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60-4904. Same; preclusion of claims, when. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto, for any claim based upon a nonmalignant condition resulting from silica or asbestos that is not barred as of the effective date of this act, the period of limitations shall not begin to run until the exposed person discovers, or through the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, that such person has a physical impairment due to a nonmalignant condition resulting from silica or asbestos. A claim based upon a nonmalignant condition resulting from silica or asbestos is preserved for purposes of the period of limitations if such was filed before the cause of action arises pursuant to this section and amendments thereto.

(b) A silica or asbestos claim for a nonmalignant condition shall not preclude or bar a subsequent claim by the same exposed person for silica-related cancer or asbestos-related cancer. No damages shall be awarded for fear or risk of cancer in any civil action asserting only a silica or asbestos claim for a nonmalignant condition.

(c) No settlement of a silica or asbestos claim for a nonmalignant condition that is concluded after the effective date of this section shall require the release of any future claim for silica-related cancer or asbestos-related cancer as a condition of settlement.

History: L. 2006, ch. 196, § 4; July 1.