A. As used in this act, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Asbestosis" means the characteristic fibrotic condition of the lungs caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust; and

2. "Silicosis" means the characteristic fibrotic condition of the lungs caused by the inhalation of silica dust.

B. In the absence of a preponderance of the evidence in favor of the claim, disability or death from silicosis or asbestosis shall be presumed not to be due to the nature of any occupation within the provision of this section unless during the ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of disablement the employee has been exposed to the inhalation of silica dust or asbestos dust over a period of not less than five (5) years, two (2) years of which shall have been in this state, under a contract of employment performed in this state. However, if the employee has been employed by the same employer during the entire five-year period, his or her right to compensation against the employer shall not be affected by the fact that he or she had been employed during any part of the period outside of this state.

C. Except as otherwise provided in this section, compensation for disability from uncomplicated silicosis or asbestosis shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of Sections 45 and 48 of this title.

D. 1. In case of disability or death from silicosis or asbestosis complicated with tuberculosis of the lungs, compensation shall be payable as for uncomplicated silicosis or asbestosis, provided that the silicosis or asbestosis was an essential factor in the causing of disability or death.

2. In case of disability or death from silicosis or asbestosis complicated with any other disease, or from any other disease complicated with silicosis or asbestosis, the compensation shall be reduced as provided in subsection C of Section 65 of this title.

Added by Laws 2013, c. 208, § 66, eff. Feb. 1, 2014. Amended by Laws 2019, c. 476, § 25, emerg. eff. May 28, 2019.