The following case

Wilber v. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., 476 N.W.2d 74 (Iowa 1991)

This case involved an asbestos-related cancer suffered by the plaintiff. The plaintiff had developed asbestosis years earlier. The Iowa Supreme Court held that, under the “separate injury rule,” the plaintiff’s lawsuit would be allowed. The development of asbestosis, under this rule, does not start the statute of limitations in regard to other asbestos-related diseases that may develop later. This allows victims who develop asbestos-related cancer to pursue legal action for that disease as well against those responsible for their exposure to asbestos.

Results depend on the facts of each case.