Indiana Residents Seek Changes to State Laws - By: Katie Kelley

Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, members of their families, and concerned citizens made their voices heard on an issue that is common among all of them. Their hope is to change an interpretation of a law that makes it difficult if not impossible for anyone exposed to toxic asbestos fibers to file any kind of legal proceedings after ten years have passed. A current interpretation by the Indiana State Supreme Court limits the amount of time an individual has to file suit within the state after exposure to harmful chemicals such as asbestos.

Since the current interpretation requires that lawsuits be filed within ten years of exposure to asbestos, many of those who develop serious health concerns relating to asbestos exposure, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, or malignant pleural mesothelioma, are excluded from filing suit or seeking monetary compensation. This is due to several factors. First, properly identifying the time, place, and amount of exposure can be a lengthy process involving employment documentation, corroboration of dates and times, and discovering the materials that contained the asbestos. Second, it can take years for these conditions to manifest themselves, sometimes between 20 to 60 years to manifest any symptoms in the case of mesothelioma. This is obviously far beyond the statute of limitations on filing suits against employers for asbestos exposure and any subsequent sickness.

To this end, several workers affected by mesothelioma cancer later in life have taken up a quest to change this outdated requirement. Since much of the asbestos used in the United States was used in manufacturing throughout the first half of the 1900s, many individuals employed in the production and manufacturing industry have probably been exposed to at least some particulate matter. Again, as it can be several years or even decades before symptoms begin to appear, workers exposed to toxic materials are essentially removed from any legal action seeking proper compensation. Not only is the process seemingly unfair, but some argue that preventing individuals from taking proper and due legal action is immoral.

These associated medical conditions are almost always terminal. Mesothelioma is possibly the worst outlook of all those conditions; a large percentage of patients diagnosed with the associated cancer are often overtaken by the condition within six months. Since this condition results not from a lifestyle choice but rather from an exposure hazard, it is preventable if employers and workers take proper precautions. Still, those diagnosed with these conditions often seek out an experienced mesothelioma attorney to assist with receiving monetary compensation to pay for costly treatments and improve their quality of life.

About the Author

Individuals seeking information regarding mesothelioma are encouraged to visit LegalView.info for access to a wealth of resources, including developing a asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit and contacting a mesothelioma asbestos attorney.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Katie-Kelley/56723

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