From the Bloomington Pantagraph
Illinoisans will get more time to file lawsuits over asbestos-related ailments under a change in state law signed Friday by Gov. Pat Quinn.
The measure, approved by lawmakers during the fall veto session, removes a 10-year time limit for filing legal action related to the often fatal exposure to the cancer-causing substance.
Supporters said limiting the time to file was unfair to victims because diseases linked to asbestos like mesothelioma can sometimes take 20 years to develop.
“The deadly diseases caused by asbestos exposure know no statute of limitations, so it’s fitting that our law is finally catching up to medical realities,” said state Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago, the measure’s Senate sponsor. “We are giving sufferers and their families no more and no less than what they deserve: their day in court.”
Asbestos was used as a fireproofing material until the 1970s when it was linked to cancer.
Republicans who opposed the measure said the proposal could hurt economic growth if companies stay out of Illinois because of liability concerns.