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Mesothelioma in Great Lakes, Illinois

Linda Molinari
Author: Linda Molinari
Jennifer Lucarelli
Last Updated: 3/4/2026

Prior to 1980, asbestos materials were widely used, including in the construction of naval facilities. As a result, Great Lakes, Illinois, Navy veterans and workers risked asbestos exposure at Naval Station Great Lakes. Asbestos-exposure victims are at risk for developing an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma. Legal resources and treatment options for asbestos victims are included below.

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Great Lakes, Illinois Mesothelioma Treatment

Patients in the Great Lakes area who were exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma should seek treatment from specialized mesothelioma cancer centers. To optimize treatment results, mesothelioma doctors at these centers may recommend multimodal therapies. Multimodal treatment plans combine two or more types of mesothelioma treatment to achieve the best outcome for the patient.

Treatment plans for mesothelioma patients may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and/or palliative care options. Patients who do not respond to conventional treatments may be eligible for experimental treatment options, often available through clinical trials.

Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving Great Lakes, Illinois

Great Lakes, Illinois, mesothelioma patients should seek care at cancer centers experienced with treating mesothelioma. For example, mesothelioma patients may travel to nearby Chicago, Illinois, for treatment at The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UChicago Medicine).

UChicago Medicine has one of the largest mesothelioma programs in the nation and is a leader in the treatment and research of malignant mesothelioma. Innovative approaches to chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgeries are a main focus at the center. For instance, HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy) is a chemotherapy procedure used after surgery. UChicago Medicine offers HIPEC as an option to qualifying patients.

Photo of City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago
City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago
Zion, IL 60099
Photo of RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building
Chicago, IL 60607
Photo of Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
Galter Pavilion
Chicago, IL 60611
Photo of The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine (DCAM) – Hyde Park
Chicago, IL 60637
Photo of Endeavor Health Cancer Center – Naperville
Endeavor Health Cancer Center – Naperville
Naperville, IL 60540
Photo of UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center
UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center
Madison, WI 53792

Great Lakes, Illinois Mesothelioma Doctors

There are specialists in the Great Lakes area experienced in treating patients with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma care professionals will often collaborate to create a personalized and comprehensive care plan for each mesothelioma patient.

A patient’s care team may include surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, nurses and pain management experts, among others. Patient support staff members can help patients and loved ones navigate all aspects of treatment.

Photo of Dr. Michael J. Liptay
Dr. Michael J. Liptay
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Chicago, IL
Photo of Dr. Helen J. Ross
Dr. Helen J. Ross
Thoracic Medical Oncologist
Chicago, IL
Photo of Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
Medical Oncologist & Director, Multidisciplinary Mesothelioma Program
Chicago, IL
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Great Lakes, Illinois Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Asbestos exposure can cause serious diseases, including malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos victims and their loved ones in the Great Lakes, Illinois, area may be eligible to receive compensation for their illnesses. Potential compensation options include asbestos bankruptcy trust claims, mesothelioma lawsuits and VA claims. Compensation can assist patients with mesothelioma treatment expenses, lost wages and other expenses.

Mesothelioma victims and their loved ones who wish to file a lawsuit or claim should consult a mesothelioma attorney for guidance and representation.

Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in Great Lakes, Illinois

Asbestos law firms can guide patients or their surviving loved ones through the mesothelioma compensation process. Mesothelioma victims in the Great Lakes area should contact a nationwide law firm with extensive knowledge of asbestos law. Experienced attorneys have a proven track record for handling asbestos cases. They will know the asbestos laws by state, which can impact the filing process as well as deadlines for filing a lawsuit.

Asbestos law firms help mesothelioma victims and their loved ones get the compensation they deserve.

Logo for Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen
Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen has filed mesothelioma claims for hundreds of mesothelioma victims from the state of Illinois.
Logo for The Gori Law Firm
Over 16 years of experience serving asbestos injury victims. The Gori Law Firm is recognized by Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA).
Logo for Vogelzang Law
For over 20 years, Vogelzang Law has handled hundreds of asbestos-related cases, successfully securing millions in verdicts and settlements. Our firm supports every client and their family and fights to win on their behalf.
Logo for Simmons Hanly Conroy
Experienced mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers serving victims nationwide. Recognized by Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report.

Deadlines for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Great Lakes, Illinois

Strict, state-specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, apply to asbestos lawsuits filed in Illinois. Asbestos victims who were exposed to asbestos in Illinois and later developed a related disease have 24 months to file a lawsuit for personal injury. This means individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos cancer have 24 months to start a lawsuit following their diagnosis. After a mesothelioma patient’s death, surviving loved ones also have 24 months to commence a wrongful death lawsuit related to asbestos exposure.

Statutes of Limitations for Great Lakes
Personal Injury

Claims must be filed within 2 years after an asbestos-related diagnosis.

Wrongful Death

Claims must be filed within 2 years after an asbestos-related death.

Mesothelioma law firms can help victims in the Great Lakes area get the compensation they deserve.

Examples of clients served in the Great Lakes area include:

Client Profile

Age: 64

Occupations: Navy, Iron worker

Jobsites Worked at: United States Naval Training Station (1967)

Settlement: ~$6,183,244

Client Profile

Age: 53

Occupations: Navy, Boiler worker

Jobsites Worked at: United States Naval Training Station (1973 – 1975)

Settlement: ~$4,520,445

Client Profile

Age: 80

Occupations: Navy, Electrician

Jobsites Worked at: Great Lakes Naval Training Station (1955 – 1959)

Settlement: ~$3,518,470

Client Profile

Age: 81

Occupations: Navy, Communications

Jobsites Worked at: Great Lakes Illinois Boot Camp (1957 – 1959)

Settlement: ~$2,753,341

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Asbestos Use in Great Lakes, Illinois

Asbestos use in the Great Lakes, Illinois, area was widespread until stricter asbestos regulations passed in the 1980s. The mineral was used for its strength and resistance to heat and flame. It was commonly used in manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding.

Great Lakes workers and residents may have been exposed to asbestos while working for the military. As a result, Navy veterans, active-duty personnel, naval recruits, civilian workers and others were put at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases, including malignant mesothelioma.

Lake County Mesothelioma Deaths by Gender 1999 – 2020
Gender Number of Deaths
Male 139
Female 41

Asbestos Use at Naval Station Great Lakes

Naval Station Great Lakes is a military town located in Lake County, Illinois. Opened in 1911, Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) occupies more than 1,600 acres and functions like a small city. It has its own fire station, utilities and security force. NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only Recruit Training Command facility.

Through the years, the NSGL experienced several building expansions. It is currently home to more than 1,100 buildings. Asbestos materials were commonly used during construction until around 1980. As a result, asbestos-containing products may have been used during the construction and repair of the buildings and facilities at the naval station.

A 2011 environmental condition report found several asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in NSGL buildings. The report was conducted on three buildings and found the following ACMs:

The high levels of ACMs in these three buildings could indicate further asbestos contamination across the naval station. As a result, thousands of Navy veterans, active-duty personnel, families, recruits, civilian employees and contractors may have been exposed to asbestos.

Great Lakes, Illinois Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

  • Camp Boone
  • Camp Decatur
  • Camp Dewey
  • Camp Farragut
  • Camp Lawrence
  • Camp Perry
  • Camp Ross
  • Great Lakes Hospital
  • Gunner's Mate Service School
  • Naval Hospital Great Lakes
  • Naval Station Great Lakes
  • Naval Supply Depot
Sources
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020. CDC Wonder Online Database.

  2. Commander, Navy Installations Command. Naval Station Great Lakes: Your Navy in the Midwest.

  3. Illinois State Board of Education. Environmental Condition of Property for Buildings 130H, 129H, 128H: Corps School Property Lease for Charter School. August 2011.

  4. Military Installations. Naval Station Great Lakes In-Depth Overview.

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Linda Molinari, Editor in Chief at Mesothelioma.com
Written by Linda Molinari Editor in Chief
Jennifer Lucarelli
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