Mesothelioma in Illinois

Asbestos Exposure in Illinois

For much of the 20th century, Illinois was home to multiple industries that relied on asbestos, including it in their products, facilities, and machinery. Construction companies, steel mills, oil refineries, power plants, and factories all used asbestos in their operations.

Asbestos usage peaked between the 1900s and the late 1970s. However, some companies, such as W.R. Grace, continued to expose workers in Illinois to asbestos until the late 1980s.

Negligence by companies like W.R. Grace significantly contributed to the state’s high mesothelioma rate, with Illinois generally ranking 6th or 7th in the nation for new cases, averaging almost 100 per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Today, Illinois is a major battleground for asbestos litigation, offering victims and their families multiple options for compensation. If you or someone you love is among those affected, we can help determine whether you are eligible for compensation.

Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in Illinois

Mesothelioma patients and their families who can trace their asbestos exposure back to Illinois often have multiple options for compensation, with qualified claimants averaging over $1 million in total payments.

However, your final compensation amount can vary depending on factors like the number of companies involved in your claim and which types of compensation you’re qualified to pursue.

For example, a claimant who accepts a mesothelioma settlement offer is likely to receive an average award of $1 million to $1.4 million, while the average mesothelioma trial verdict is $5 million to $11.4 million.

If you or a member of your family has been injured by Illinois asbestos exposure, you don’t have to try to figure things out alone. We can help you determine your eligibility for compensation and learn more about which options are available to you, given your unique situation.

Common Options for Mesothelioma Compensation

Eligibility Requirements for Compensation in Illinois

Whether you choose to pursue trust fund compensation, VA benefits, or file an asbestos lawsuit, you’ll need to provide proof of eligibility to receive compensation.

Although the precise eligibility requirements vary by compensation type, there are common requirements most claimants must meet, such as:

• Proof of Exposure: Documentation showing exposure to specific asbestos-containing products or presence at work sites where asbestos was used.
• Medical Diagnosis: Diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness backed by documentation and testing that links the condition to the patient’s exposure history.
• Within the Statute of Limitations: The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois is 2 years for both personal injury and wrongful death claims. The clock starts on the date of diagnosis or death, and once the deadline has passed, so has the opportunity to seek compensation in Illinois.

In civil claims, the burden of proof is on the claimant, and most forms of compensation require significant documentation to support the claim.

Common forms of supporting evidence include:

• Medical records
• Proven diagnosis
• Death certificate
• Employment records
• Eyewitness accounts
• Paystubs

Locating all of the required evidence and documentation can be challenging, especially for mesothelioma victims who are often exposed to asbestos decades before they are diagnosed. Working with an asbestos litigation attorney can help lower stress and strengthen your case.

Asbestos lawyers and law firms have specialized tools, databases, and other resources to help them locate critical evidence, so don’t worry if you’re missing some of the documents listed above. All you need to do is reach out, and our patient advocates will help you determine your eligibility.

Mesothelioma Settlements in Illinois

Illinois is a major state for asbestos litigation in the U.S. Settlement amounts in Illinois generally fall within the average range reported by Mealey’s Litigation Report, which spans $1 million to $1.4 million.

However, every case is unique, and some claimants in Illinois have received large settlements outside the average range in recent years, often with even larger verdicts awarded by Illinois courts.

Top mesothelioma settlements and awards in Illinois:

The Top Asbestos Exposure Risks in Illinois

For decades, dozens of industries in Illinois relied on asbestos due to its light weight, strength, insulating properties, and resistance to heat, fire, and chemical corrosion. It was added to products and used in construction and machinery.

Anyone exposed to asbestos faces risks of developing an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma decades later, but in Illinois, the highest risks are associated with people who worked at construction sites, steel mills, oil refiners, power plants, and factories.

Construction Workers

Asbestos was commonly added to construction products like drywall, joint compound, insulation, cement, pipes, roofing materials, tile, HVAC systems, and more until the late 1970s. Illinois construction workers responsible for handling these materials during installation and repairs often inhaled or ingested dangerous asbestos particles.

Many asbestos-containing materials remain in place in older structures throughout Illinois, posing ongoing risks to construction workers.

Steel Mill Workers

Illinois steel mills used asbestos materials when constructing their facilities and in their machinery because of its resistance to heat and fire. Although all workers in these facilities faced some risk of exposure, boilermakers, furnace operators, machinists, millwrights, and welders faced especially high risks.

Known asbestos steel mill sites in Illinois:

• ACME Steel: Chicago, Riverdale
• Carnegie Illinois Steel Corporation: Carnegie, Chicago
• Inland Steel Company: Chicago, Sesser
• U.S. Steel: Chicago, Joliet, Waukegan

Oil Refinery Workers

Oil refiner workers often encountered asbestos in insulated machinery, piping, boilers, heat exchanges, and gaskets. Asbestos components helped these facilities handle the high heat and pressure that their equipment and systems needed to withstand.

However, these asbestos components endangered those who worked most closely with them, such as maintenance workers, pipefitters, insulators, equipment operators, boilermakers, mechanics, welders, and millwrights.

Known asbestos oil refinery sites in Illinois:

• Amoco: Hartford, Joliet, Wood River
• Mobil: Channahon, Joliet, Morris
• Shell: Hartford, Roxana, Wood River
• Texaco: Lockport, Lawrenceville

Power Plant Workers

In addition to being heat and fire-resistant, asbestos was also nonconductive, making asbestos-containing construction materials and machine parts a popular option for power plants that needed to keep high-voltage electrical systems from short-circuiting. Boilers, turbines, piping, insulation, and electrical systems were common sources of exposure.

Workers such as boiler tenders, pipefitters, welders, electricians, mechanics, and laborers faced the highest exposure risks.

Known asbestos power plant sites in Illinois:

• Abott: Champaign
• Central Illinois Light Company: Bartonville
• Dresden: Dresden, Morris
• Kincaid: Springfield
• North Shore Electric Company: Blue Island, Highland Park, Maywood, Waukegan
• Union Electric: Sauget, Venice, St. Louis

Family Members & Loved Ones

Asbestos exposure can hurt more than workers. The family members and loved ones of people with occupational asbestos exposure also face serious risks of illness from secondhand exposure.

Asbestos particles often entered the home on workers’ hair, skin, and clothing, where loved ones encountered these particles during everyday household chores, such as laundry.

Top Exposure Sites in Illinois

Asbestos use was common in Illinois. Today, the state has 6,252 known exposure sites, many of which are linked to major asbestos manufacturers, including Johns Manville, W.R. Grace, Shell Oil, and Owens-Illinois.

Many people in Illinois who were exposed to asbestos through their jobs may be able to file for compensation from more than one company. Some individuals can file against 20 or more defendants responsible for their injuries, often combining trust fund payouts and lawsuit compensation to secure even more financial support.

Common Solvent Companies That Used Asbestos in Illinois

Many asbestos companies still choose to manage claims against them through the civil court system. These companies have never declared bankruptcy and have not established asbestos trust funds to compensate their victims. Filing a lawsuit is the only way to pursue compensation from a solvent defendant.

Filing a lawsuit can yield significant compensation, but trials can last for years. Most asbestos lawsuits, however, end in out-of-court settlements, often leading to quicker compensation without the stress of a trial.

Solvent asbestos companies active in Illinois:

• U.S. Steel
• Johnson & Johnson
• CSX Transportation, Inc.
• John Crane, Inc.

Common Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims in Illinois

For many asbestos manufacturers, their negligence has had serious financial consequences. Many have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeking protection from their asbestos liabilities. To emerge from bankruptcy, these companies must establish asbestos trust funds to compensate current and future victims of their negligence.

Asbestos trust funds have paid victims over $20 billion in compensation, with over $30 billion remaining for future claimants. There are over 60 asbestos trust funds in the U.S., offering victims a quick path to compensation without ever needing to step into a courtroom.

Companies with asbestos trusts active in Illinois:

• Johns-Manville
• Owens-Illinois
• W.R. Grace

How to File for Mesothelioma Compensation in Illinois

Securing mesothelioma compensation in Illinois can be complex, requiring significant time, legwork, and legal knowledge. Working with an asbestos litigation attorney can help the process go more smoothly and help maximize your potential compensation.

An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help with every aspect of your claim. Dedicated legal representation can help maximize the value of your case by supporting you through every step of the process, from finding historical exposure evidence and medical documentation to fighting for a fairer settlement offer.

The Mesothelioma Fund works alongside the law firm Meirowitz & Wasserberg. Led by nationally recognized trial attorneys, their team has been helping mesothelioma victims and their loved ones for over a decade.

Their approach to guiding clients through the legal process smoothly involves the following steps:

1. Meet With a Mesothelioma Attorney
   • Your first consultation gives you the opportunity to ask your prospective lawyer questions. The goal is to help you understand your options, the potential value of your case, and what you can expect from the compensation process.
2. Gather Evidence & Documentation
   • If you choose to move forward, your legal team will handle gathering the evidence needed to build a strong case. Even if you’re unsure where to find certain records, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help track down employment histories, medical records, and more to support your claim.
3. File Claims
   • Next, your attorney will file your claim with the appropriate court, asbestos trust fund, or other compensation program. Because many victims qualify for compensation from multiple sources, your legal team may pursue several claims at the same time to help maximize your total recovery.
4. Claim Discovery or Review
   • Once your lawyer files your claim, the defendant(s) will review the information. They may conduct their own investigation or request additional supporting evidence. Your lawyer will handle all communication during this stage.
5. Settlement, Trial, or Liquidation
   • Often, a strong claim results in an offer of payment, either through a trust fund payout or a negotiated out-of-court settlement. In some cases, your claim may continue to trial, where your attorney will represent you until a judge or jury determines your final award.

Many victims of occupational asbestos exposure can apply for compensation from multiple trusts, with some victims able to apply for compensation from 20 or more trust funds. Many of these trusts can start sending payments within 90 days of applying.

Changes to Asbestos Litigation in Illinois

Every state has the right to pass laws and regulations determining who can file asbestos lawsuits and what evidence they need to proceed. These laws may change at any time, so anyone considering filing a claim should be aware of how new laws can affect lawsuits filed in their state.

Unlike many states,  which have decreased victims’ access in recent years, Illinois has passed legislation to expand who can file a claim, creating more accessible legal options for victims.

Recent changes include:

• Illinois Senate Bill 328: Makes it possible for claimants to pursue compensation in Illinois courts from out-of-state businesses registered to do business in Illinois, or even companies that operate or do business in the state without registering.
• Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act (2019): Allows employees who develop asbestos-related illnesses with long latency periods, such as mesothelioma, to pursue workers’ compensation even if more than 25 years have passed since exposure occurred.

Seeking Treatment for Mesothelioma in Illinois?

Because mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer, patients may struggle to find experts close to home. However, specialized care from a top-quality provider can make a significant difference for patients and their families.

Top mesothelioma treatment providers in Illinois:

• City of Hope Chicago
• Endeavor Health Cancer Center
• Loyola University Medical Center
• Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Rush University Cancer Center
• University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Mesothelioma Fund can help you identify and secure appointments with top providers through our Doctor Match Program. We’ll connect you with over 500 mesothelioma specialists nationwide, helping you get the care you need, whether that’s a diagnosis, a second opinion, or treatment for your illness.

Treatment for mesothelioma can be expensive, costing an average of $400,000 per year out of pocket, so we also help patients seek the compensation they need to afford the high-quality, specialist care they deserve. All you have to do is contact us, and our patient advocates will help you understand your potential compensation options.

How We Can Help

No matter where you are in the medical or legal process, the Mesothelioma Fund is here to help. Our goal is to give asbestos exposure victims and their families the guidance, information, and resources they need to pursue the care and compensation they deserve.

Our sponsoring firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has helped people across the country recover more than $500 million through asbestos settlements, trust funds, and trial verdicts. As an asbestos law firm led by nationally recognized trial attorneys, Meirowitz & Wasserberg brings the experience and care that asbestos victims deserve to every case they handle.

With decades of combined experience handling complex cases across Illinois and throughout the U.S., their team of asbestos litigation lawyers offers clients both deep knowledge of the local court system and a broad understanding of national asbestos legal issues.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, we want to help. Let our patient advocates handle the research and paperwork so you can focus on getting better and spending time with loved ones.

Reach out today for a free case evaluation and let us help you determine your eligibility, share crucial resources, and connect you with experienced asbestos litigation attorneys. Getting started takes just a few minutes.

Written & Legally Reviewed By

Daniel Wasserberg, Esq. Attorney and On-Site Legal Advocate

Daniel Wasserberg was a New York metropolitan area “Super Lawyer Rising Star” from 2013 to 2018 (attorneys under age 40), and a Super Lawyer in 2019. In 2017, Daniel was named a “Top 100 Civil Litigator” by the National Trial Lawyers organization. This recognition is rarely awarded to attorneys under the age of 40. Daniel is proud to call himself a Trial Lawyer, and is often asked to speak at gatherings of the nation’s leading attorneys, from both sides of the bar.

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