Mesothelioma in Bloomington, Illinois
Many industries in Bloomington, Illinois, used asbestos. The mineral was found in manufacturing plants, buildings and homes across the city. This use puts the public at risk of exposure. As a result, those who lived or worked in Bloomington may develop asbestos diseases, including mesothelioma. Those impacted can find local treatment and legal resources below.
Learn More About Asbestos and Mesothelioma in Bloomington
Bloomington, Illinois Mesothelioma Treatment
Asbestos exposure in Illinois may have led workers and residents to develop an asbestos disease. Bloomington is a small city in central Illinois. As a result of the city’s small size, mesothelioma patients in Bloomington may need to travel for care. Patients can seek mesothelioma treatment in areas with larger cancer centers specialized in treating the disease.
In many instances, patients across the country choose to travel to other areas of the United States to participate in clinical trials and specialized programs.
Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington residents may seek care in nearby Naperville, Illinois. Other patients may prefer to head farther north to Chicago.
Naperville is home to one branch of the Edward Cancer Center. This center treats peritoneal mesothelioma and pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma treatments offered at Edward Cancer Center include:
- Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
- Immunotherapy
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
In addition to specialized treatment, these cancer centers often provide support services, including mesothelioma diet counseling, assistance with healthcare costs and finding lodging.
Illinois Mesothelioma Cancer Clinics
Bloomington, Illinois Mesothelioma Doctors
Mesothelioma patients should always see a specialized doctor to ensure the best possible care. Mesothelioma doctors are familiar with this rare disease, patient care requirements and emerging treatments.
There are a few mesothelioma specialists for patients to choose from around the Bloomington area.
Illinois Mesothelioma Doctors
Bloomington, Illinois Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Bloomington residents with an asbestos-related illness may be eligible for compensation. These illnesses may develop after asbestos exposure of any kind. Asbestos victims may be able to file a mesothelioma claim to gain compensation for their exposure.
There are two main types of asbestos compensation an individual can pursue:
- Asbestos trust fund claims: These claims are filed with trusts set up by asbestos companies.
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: Lawsuits will typically end in either a settlement or jury verdict.
To learn more about the different types of mesothelioma claims, contact an asbestos law firm.
Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in Bloomington, Illinois
To file a mesothelioma claim of any kind, patients should contact an attorney. Mesothelioma lawyers will also know local and national asbestos laws. Some cities or states have additional rules. Lawyers with local experience will be able to navigate these regulations.
There are several local and nationwide law firms experienced in Illinois asbestos litigation.
Deadlines for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Bloomington, Illinois
These mesothelioma lawyers will be able to guide claimants through the legal process. Lawyers will assist victims with choosing the correct claim type, gathering the necessary information and seeing the claim to a resolution. Local lawyers will also know procedural rules for the area, such as the statute of limitations. This legal deadline often varies by state and claim type.
Claims must be filed within 2 years after an asbestos-related diagnosis.
Claims must be filed within 2 years after an asbestos-related death.
Compensation from asbestos cases can help patients and loved ones pay for lost wages and medical expenses. A successful lawsuit may also result in punitive damages meant to punish the responsible party for the asbestos exposure.
Successful asbestos lawsuits in the Bloomington area include:
Age: 80
Occupations: HVAC, Plant worker
Jobsites Worked at: DSB Enterprises Inc. (1973 – 1978)
Settlement: ~$3,272,768
Age: 79
Occupations: Laborer, Office worker
Jobsites Worked at: GTE Communications Systems Corporation (1963 – 1965)
Settlement: ~$2,041,209
Age: 76
Occupations: Welder, Electrician
Jobsites Worked at: GENERAL ELECTRIC CO (1970 – 2007); Unarco (1965 – 1970)
Settlement: ~$1,352,850
Age: 85
Occupation: Carpenter
Jobsites Worked at: United States Army (1943 – 1946)
Settlement: ~$544,054
Asbestos Use in Bloomington, Illinois
Asbestos use in Bloomington, Illinois, began in the early 1900s. As industries developed, the mineral became more common. Asbestos-using industries in Bloomington included manufacturing, transportation/automotive and construction.
These industries grew through the 20th century and employed many Bloomington residents. Within these industries, asbestos was used for fireproofing, insulating and strengthening various materials. Individuals in many occupations may have been exposed to the mineral. As a result, they may develop mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
| Gender | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Male | 36 |
| Female | 13 |
UNARCO and Asbestos
The Union Asbestos and Rubber Company (UNARCO) is one of the most notable companies in Bloomington. UNARCO manufactured and distributed asbestos insulation products and textiles from the 1940s to the 1980s. Much of the company’s raw asbestos was supplied by Johns-Manville, one of the top asbestos manufacturers in the country.
In 1970, the Bloomington UNARCO plant was purchased by Owens-Corning. Owens-Corning conducted a survey to analyze the workplace conditions prior to the acquisition. This analysis found employee reports of asbestos dust in the air, covering surfaces and visible on clothing and hair.
The industrial hygiene survey also found UNARCO failed to do the following:
- Implement industrial hygiene practices
- Use effective dust-collecting equipment
- Monitor the levels of asbestos within the plant
- Warn employees of potential asbestos dangers
The Bloomington plant closed in 1972, after exposing many workers to asbestos.
Bloomington, Illinois Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred
- Alton Railroad Company
- Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM)
- Ashland Chemical Company
- Beich Candy Company
- Bloomington & Normal Railway, Electric & Heat Company
- Chicago and Alton Railroad
- Citizens Gas Light and Heating Company
- Consumers Heat and Electric Light Company
- Eureka-Williams Corporation
- Firestone Tire & Rubber Company
- Funk Brothers Seed Company
- Gulf Mobile Chicago Railroad
- Gulf Mobile Ohio Railroad
- Illinois Power
- Illinois State University
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Ma Girl Foundry & Furnace Works
- Ma Girl Supply Company
- Madison County Light and Power Company
- Natural Homes
- Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
- Peoira Bloomington and Champaign Railway Company
- Ralston Purina Company
- State Farm Insurance
- Texas Pipeline Company
- UNARCO
Sources
Appellate Court of Illinois, Fourth District. McClure v. Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp. August 1998.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020. United States Cancer Statistics.
Ford MA. Exhibit looks at history of asbestos in McLean County. The Pantagraph. May 2013.
Illinois Courts. DELORES McCLURE, Indiv. and as Special Adm’r of the Estate of Robert McClure, Deceased, et al., Appellees, v. OWENS CORNING FIBERGLAS CORPORATION et al., Appellants. October 1999.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos.
Matejka M. Asbestos timeline. The Pantagraph. May 2013.
Maxan DE. UNR Asbestos-Disease Claims Trust. Claims Processing Facility, Inc. December 2018.
United States Court District Court, N.D. Illinois, E.D. UNARCO Bloomington Factory Workers v. UNR Industries, Inc. April 1993.
Financial Assistance for Mesothelioma Patients
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Reviewed by
Jennifer Lucarelli
Mesothelioma Lawyer and Legal Advisor
For more than two decades, Jennifer Lucarelli has served as Legal Advisor at Mesothelioma.com. She has advocated for more than 1,000 asbestos victims, securing millions in settlements and helping them access quality medical care.
