Illinois Mesothelioma Lawyers

Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Illinois

People file mesothelioma claims in Illinois because they were occupationally exposed to asbestos in the state. Illinois has a long history of industrialization. Unfortunately, the once-common use of asbestos in these facilities has led to Illinois ranking No. 7 in the nation for asbestos-related deaths.

Since the dangers of asbestos came to light, Madison County, Illinois, has become one of the nation’s top jurisdictions for asbestos litigation. According to a 2021 KCIC industry report, Madison County was the No. 1 jurisdiction in the country for mesothelioma lawsuit filings in 2020. Approximately 26% of the nation’s mesothelioma lawsuits were filed there.

Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, asbestos lawsuits became increasingly backlogged in Madison County. In response, the judicial system implemented reforms to process asbestos cases more efficiently. For example, mesothelioma patients can benefit from a fast-track filing process.

Mesothelioma claims include personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits and trust fund claims. An experienced mesothelioma attorney in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois can help you evaluate your options.

Filing Deadlines in Illinois

The statutes of limitations in the state limit when someone can file a claim, which is generally two years from their mesothelioma diagnosis or date of death.

Mesothelioma patients and family members should consult an Illinois mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible about when to file a lawsuit and whether to file a claim in Illinois or another state jurisdiction.

You should not rely on any information herein to make a determination about your legal rights. Please speak to an attorney licensed to practice law in your area to best understand your legal options.

Asbestos Exposure in Illinois

Illinois ranks No. 7 in the U.S. for mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths. The state’s high ranking is attributed to its extensive industrial history in older cities such as Chicago, Peoria and Alton.

Asbestos exposure in Illinois occurred during insulation installation, oil refining, farming, food production and power generation.

Illinois residents who develop asbestos-related diseases have access to specialized treatment in Chicago. The top mesothelioma treatment centers in Illinois include the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Loyola University Medical Center.

Work Sites Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Many workers were exposed to asbestos products in factories, plants, refineries, farmhouses, schools and public buildings. Mesothelioma lawyers in Illinois have helped former factory workers, construction tradesmen and their families secure multimillion-dollar verdicts.

Asbestos exposure tends to occur in old public buildings, schools and industrial work sites. If you are suffering because of past asbestos exposure that took place in Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation.

Mesothelioma Law Firms Practicing in Illinois

Illinois residents with asbestos-related diseases have many options for legal representation. Instead of going with a local firm, mesothelioma patients should consider a nationwide mesothelioma law firm because of the experience and reach they offer.

Firms that practice nationwide have tried many different types of cases in practically every state. They have the most experience winning cases against the large asbestos corporations that may be liable for the asbestos exposure that caused you or a loved one to develop mesothelioma.

Notable Illinois Asbestos Verdicts

These are among the highest verdicts awarded in Illinois. However, most mesothelioma lawsuits reach a settlement out of court.

Most mesothelioma claims filed in Illinois are settled out of court before going to trial. Although settlements are typically worth less than jury verdicts, experienced mesothelioma lawyers have secured mesothelioma settlements worth more than a million dollars in addition to six-figure payouts from asbestos trust funds.

Illinois Asbestos Laws and Regulations

Federal, state and regional laws regulate asbestos in Illinois. Title 77 of the Illinois Administrative Code details requirements for asbestos abatement in commercial and public buildings, including schools. Cook County and the city of Chicago have their own regulations as well.

Only licensed professionals may perform asbestos removal in commercial and public buildings in Illinois. This requirement also extends to residential buildings with more than four units.

Regulations Governing Asbestos in Illinois

Illinois has regulations to protect residents against asbestos exposure in schools and public buildings. The following Illinois law covers asbestos removal requirements, asbestos safety training and abatement licensing, and related fines and penalties:

This law outlines regulations on asbestos abatement in public and private schools and commercial and public buildings in Illinois. It also covers training courses required for asbestos abatement licensure, and the responsibilities of licensed abatement workers. The fines and penalties are intended to promote proper safety practices to protect the public and workers from exposure.

State Departments Overseeing Illinois’ Asbestos Laws

The following local and state departments play roles in overseeing and enforcing the state’s regulations on asbestos to ensure the public and workers are protected against exposure.

These departments enforce laws, oversee permitting and licensing, and ensure asbestos removal projects are conducted safely to protect workers and the public.

Illinois Laws Affecting Asbestos Lawsuits

States have laws that affect how long a plaintiff has to file a legal claim and who they can hold negligent in a personal injury lawsuit. In Illinois, these laws include:

The Illinois Code of Civil Procedure Chapter 10 defines the statute of limitations for lawsuits filed in Illinois. This law states that plaintiffs have two years to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit. For mesothelioma patients this means two years from the day of diagnosis. For family members, it is two years from the date of the loved one’s death. 

Illinois Statutes Chapter 735, Section 5/2-1116 outlines the state’s negligence laws. These laws allocate the responsibility of paying damages in lawsuits filed on account of bodily injury and death, which apply to mesothelioma personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

Asbestos Litigation Trends in Illinois

Illinois is the most popular state for filing mesothelioma lawsuits. Its courts created the following procedures to manage asbestos litigation. These procedures aim to establish fair rules when holding a defendant negligent, awarding damages and determining which plaintiffs deserve a quicker trial.

Fast-track filing may affect your claim if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Setoffs will affect you if you’ve received compensation from an asbestos trust fund. For those already involved in a claim, comparative fault and liability regulations will be determined by the court.