Our network of asbestos attorneys represent individuals and families throughout the state of Indiana that have been harmed by toxic exposure to asbestos. We only work with the top mesothelioma lawyers in the state to ensure our clients get the full amount of compensation possible.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer, we may be able to help you. To learn more, call mesothelioma treatment centers today. All case evaluations are free of charge and our attorneys do not charge unless a financial recovery is made.
History of Asbestos Exposure in Indiana
The state of Indiana has no known naturally occurring deposits of asbestos, but workers and residents have still fallen victim to exposure from the thousands of imported asbestos-containing goods and products. The manufacturing industries across the state are the main culprits for asbestos exposure since they relied heavily on asbestos materials for insulation and other building materials.
Indiana industries that used asbestos products in day to day operations include:
According to statistics, steel mill workers between the 1930s and 1970s were at the highest risk because asbestos was used across several applications in the mills due to its ability to withstand high temperatures. Other workers at high risk were those who maintained or repaired machinery in the manufacturing plants. Workers in any of these industries, however, may have been put at risk, because once the asbestos fibers were released into the air, anyone nearby may have unknowingly inhaled the fibers.
Steve McQueen Case in Indiana
One of the most famous cases of mesothelioma involved that of actor of Steve McQueen who was from Indiana. He was diagnosed with deadly asbestos cancer in the mid 1970s and died a year later. He was a Marine Corps veteran and he spent a good deal of his enlistment working on Navy vessels in the 1950s. Before he did that, he was employed in the Merchant Marines and he also was a race driver. In that profession, he wore suits made of asbestos fibers.
Cities and Towns with Asbestos Exposure in Indiana
Some of the cities and towns where asbestos exposure was common include:
- Columbus
- Huntington
- Indianapolis
- New Castle
- Richmond
- Wabash
- Madison
- Marian
- Bloomington
- Goshen
As noted above, there are not any asbestos deposits in the state; the majority of the exposure there was at power plants, steel mills and oil refineries. In those places, asbestos-containing insulation often was used to stop flames and heat, especially where oil and gas was used for fuel.
There are a total of 13 larger work sites in this state where it is known for sure that employees were exposed to asbestos. The locations with the largest facilities are in:
- Columbus
- Gary
- Indianapolis
- Lafayette
- South Bend
- Terre Haute
- Evansville
If you worked for years in industrial occupations in those towns, you should be examined by a medical professional to see if you have any sign of asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma Statistics in Indiana
The state of Indiana is primarily rural, but most of the asbestos exposure happened in the larger towns. This state has had most of its asbestos related diseases in the Gary area, which once was the home of many large steel mills. About 75% of the cases in Indiana from 1979 until 2000 were around this town, which means that there were 56 that were due to malignant mesothelioma. Asbestosis was more common in rural areas.
Mesothelioma Legal Cases in Indiana
In a 2004 mesothelioma case, two victims filed a lawsuit against Fisher Scientific, which has a large facility in the state. The lawsuit further named approximately 60 other companies that did produce, manufacture or somehow handle asbestos. Indiana asbestos exposure victims stated that these companies never warned them that they were being exposed to asbestos in many of these companies’ products.
One of the mesothelioma victims filed the suit but died before it was finished; his wife finished the suit. In the other case, the wife of the deceased sued for damages. That case was settled out of court.
Know that usually, plaintiffs here need to limit how many entities they sue in asbestos litigation. IN has laws that state that only people or companies that are liable for asbestos exposure damages are those that directly caused the asbestos exposure.
A 2005 case called Roberts v. PSI Energy was ruled by the IN Supreme Court that companies in the state are not liable for the actions of their contractors.
Mesothelioma Lawyer Indiana
Mesothelioma lawyers specialize in asbestos claims and focus their attention on getting significant financial recoveries for workers that were unknowingly exposed and their families. Several companies continued to use asbestos even after learning of the harmful effects. Our lawyers help victims and their families hold these corporations accountable for their actions and do everything they can to get their clients the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Taking Legal Action in Indiana
For victims of asbestos exposure in Indiana, it is important to find an asbestos and mesothelioma attorney with experience handling mesothelioma cancer and asbestos-related cases. Indiana asbestos attorneys fight for their clients when they have been wrongly exposed to the fibers, helping them to obtain compensation for losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Medical treatments
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of social support
- Funeral and burial costs
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another related illness, we may be able to help you recover a significant amount of compensation. In addition to financial damages, we will also help you navigate the exhausting maze of medical treatments and bills and will help you connect with the top mesothelioma specialists in Indiana. For a free case evaluation, please call mesothelioma treatment centers today. We will assess your circumstances and explain all your legal options in detail.
