The Challenges and Responsibility of Representing Veterans
RPWB member Beth Burke led a continuing legal education session on representing veterans and military personnel at the Southern Trial Lawyers Association Annual Fall Conference in Louisville on Sept. 17. The topic was especially important to Burke, who grew up not far from Charleston. Southern states produce 44 percent of our nation’s troops. Charleston is […]
READ MORE16 RPWB attorneys named to 2022 Best Lawyers list
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READ MOREThe combination of two drugs showed encouraging results for patients suffering from advanced peritoneal mesothelioma.
The use of a checkpoint inhibitor along with a drug to slow the growth of new blood vessels may delay the progression of peritoneal mesothelioma as well as increase the life expectancy of patients diagnosed with the deadly disease caused by asbestos exposure. A study by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found […]
READ MOREJury Returns $7 million Verdict Against 3M in Military Earplugs Lawsuit
Jurors in the first military earplug lawsuit returned a $7 million verdict that included more than $6 million in punitive damages against 3M for selling the military faulty earplugs. Combat Arms earplugs were widely used in the military between 2003 and 2015. The design of the earplugs made it difficult for service members to get […]
READ MORERPWB Attorneys Investigating Paraquat, a Herbicide Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
CHARLESTON, S.C. – RPWB attorneys are investigating the cases of farmers, agricultural workers, crop dusters and groundskeepers who developed Parkinson’s disease after using Paraquat weed killer. Several herbicides contain Paraquat, including: Gramoxone, Ortho-Paraquat, Para-SHOT, Parazone, Quick-Quat, Firestorm and Helmqua. The herbicides have been used in the United States since 1964, and have come under increased […]
READ MORERPWB Opposes Proposed $2 Billion Roundup Cancer Settlement
AIKEN, S.C. – Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman joined more than 90 other law firms in opposing a proposed class action settlement for people who have developed cancer as a result of exposure to Roundup Weed Killer. The proposed $2 billion settlement is deeply flawed and would impair cancer victims’ ability to seek appropriate […]
READ MORE$5.4 Million Settlement Reached in Fatal Charleston DUI
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A case involving a 32-year-old Chicago man who was killed by a drunk driver in Charleston recently resolved for $5.4 million. In January 2019, William Kappel, Jr. (deceased), his wife Laura, and Jacqueline Zink traveled to Charleston to visit their friend Joseph Murray, who had recently moved to the Lowcountry from […]
READ MORERPWB Welcomes a New Member
Matt Nickles, who has worked as an associate at our firm since 2014, became a member at the beginning of this year. Nickles focuses on medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, catastrophic personal injury, premises liability, product liability, class actions and other complex litigation. He is experienced in litigating medical malpractice and pharmacy liability cases, including […]
READ MORERPWB is a US News 2021 Best Law Firm
CHARLESTON, S.C. – U.S. News & World Report has named Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman as a 2021 Best Law Firm for its work in personal injury, product liability, mass torts, medical malpractice, securities litigation, healthcare law and railroad law. The announcement by U.S. News followed RPWB’s inclusion on the 2021 Best Lawyers in America […]
READ MOREThe chase of PPP fraud is on
When the federal government raced to release more than $2.2 trillion in coronavirus aid earlier this year, it did so knowing that some of that money would go to fraudulent claims. With the money needed immediately by struggling businesses and workers, the government could not efficiently control fraud on the front end, so it was […]
READ MORETop-Listed Firm for Personal Injury, Product Liability and Mass Torts
RPWB is the top-listed plaintiff law firm in South Carolina for personal injury, product liability and mass tort litigation in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. In all, 14 RPWB attorneys were named Best Lawyers in their respective practice areas. Two other RPWB lawyers were named “Ones to Watch,” a designation for […]
READ MOREHow are Mesothelioma Lawsuits Paid Out?
By Ken Wilson Some of the most frequent questions we get about mesothelioma lawsuits concern how they are ultimately paid out to clients and how long it will all take. To address those questions, let me give you a little bit of context about how mesothelioma lawsuits work. When a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma, […]
READ MORE$1.5 Billion Syngenta Corn Farmer Settlement Finalized
Corn Farmer Settlement Checks Are On The Way This week we received some very good news for corn farmers nationwide who suffered price losses associated with the botched launch of genetically-modified corn seed by Syngenta in 2013. On January 3, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas in Kansas City approved a […]
READ MORERPWB is a 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firm
CHARLESTON, S.C. – U.S. News & World Report has named Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman as a 2020 Best Law Firm for the firm’s work in personal injury, mass torts and class actions, product liability, medical malpractice, securities litigation, healthcare law and railroad law. U.S. News’ announcement came on the heels of the 2020 Best […]
READ MORE16 RPWB Lawyers Selected For Best Lawyers List
CHARLESTON – RPWB was once again the top-listed plaintiff law firm in South Carolina for product liability cases as well as mass tort and class action lawsuits in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, which was released in August 2019. In total, 16 RPWB attorneys were designated as 2020 Best Lawyers, including […]
READ MOREAsbestos causes mesothelioma, and now scientists know why
It is no secret that exposure to asbestos causes cancer. However, while scientists definitively established this link decades ago, the exact mechanism was still a mystery. A recent study apparently demonstrates just how asbestos causes mesothelioma, which at some point in the future could possibly be helpful to doctors in South Carolina who treat patients […]
READ MOREStudy confirms link between cosmetic products and mesothelioma
Wearing makeup and using other cosmetic products is quite common in South Carolina. Unfortunately, just because something is common does not mean it is safe. For example, asbestos contamination is shockingly common in the cosmetics industry. A recent study established a definite link between the deadly cancer mesothelioma and asbestos found in many cosmetic products. […]
READ MOREFDA pushes for more testing amid asbestos exposure concern
Current asbestos testing standards for industries that use talc are fairly loose. As recent reports have shown that many products contain this toxic substance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pushing for new testing standards. If implemented, it could possibly lower the risk of asbestos exposure for people in South Carolina and across the […]
READ MOREIs diagnosing mesothelioma difficult?
If you’ve worked in a job that exposed you to asbestos, you may already know the risk for mesothelioma. But when the disease takes years to show up, how do doctors know whether or not you have it? Mesothelioma is a rare disease. And many different illnesses have similar symptoms. To diagnose patients, doctors must […]
READ MOREHow can I find clinical trials for mesothelioma?
If you have mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, you know that only limited treatment exists. However, science is always searching for new ways to treat or cure the disease. If you have exhausted your options for treatment, a clinical trial can test out a new way to fight your mesothelioma. Your doctor may be aware of […]
READ MOREAsbestos litigation: Johnson & Johnson faces another lawsuit
South Carolina consumers should feel confident that they are making safe purchases, but this is unfortunately more difficult than it seems. Companies are frequently more concerned with their own bottom lines than they are with the health and safety of their customers. Concerned over citizens’ safety, one state is engaging in asbestos litigation against Valeant […]
READ MOREConstruction workers learn of asbestos exposure months later
There is a very good reason that asbestos abatement is tightly regulated in South Carolina. When mishandled, asbestos fibers are released into the air. Those airborne fibers are easily inhaled. For those who do not quite understand just how serious this is, it is important to know that asbestos exposure can lead to a number […]
READ MOREMiners, construction workers at higher risk for mesothelioma
Asbestos has not disappeared from South Carolina. Whether from old buildings and products or in new uses, asbestos can still be found in many — all over and even in the workplace. Almost anyone could be at risk for exposure, but there are some who face an even greater risk than others. Here are some […]
READ MORERenovations caused asbestos exposure for residents, workers
Having a safe place to live is important for the health and safety of all South Carolina residents. No one really wants to face ongoing health threats at home. Unseen dangers can be anywhere, though. For some people, a particularly troublesome unseen danger is asbestos exposure, which can cause life-threatening illnesses. The Occupational Safety and […]
READ MOREYou have probably been affected by asbestos exposure
There are many valid concerns about being exposed to the toxic substance known as asbestos. Since asbestos exposure is known to cause mesothelioma and other fatal diseases, most people want to avoid it at all costs. However, many people in South Carolina have been exposed to asbestos on at least one occasion. Limited exposure to […]
READ MOREDemolition site cited for second asbestos exposure violation
People in South Carolina might associate large implosions and wrecking balls with building demolitions. These are not the only options, especially when it comes to buildings that contain asbestos. Demolition may take place over much longer periods of time, such as an out-of-state project that has been going on for at least two years. Unfortunately, […]
READ MORESouth Carolina teachers at risk for developing mesothelioma
Teaching is not necessarily an easy profession, but South Carolina teachers still choose this career path because they are passionate about education. However, while teachers spend years educating young students, many are also suffering from regular asbestos exposure. All that exposure means that elementary and middle school teachers have a much higher risk for developing […]
READ MOREIllegal storage sites and asbestos exposure
There are strict rules regarding removing and disposing of asbestos, and they exist for a reason. When disturbed, asbestos particles can easily be released into the air. Inhaling those particles is extremely dangerous, so minimizing the chance of exposure is a good idea. Unfortunately, most people in South Carolina do not even realize they suffered […]
READ MOREIs a clinical trial right for me?
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READ MOREAsbestos exposure is still killing people
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READ MORESchool, a place for learning and asbestos exposure?
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READ MOREConflicting findings regarding asbestos exposure from baby powder
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READ MOREAsbestos Find Causes Retailers to Pull Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder
Major retailers including Walmart, CVS and Rite Aid have pulled 22-ounce bottles of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder after the FDA found traces of asbestos in a recently-tested bottle. The presence of asbestos in Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder prompted Johnson & Johnson to initiate a voluntary recall on approximately 33,000 bottles of the talcum […]
READ MOREJohnson & Johnson issues recall over asbestos exposure
Johnson & Johnson has been in the media for quite some time, but the coverage has not been good. Patients with mesothelioma have repeatedly blamed their asbestos exposure on the company’s talc baby powder. Although Johnson & Johnson has repeatedly denied these allegations, it recently recalled tens of thousands of baby powder products that tested […]
READ MORE33,000 bottles of baby powder recalled over asbestos concerns
Johnson & Johnson is recalling thousands of bottles of baby powder after testing found trace amounts of asbestos in one sample. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Oct. 18, 2019, it found “sub-trace” levels of chrysotile asbestos contamination in a bottle of Johnson’s Baby Powder purchased from an online retailer. The agency reported the […]
READ MOREStudy links asbestos exposure from talc to mesothelioma
Asbestos is extremely dangerous, and yet it can be found lurking in any number of products and places in South Carolina. Even products that are not supposed to contain any asbestos at all can be contaminated with the toxic substance, like talc-based products such as baby powder. A recently published study affirmed the link between […]
READ MOREJury awards $40.3 million to mesothelioma victim
For a variety of reasons, many South Carolina women in past generations used baby powder on a regular basis. In past decades, this was a talc-based product also referred to as talcum powder — and it is dangerous. Talc is often contaminated with other substances, including asbestos. A jury recently awarded a woman $40.3 million […]
READ MOREDiagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma? We can help
There are few things in life that can be more terrifying than a cancer diagnosis. If you were exposed to asbestos and are currently in the diagnosis process, you may feel confused and even a little lost. You may have also been surprised to learn that there are four different types of mesothelioma. One of […]
READ MOREAsbestos exposure — who is most at risk?
Unless working in certain industries, chances are that most people in South Carolina do not give much thought to encountering asbestos during their daily lives. However, asbestos exposure is much more common than one might think. Regular, low-level exposure can happen to anyone. Virtually everyone ends up being exposed to asbestos. As unfortunate as it […]
READ MOREWhat does South Carolina state law say about asbestos exposure?
Before anyone was aware of the health hazards, asbestos was a highly valued substance used in a variety of industries. Although it is now banned for most new uses, there is no escaping the centuries of use that can still be found in office buildings, homes and even vehicles. South Carolina has laws that are […]
READ MOREMakeup company puts consumers at risk of asbestos exposure
It is no secret that asbestos is a dangerous and deadly substance. Unfortunately, South Carolina consumers might be more susceptible to asbestos exposure than they may think. Asbestos continues to show up in products where it should not, putting individual consumers at risk for developing deadly diseases. A safety alert from the Food and Drug […]
READ MOREMesothelioma cases expected to rise among 9/11 survivors
Nearly 3,000 people died in the 9/11 attacks, but the death toll steadily increases as survivors succumb to a variety of illnesses. Estimates show as many as 2,100 first responders have died from related diseases as the nation observes the 18th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Many believe […]
READ MOREResearchers create new tool to predict mesothelioma survival
When a patient is diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and told that the condition is almost always fatal, one of the first questions they ask is how much time they have left. A new tool created by Chinese researchers may have a more accurate answer. The tool could eventually replace the Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) staging […]
READ MOREVictim of asbestos exposure awarded $8.4 million for damages
In South Carolina, asbestos is far from a problem of the past. People who attend school in old buildings or work in industries that still use asbestos can easily come into contact with the substance. Asbestos exposure at any level can be dangerous, and health problems may develop many years later. A man who developed […]
READ MOREClinical trial explores new treatment for mesothelioma
A promising new clinical trial takes a two-drug approach for treating pleural mesothelioma. The cancer occurs in the protective lining of the lung and is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It is the most common form of mesothelioma. The trial combines the well-known immunotherapy drug nivolumab (OPDIVO), and ramucirumab (Cyramza), a drug that stops blood […]
READ MOREWhat to watch for: Early signs of mesothelioma
Each year, an estimated 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma. People exposed to asbestos – such as through work – may be more likely to get the disease, even if that exposure was decades ago. Diagnoses are generally most common among older men. So, if you have a loved one who might be at risk […]
READ MOREWhat you should know about asbestos litigation in South Carolina
Maybe you never imagined that you would develop mesothelioma or another type of asbestos-related disease, but that does not change the fact that you did. You understand just how difficult it is to live with one of these diseases. On top of pain and suffering, you may have a diminished quality of life and hefty […]
READ MORECouple pursues asbestos litigation over husband’s injuries
Victims who develop mesothelioma or other related diseases often do so after only being exposed to asbestos from a single source, such as through employment. However, some victims in South Carolina might have developed asbestos-related diseases after multiple sources of exposure. One couple is currently in the middle of asbestos litigation for this type of […]
READ MOREWorkers say asbestos exposure put them at risk
South Carolina workers should be able to trust their employers to provide safe working environments. When dangers arise in a workplace, an employer should alert his or her staff to the problem. In some situations — such as that of asbestos exposure — removing workers from an area is the most appropriate course of action. […]
READ MOREPopcorn ceilings hidden source of asbestos exposure
Asbestos is far from being a problem of the past. This dangerous substance can still be found in a number of older products that still exist today, and new uses in specific industries may make it difficult for people in South Carolina to avoid asbestos exposure throughout the course of their lives. For example, depending […]
READ MOREImportant information about mesothelioma
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, victims and family members usually have many questions. Most go about seeking information about the disease, its cause, treatment options, and more. Here are some facts about asbestos and mesothelioma that you should know: Types of mesothelioma: The most common type of mesothelioma affects the outer lining of the lungs (pleural […]
READ MOREAuto workers frequent victims of asbestos exposure
Few people in South Carolina may be able to imagine a life without motor vehicles. People use their cars for commuting to work, traveling for entertainment and much, much more. Although for some people driving and riding in vehicles is just another fixture of daily life, those who work and perform routine maintenance on those […]
READ MOREAsbestos exposure caused by both old and new usage
The use of asbestos in new products might be limited, but that does not protect people from either current or past usage. Older buildings — or at least those that were built several decades ago — are a common source of asbestos exposure, including places like post offices, churches, hospitals, barbershops and movie theaters. Since […]
READ MOREFirst New Mesothelioma Treatment in 15 Years Approved By FDA
By Ken Wilson It’s not often that we get to report new treatments for mesothelioma. While we do see a lot of clinical trials, the standard treatment plan for malignant pleural mesothelioma has been relatively unchanged for many years. Most patients go through surgery (if they are able to), radiation and chemotherapy. It can be […]
READ MOREJohnson & Johnson under investigation for asbestos exposure
In past decades, parents in South Carolina probably did not give a second thought to using baby powder on their children or even themselves. What these consumers might not have realized at the time was that they were purchasing a potentially dangerous product. However, Johnson & Johnson — a large manufacturer of talcum baby powder […]
READ MOREUS states sue EPA over mesothelioma concerns
Asbestos is a carcinogen that is extremely hazardous to human health. Exposure to asbestos can cause victims in South Carolina to develop dangerous and even fatal diseases, such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently closed a loophole regarding asbestos use, but some states say the current protections are not […]
READ MOREFDA approves new treatment for mesothelioma
We recently published a slideshare which provides information about a new FDA-approved therapy for sufferers of mesothelioma. Please view the information below, and call our law firm if you have any questions about your legal options following a mesothelioma diagnosis. FDA Approves New Mesothelioma Treatment from The Law Buzz
READ MOREMilitary families worried about asbestos exposure
Living the military life is not easy. Between deployments and frequent moves, active military members and their families have enough on their plates to worry about. The possibility of dealing with asbestos exposure in their own homes probably seemed far-fetched, but it is now the reality that many are facing. The contractor accused of exposing […]
READ MOREVictim’s family continues mesothelioma suit against Ford
South Carolina residents should be able to go to work without fear for their health, well-being and general safety. Additionally, older workers should have the luxury of looking back over their working careers without realizing that they were wrongfully exposed to deadly substances. This is unfortunately not the reality that many people face, and mesothelioma […]
READ MOREIs mesothelioma the only disease linked to asbestos?
There is no question about whether asbestos exposure can lead to devastating health outcomes. Most people in South Carolina already know that exposure to this toxic substance can cause mesothelioma, but that is not all. Lung cancer and asbestosis are other diseases that victims may develop years or even decades after being exposed. Here is […]
READ MOREMesothelioma-causing asbestos found in more makeup products
There is really no ambiguity when it comes to the health risks associated with asbestos, which is why the carcinogen has been banned in a number of countries. Despite this, asbestos is still used in some products in the United States. However, the dangerous substance is showing up in far more places than the construction […]
READ MOREWhen Personal Vaporizers Explode: An Entire Industry Designed Around the Wrong Battery
By Chris Moore Since the mid-2000s, we have become more reliant on lithium-ion batteries and the devices they power. The batteries are extremely useful and serve an important function. Just a decade ago, it would have been inconceivable for a laptop computer or a smartphone to be used for an entire day on just one […]
READ MOREWomen who wear makeup could be victims of asbestos exposure
Applying makeup is a daily practice for many women in South Carolina. These women should be able to put on their makeup without worrying about asbestos exposure, but this might not be the case. A significant number of cosmetics could contain this cancer-causing substance, putting women everywhere at risk for serious and even fatal health […]
READ MORECity blamed for firefighter trainees’ asbestos exposure
As public servants, firefighters put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect the people of South Carolina. Firefighters likely expect to encounter potentially dangerous substances while on the job. However, few may think that they would be victims of asbestos exposure during their training. An out-of-state city might have to shell out for fines […]
READ MORERPWB Named To Leadership of 3M Combat Arms Ear Plug MDL
RPWB member attorney Elizabeth Middleton Burke was named to the leadership of the 3M Combat Arms Ear Plug multidistrict litigation. Federal lawsuits filed against 3M for producing faulty military ear plugs have been consolidated in the Northern District of Florida. Burke was named as co-chair of the Plaintiff Steering Committee, which builds the national product […]
READ MORENew mesothelioma therapy approved by the FDA
There is positive news for those diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the NovoTTF-100L System for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. This is the first therapy to receive FDA approval for the disease in 15+ years. The last treatment to receive FDA approval was Alimta in 2004. Questions? You can […]
READ MOREMesothelioma can come decades after asbestos exposure
Preventing fires is important for public safety, but some efforts at doing so are better than others. For example, asbestos was once widely used in homes and other buildings as a form of fire retardant. While asbestos might be effective at resisting and preventing fires, it is also extremely dangerous to human health. The toxic […]
READ MOREApartment residents worried about asbestos exposure
Removing asbestos from older buildings is extremely dangerous. If not done properly, asbestos fibers can become airborne. This type of asbestos exposure is linked to devastating health outcomes, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. However, before being diagnosed, some people in South Carolina might not even know that they were ever exposed to the deadly substance. […]
READ MOREMerchant Marines and mesothelioma
Many Navy veterans have developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure on Navy ships. But another group of employees who have widely been exposed to asbestos on ships is Merchant Marines. These men and women offer valuable service transporting cargo and passengers in times of peace, and supporting the United States Navy in times of war. […]
READ MOREWhole community still fears asbestos exposure
Working in certain industries can put people at a higher than average risk for being exposed to asbestos. However, being employed in construction or manufacturing is far from the only way to fall victim to asbestos exposure. In some situations, entire neighborhoods and communities might be exposed through no fault of their own. The residents […]
READ MORERPWB named to leadership of firefighting foam MDL
CHARLESTON, S.C. – RPWB has been named to the leadership of litigation to help the nation’s water utilities filter out harmful chemicals left behind by firefighting foam manufactured by 3M and Tyco. RPWB member Christiaan Marcum sits on the Plaintiff Executive Committee of the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Multi-District Litigation, which has been consolidated in […]
READ MOREEPA seeks to limit asbestos exposure with new rule
Despite the fact that the dangerous health effects of asbestos are well understood, it is still imported into the United States. This imported substance is used in a wide range of products that continue to put people in South Carolina at significant risk for asbestos exposure. A new rule from the Environmental Protection Agency could […]
READ MOREProperty owners sentenced for asbestos exposure
Removing asbestos can be a dangerous undertaking and may put workers and nearby people at risk for exposure. In order to minimize asbestos exposure and the related health risks, removal of the toxic substance is heavily regulated. Some people in South Carolina and elsewhere view this regulation as more of an annoying roadblock than an […]
READ MOREWhat are the two types of asbestos?
Asbestos is a chemically harmless substance, but when it is inhaled or ingested, it can wreak havoc on the body. Mesothelioma is a serious type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It typically affects the outer lining of the lungs, but can affect other areas of the body, as well. For many people diagnosed with […]
READ MOREFamily raises awareness over loved one’s mesothelioma death
Exposure to asbestos is not always obvious at the time. Many people live years or even decades after exposure before developing sometimes subtle but troubling symptoms. When those symptoms end up pointing to mesothelioma, victims in South Carolina can be understandably angry and confused, and it is often the families who are left behind to […]
READ MOREImproved labeling could prevent some asbestos exposure
Following the discovery of asbestos in some of the cosmetic products sold by the retailer Claire’s, some members of the U.S. Congress are pushing for improved warning labels on potentially dangerous products. Asbestos exposure is especially serious as it can lead to fatal illnesses decades in the future. Better labeling practices could give South Carolina […]
READ MOREDo you know the most common form of mesothelioma?
You may have already known that asbestos is toxic and tried to avoid it, or maybe you had never even heard of the substance before receiving a life-altering diagnosis. The fatal cancer mesothelioma is unfortunately not an uncommon outcome of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can present in several different forms, but pleural mesothelioma is the most […]
READ MORESupreme Court ruling will help asbestos victims
By Dave Butler The United States Supreme Court delivered an unexpectedly good opinion for asbestos victims last week. For years, equipment makers (including those who make pumps, valves, turbines and boilers) have argued that they only make and sell metal products and cannot be held responsible for asbestos products made by third parties and later […]
READ MOREU.S. Supreme Court issues opinion on asbestos
There’s good news for Navy veterans who developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure on ships: The U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion allowing mesothelioma victims to take action against the manufacturers of boilers, pumps and other metal equipment that required asbestos components be added in order for them to operate. Many Navy servicemembers and veterans […]
READ MOREHundreds of students displaced after asbestos exposure
Students and parents alike tend to expect schools to be safe places that are free from serious threats and risks. Sadly, this is not always the case. Older school buildings can pose various dangers, especially when poor upkeep contributes to things like hidden mold or dangerous stairwells. Another hidden risk in many old schools? The […]
READ MOREWhy does asbestos litigation seem so common?
The use of asbestos is heavily regulated, which might lead some people in South Carolina to believe that it is a past problem that has no more bearing on current times. Unfortunately, this is far from reality. As some people develop health problems decades after exposure and companies make headlines for concealing the presence asbestos […]
READ MOREFrequently asked questions about mesothelioma
By Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC posted in mesothelioma on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. We recently published a SlideShare titled Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma. If you have further questions or wish to speak to an attorney about your options after a mesothelioma diagnosis, please call us at 866-548-6868. Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma from The Law Buzz
READ MORENo recall for Claire’s products linked to asbestos exposure
Many women, teenagers and even young girls in South Carolina can recount going to a Claire’s store to have their ears pierced. The popular chain not only provides ear piercing services, it also sells a wide variety of items marketed to young girls. Unfortunately, some of those products likely resulted in asbestos exposure. The Food and […]
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