Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and has a current population of 867,000. (Worldpopulationreview.com). If you worked or lived in Indianapolis or Indiana for years, you could have been exposed to asbestos, which causes mesothelioma in some people. Long-term exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.
Some of the companies that exposed workers to asbestos in Indianapolis include Bell Telephone Company, Light and Power Plant, Kmart, Kroger Dairy, Methodist Hospital, National Biscuit Company, Dow Chemical, Purdue University, Glidden Company, and Indianapolis Public Schools. (mesothelioma.com)
High-Industries for Asbestos Exposure in Indianapolis and Indiana
From 1999 through 2015, 929 residents of Indianapolis and Indiana died from asbestos cancer. The state has a slightly higher than average death rate from mesothelioma of 8.5 people per million each year. (CDC.gov). There are no asbestos deposits in Indiana, and the incidence of the disease is higher in the northeastern region of the state.
If you worked in any of the industries listed below, you could be at higher risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Steel
The state was once the home of a booming steel industry. Gary, Indiana was the location of much of the state’s steel production. It also is where 75% of the state’s asbestos cancer cases occur. Because of the high heat that occurs in shaping, smelting, and processing metals, asbestos was used in a lot of machinery, protective gear for workers, and other products commonly used in steel facilities. Corporations including Bethlehem Steel, Gary Steel Works, and US Steel, are a few of the companies where Indiana steelworkers were exposed to asbestos at work.
Oil Refineries
Indianapolis and Indiana have been the home of many oil and gas refineries. Decades ago, oil refineries contained high levels of asbestos to prevent fires that could occur in such a dangerous, high-heat environment. Some of the oil refineries around the state that exposed workers to asbestos were RJ Oil & Refinery Company, Winmar Oil Company, and Countrymark Cooperative LLP.
Power Plants
A lot of power is needed to operate steel plants, and power plants near Indianapolis were a major source of asbestos exposure. Many cities in the state had power plants, including the Power & Light Company in Indianapolis and the Fort Wayne Electric Works. There were other power plants in the state that exposed many workers to asbestos.
Hospitals
Most people think of hospitals as safe places, but there are several Indiana hospitals where patients, workers, and visitors may have suffered from asbestos exposure. Protestant Deaconess Hospital in Evansville and St. Joseph’s Hospital in South Bend have been known to contain asbestos.
Jefferson Boat & Machine Company (Jeffboat)
Jeffboat opened in 1834 and is the biggest inland builder of ships in the United States. Before World War II, the shipyard was purchased by the Navy. It built hundreds of naval vessels that were used on D-Day. After the war, it built many other large vessels. Because of the high levels of asbestos used in all types of shipbuilding, many workers over the years were exposed to asbestos.
Indianapolis and Indiana Asbestos Lawsuits
In 2015, the Indiana Supreme Court struck down part of the Product Liability Act. This act gave mesothelioma patients more ability to file asbestos lawsuits against companies that were negligent.
Assuming the rule is finalized, it will put Indiana more in step with other states that are easier venues for mesothelioma patients.
The issue in Indiana was the constitutionality of the statute of repose, which featured a 10-year cutoff date to allow the plaintiff to sue a company. The original statute stated that the 10-year countdown started at the time the product got to the consumer. But many mesothelioma patients do not get diagnosed until up to 40 years after the original exposure to asbestos.
The statute of repose effectively eliminated most asbestos lawsuits in Indiana. Victims in Indianapolis and Indiana were forced to file suit in other states.
An Indianapolis newspaper reported that the Indiana Supreme Court ruling concerned an 80-year-old man who was an electrician for 40 years. He got mesothelioma in 2014, which was 15 years after he retired and 30 years after his first exposure to asbestos.
With the new ruling, it is expected that more asbestos victims in the state will be able to file for mesothelioma compensation.
Indiana Asbestos Attorney Information
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Indianapolis, contact one of the experienced mesothelioma attorneys below:
George & Farinas
151 North Delaware Street Suite 1700
Indianapolis IN 46204
(855) 641-7406
www.georgeandfarinas.com
This Indianapolis law firm is dedicated to offering mesothelioma patients compassionate and effective legal representation for their mesothelioma clients. These experienced asbestos attorneys can help you get mesothelioma compensation so you can properly treat your health condition.
Ward & Ward Law Firm
728 S. Meridian St.
Indianapolis IN 46225
(317) 548-6511
www.wardlawfirm.com
If you have been diagnosed in Indiana with an asbestos-related condition, you may want to talk to the best mesothelioma attorneys at Ward & Ward Law Firm. These attorneys have been helping Indianapolis residents with mesothelioma lawsuits since 1994. No matter if you were a roofer, shipyard worker, or a military veteran, you could have the right to mesothelioma compensation.
Kenneth J. Allen Law Group
201 N. Illinois Street
Indianapolis IN 46225
(219) 263-0439
www.kenallenlaw.com
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma in Indiana, you can count on the Kenneth J. Allen Law Group to assist you in getting mesothelioma compensation. You could be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, ongoing treatments, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you pass away, your loved ones also could be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Get Mesothelioma Legal Help
With over $30 billion available for victims through the Asbestos Trust Funds, you could be entitled to financial compensations without ever filing a lawsuit. Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll-free (800) 352-0871.