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It has been reported that a 76-year-old mesothelioma patient appeared before a legislative committee in an effort to amend an Indiana law to allow additional time for people suffering from asbestos illnesses to file lawsuits against those responsible for causing asbestos exposure.

Presently, Indiana law requires the filing of an asbestos lawsuit within 10 years from the date of asbestos exposure. Proponents of an extension of this time period argue that asbestos illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma often develop more than 10 years after exposure to asbestos. Thus, many people with asbestos illnesses are barred from filing asbestos lawsuits because their time to sue expired even before they were diagnosed with an asbestos illness.

The 76-year-old mesothelioma patient was likely exposed to asbestos while working in a factory several decades ago. She described to the legislative committee the financial difficulties she faces as a result of her unjust exposure to asbestos. She mentioned that her husband is 13 years older than her and that she had intended to take care of her husband. Instead, her husband is taking care of her and spending a substantial amount of his money on her medical treatment. The patient said that she fears that her husband will not have enough money to continue living in their home after she passes away.

Proponents of the amendment to extend the time for filing asbestos lawsuits in Indiana also argue that Indiana is the only state that does not take into account the long latency period of asbestos diseases. As a result, many people suffering from serious asbestos illnesses are disqualified from filing asbestos lawsuits and thereby, denied justice. It has been reported that about 55 to 70 people in Indiana die from mesothelioma every year. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is present in many everyday products such as brake pads, insulation material and roofing shingles.

Source: www.chicagotribune.com

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