Abandoned Indianapolis, IN Hospital Contaminated with Asbestos: Lack of Adequate Security Puts Trespassers at Risk

In July 2009, an Indianapolis, IN television station reported on asbestos contamination and other safety issues at the abandoned Winona Memorial Hospital. The hospital property, which is owned by the city, was closed in 2004. The building was declared a public health hazard in 2008.

Residents living near the abandoned property have expressed numerous concerns about the lack of security at the property, causing a reporter from the TV station to inspect the site.

That reporter found that despite warning signs about asbestos and other hazards, the building was easily accessible. In addition to finding abandoned medical equipment, beds and other furniture, significant litter was found in the building evidencing that homeless individuals had taken up residence in the building.

As a result of the news story, the city sent a work crew to the site to board up windows and properly secure all entrances to the building.  The city has also instructed the police department to monitor the building for trespassers.

To date, the city has not developed a timeframe to remediate the asbestos from the building.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.