Asbestos Exposure Sites in Indiana
Indiana has 6 documented asbestos exposure sites spanning 2 industries. Workers at these facilities were exposed to asbestos-containing materials — often in shipyards, power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants — and may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Asbestos Exposure in Indiana
Indiana's heavy manufacturing economy made asbestos exposure widespread across the state, particularly in the steel, automotive, and chemical industries. The steel mills of northwest Indiana in Gary, East Chicago, and Hammond — part of the vast industrial corridor along Lake Michigan — exposed thousands of steelworkers to asbestos insulation on furnaces, ladles, pipe systems, and equipment. U.S. Steel Gary Works, Inland Steel, and Bethlehem Steel Burns Harbor all used asbestos extensively. Indiana's automotive industry, centered in Indianapolis, Kokomo, Anderson, and Muncie, exposed workers to asbestos in brake linings, clutch facings, and gaskets manufactured by companies like Chrysler, General Motors, and Delco-Remy. Chemical plants and oil refineries, including the BP Whiting Refinery near the Illinois border, used asbestos insulation throughout their facilities. The Indianapolis Power and Light Company and Indiana Michigan Power operated power plants with extensive asbestos materials. Eli Lilly's pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Indianapolis also contained asbestos. Military installations including the former Fort Benjamin Harrison, Grissom Air Reserve Base, and the Naval Avionics Center in Indianapolis used asbestos in their buildings. Indiana applies a two-year statute of limitations from the date of discovery, and the state's industrial history means many residents have potential claims they may not be aware of.
Major industries linked to asbestos exposure in Indiana: Steel production, Automotive manufacturing, Oil refining, Chemical manufacturing, Power generation, Pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Notable exposure sites: U.S. Steel Gary Works; BP Whiting Refinery; Delco-Remy (GM), Anderson; Chrysler Transmission Plant, Kokomo; Indianapolis Power & Light plants.
Refineries
Steel Mills
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Exposure in Indiana
What is Indiana's statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims?
Indiana has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from the date of diagnosis or discovery. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death.
Were steelworkers in northwest Indiana exposed to asbestos?
Yes. The steel mills in Gary, East Chicago, and Hammond were among the most significant asbestos exposure sites in the Midwest. Workers were exposed to asbestos insulation on furnaces, ladles, pipes, and throughout the mill facilities.
What role did the automotive industry play in Indiana asbestos exposure?
Indiana's automotive manufacturing plants exposed workers to asbestos brake linings, clutch facings, gaskets, and insulation materials. Plants in Indianapolis, Kokomo, Anderson, and Muncie operated by GM, Chrysler, and their suppliers were significant exposure sites.
Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit in Indiana?
If you were exposed to asbestos in Indiana or responsible companies operated there, you may file in Indiana courts. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can determine the best jurisdiction and identify all responsible parties for your claim.