Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Illinois
Thousands of people have filed Illinois mesothelioma lawsuits. Illinois has long been home to many factories, plants and heavy industries that used asbestos. As a result, workers and residents throughout the state have faced asbestos exposure and related diseases.
Key Facts About Illinois Asbestos Litigation
- A mesothelioma victim has two years from the date of their diagnosis to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, and the family of a deceased mesothelioma victim has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim on the victim’s behalf.
- Illinois consistently leads the country in asbestos lawsuit filings with Madison County, St Clair County and Cook County all in the top 10 jurisdictions based on 2024 data.
- In 2024, Madison County was the leading jurisdiction for mesothelioma lawsuits filed nationally with 809, nearly 650 more filings than New York City, the second highest jurisdiction in the country.
- Illinois asbestos dockets are extremely efficient with most cases settling without the need for trial and victims generally receive compensation for their cases quickly.
Asbestos victims in Illinois may have been exposed to the mineral at home as well as on the job. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious illnesses like mesothelioma. From 1999 to 2020, Illinois ranked seventh highest in the country for mesothelioma deaths. The state has a higher mesothelioma death rate than the national average.
Illinois also has a high rate of asbestos-related filings. Madison, St. Clair and Cook Counties all consistently have some of the highest numbers of asbestos lawsuits in the country. These include mesothelioma lawsuits and lawsuits for other asbestos diseases like lung cancer.
Many affected workers in Illinois have successfully pursued compensation. This has resulted in billions of dollars paid to asbestos victims throughout the state. Mesothelioma verdict awards and settlements can help victims pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses.
Who Is Eligible to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Illinois?
Individuals who have worked or lived in Illinois and have developed asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to file in the state. A patient’s work history, the location of the responsible asbestos company and other factors can make them eligible to file in Illinois. Those who have lost family members to asbestos-related illnesses may also be eligible.
Workers in many industries have risked asbestos exposure in Illinois. For instance, manufacturing workers are among those at risk for developing mesothelioma. Large asbestos companies, like Johns-Manville Corporation, operated manufacturing plants in Illinois. Johns-Manville’s Waukegan, Illinois, facility exposed workers to asbestos starting in 1928. Though it closed in 1998, the site is marked for asbestos cleanup as an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund site.
Other prominent industries in Illinois also used asbestos products. Workers in industries such as construction, oil refining and zinc smelting may have been exposed.
Residents living in cities and towns across the state of Illinois have sought the help of attorneys to file lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors of asbestos products. Seeking financial assistance for a mesothelioma diagnosis enables victims to pay for treatment costs and provide financial security for loved ones. Mesothelioma claimants in the following cities and towns have successfully filed lawsuits:
- Arlington Heights, IL
- Aurora, IL
- Bolingbrook, IL
- Bloomington, IL
- Chicago, IL
- Des Plaines, IL
- East Saint Louis, IL
- Granite City, IL
- Great Lakes, IL
- Joliet, IL
- Libertyville, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Norridge, IL
- Park Ridge, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Rockford, IL
- Salem, IL
- Sauget, IL
- Waukegan, IL
- Wheaton, IL
Deadlines for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Illinois
Individuals can contact Illinois mesothelioma lawyers for help. An experienced lawyer can explain filing options and help gather needed documentation. After filing, lawyers can handle every aspect of litigating the case on behalf of their clients.
It’s important that cases are filed on time. Each state has its own filing deadlines set by laws called statutes of limitations. These deadlines apply to personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits related to asbestos exposure.
Individuals who miss these deadlines may still have other options for compensation. For example, they may be able to file a lawsuit in a different state. They may also be eligible to file claims with asbestos trust funds.
Filing VA Claims in Illinois
Illinois has a large veteran population. Veterans often experienced asbestos exposure from military equipment and in barracks. As a result of this exposure, many veterans with asbestos diseases choose to pursue compensation, such as lawsuits.
Veterans affected by asbestos may also be eligible for compensation from other sources. For example, veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for around $3,000 in monthly support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA benefits can help veterans cover their medical expenses and lost wages due to disability.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Top Mesothelioma Law Firms in Illinois
Illinois residents and workers may be eligible for asbestos disease compensation. Asbestos victims can contact mesothelioma law firms for help with their cases. These firms have mesothelioma lawyers dedicated to helping victims and their families get financial compensation.
The following law firms can help people living in Illinois file their cases:
More Information About These Top Illinois Mesothelioma Law Firms
These law firms have extensive experience litigating mesothelioma cases against large asbestos companies and holding them responsible for victims’ asbestos exposures. They understand the legal implications of filing in different states. For example, Illinois can be an advantageous state for filing mesothelioma lawsuits. Experienced lawyers can work with victims to help them understand their options and decide where to file a lawsuit.
- ELSM: Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Meisenkothen has represented over 1,000 mesothelioma victims whose lawsuits were filed in Illinois. ELSM has an office location in Edwardsville, Illinois.
- The Gori Law Firm: The Gori Law Firm is headquartered at 156 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL and has represented Illinois mesothelioma victims for over 20 years. The Gori team has recovered over $4 billion on behalf of their clients.
- Vogelzang Law: Vogelzang Law is located in Chicago and serves mesothelioma clients across Illinois and throughout the country. In 2024, a Vogelzang Law client was awarded a $45 million verdict by a Cook County jury for her mesothelioma case.
- Simmons Hanly Conroy: The mesothelioma law firm of Simmons Hanly Conroy was founded by Attorney John Simmons in Illinois in 1999. SHC has grown to be the largest mesothelioma law firm in the country by mesothelioma lawsuit filings and has recovered over $11 billion for their clients. The firm’s headquarters are located at One Court Street, Alton, Illinois.
Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyers Licensed to Practice in Illinois
The following mesothelioma lawyers are all licensed to practice in the state of Illinois and have extensive experience in asbestos litigation. They have represented numerous clients and have obtained successful results:
Gregory Joseph Sandifer of The Gori Law Firm has been representing Illinois mesothelioma victims for nearly 20 years. Before joining The Gori Law Firm, Attorney Sandifer attended Southern Illinois University and after law school worked as a prosecutor in Saint Louis, taking part in over 50 jury trials. That experience assists him in preparing mesothelioma cases for trial.
Nicholas Vogelzang of Vogelzang Law is his firm’s founder and lead counsel. Based in Chicago, Attorney Vogelzang has been fighting for Illinois families suffering from mesothelioma for over 20 years. Attorney Vogelzang’s interest in asbestos-related disease litigation came from his father, Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, an oncologist who dedicated his career to treating mesothelioma patients, spending over 20 years at UChicago Medicine. Attorney Vogelzang is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated (the highest rating available) by Martindale-Hubbell and has been named to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100.
Sara Salger of The Gori Law Firm is the Managing Partner of the firm. Attorney Salger’s bar admissions include the Illinois State Bar Association, Madison County Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and she is on the Illinois Trial Lawyers Executive Committee and Board. Among her many honors and awards, Attorney Salger has been named a Super Lawyer: 2024, 2020 National Trial Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40”, The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys “Top 10 Under 40 in the State of Illinois in 2019” and was awarded the Illinois Trial Lawyer’s Association “President’s Award for 2019” for her dedication to ITLA and Chair of the ITLA Women’s Caucus.
Perry Browder of Simmons Hanly Conroy is a Chicago native and a Senior Partner at the firm. He has worked for more than 30 years helping mesothelioma victims and their families. In 2003, Attorney Browder secured a $250 million verdict in Madison County, Illinois, against U.S. Steel on behalf of his client, a retired U.S. Steel worker. The verdict was the largest jury verdict ever awarded in Madison County and the largest asbestos verdict for a single plaintiff in the United States. Attorney Browder is a past president of the Illinois Bar Foundations and of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
Jason B. Epps of The Gori Law Firm began working at the firm while in law school at the Southern Illinois University School of Law where he graduated with honors. Upon passing the Illinois bar exam, Attorney Epps joined the Gori Law Firm’s asbestos practice and has spent his career assisting individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and lung cancer seek financial recovery. Among various awards, Attorney Epps was named a “Top 10 Asbestos/Mesothelioma Lawyer in Illinois” by National Trial Lawyers in 2023 and 2024.
Daniel Wasserberg of Meirowitz & Wassberg is a founding partner and focuses his practice on fighting corporate entities that have harmed his clients. Attorney Wasserberg represents mesothelioma victims in Illinois and across the United States and is recognized by both his peers and adversaries as one of the nation’s premier mesothelioma and negligence lawyers. Of various honors awarded to Attorney Wasserberg, he has been a Top 10 Asbestos/Mesothelioma Lawyer by National Trial Lawyers.
Christopher T. Layloff of The Gori Law Firm was raised in Granite City, Illinois, before attending Saint Louis University for his undergraduate and law degrees. Attorney Layloff has spent his career helping injured plaintiffs seek compensation. In 2020, he was named one of the “Top 10 Asbestos/Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers in Illinois” by National Trial Lawyers, an honor given only to a select group of Illinois lawyers for their achievements in the field.
Erin Beavers of The Gori Law Firm grew up in Edwardsville, Illinois, and began her legal career as a prosecutor in Madison County, Illinois, before joining The Gori Law Firm in 2009. Attorney Beavers was made a partner of the firm in 2017 and has worked tirelessly to obtain the best results possible for her Illinois mesothelioma clients.
Ross Stomel of Shrader & Associates LLP is a Senior Partner and the head of the firm’s asbestos department. Attorney Stomel is licensed to practice in all Illinois State Courts and is recognized nationally as one of the top civil trial lawyers in the country, having served as lead counsel on cases that have recovered over $500 million. Attorney Stomel has been named of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
Bart Baumstark of The O’Brien Law Firm is the firm’s lead trial attorney and settlement negotiator in asbestos cases. For over 20 years, Attorney Baumstark has represented mesothelioma victims in Illinois and Missouri.
Nathaniel Wallace of Meirowitz & Wasserberg is licensed to practice law in Illinois and in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois. Attorney Wallace’s primary area of practice is serving victims of asbestos exposure in Illinois and throughout the country. After attending Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Attorney Wallace was an associate at several prominent Chicago plaintiff’s law firms and then joined Meirowitz & Wasserberg. He has been selected for inclusion in the Illinois Super Lawyers list of “Rising Stars.”
Mesothelioma Settlements in Illinois
Many Illinois mesothelioma patients and others impacted by asbestos illnesses have received compensation from settlements. Compensation may be awarded to help cover medical bills, lost income and the pain and suffering of victims and their families.
Mesothelioma settlements are agreed upon outside of court. These deals may be reached before, during or after trial.
We have listed below a few settlements compensating victims of asbestos exposure in Illinois:
- $5 million for a 57-year-old Navy veteran and mechanic
- $4.2 million for a 58-year-old Army veteran and industrial engineer
- $3.5 million for a 71-year-old Army veteran and maintenance mechanic
- $3.4 million for a 79-year-old HVAC worker and sheet metal worker
- $3.1 million for a 60-year-old electrician and maintenance foreman
- $3.1 million for an 81-year-old pipefitter, construction worker and Naval Reservist
- $2.9 million for a 64-year-old machinist (Borg-Warner Automotive Inc.)
- $2.8 million for a 65-year-old maintenance worker and powerhouse worker (Commonwealth Edison)
- $2.7 million for a 74-year-old Navy veteran and pipefitter
- $2.6 million for a 79-year-old engineer (United States Steel) and laborer
Mesothelioma Verdicts in Illinois
Mesothelioma lawsuits may be settled out of court or decided in court by judges and juries. Illinois courts have awarded victims large asbestos verdicts.
For example, a husband and wife filed a mesothelioma lawsuit against insulation company Armstrong Contracting and Supply (ACandS). The husband was exposed to asbestos insulation while working as a forklift driver and later developed mesothelioma.
The jury found ACandS liable and awarded $16 million to the couple. The award consisted of:
- $8 million to the husband, for lost wages and medical expenses
- $7 million in punitive damages for willful misconduct by ACandS
- $1 million to the wife, for losses related to her husband’s diagnosis
Another successful Illinois lawsuit concerned the wife of a deceased union pipefitter who filed a lawsuit against John Crane Inc. Her husband was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma as a result of occupational asbestos exposure. The jury found that his career exposure to John Crane valves using asbestos packing and gaskets led to his illness. The courts ruled in the wife’s favor, eventually awarding his estate $4.88 million.
John Crane attempted to reverse this decision on appeal but was denied.
Note: Each lawsuit is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. Contact a reputable Illinois mesothelioma lawyer to understand how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Illinois Asbestos Laws & Regulations
In Illinois, asbestos use and abatement are strictly regulated by state code and federal laws. This ensures the safety of workers and residents around asbestos-containing materials that may pose a health risk.
Two state departments are responsible for overseeing and enforcing asbestos regulations:
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- Illinois EPA Asbestos Unit
In addition to state law, the City of Chicago and Cook County have their own regulations in place, providing further guidelines for workers who risk exposure to asbestos.
The Illinois Administrative Code outlines regulations for asbestos removal. The code covers specialized asbestos abatement procedures in schools, commercial buildings, public buildings and multifamily residential properties with more than four units.
Illinois Laws Affecting Asbestos Litigation
Illinois has established specific procedures to manage asbestos litigation. For example, one Illinois statute allows for preferential trial dates. This specialized track, called the “rocket docket,” can allow mesothelioma cases to reach trial more quickly.
A mesothelioma attorney can help individuals understand these and other laws and how they may impact cases.
Asbestos Litigation Trends in Illinois
Illinois has a robust history of asbestos litigation and continues to be a top state to file asbestos cases.
In 2022, Madison County, Illinois, alone made up over 27% of total asbestos filings in the United States. Asbestos filings can refer to cases relating to asbestos lung cancer, mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases.
- Asbestos lung cancer filings: St. Clair County, Illinois, is a top jurisdiction for asbestos lung cancer. These filings have increased in recent years from 27% of all lung cancer filings in 2020 to 34% in 2022.
- Mesothelioma filings: In 2022, 45% of all mesothelioma cases filed in the country were in Madison County.
Illinois is also home to unique litigation trends, including high numbers of people filing out of their state of residency, talc exposure cases and defendants per case.
- Average defendants per case: 2022 data shows St. Clair County had the fourth highest number of average defendants per filing. This refers to the average number of allegedly negligent parties named in a lawsuit. St. Clair’s 2022 average was 96 defendants per filing.
- Non-resident filings: Asbestos victims may be able to file their cases in areas they do not live in. Madison County is a top jurisdiction for non-resident filings. In 2022, 94% of Madison County filings were not filed by Illinois residents.
- Talc-related filings: Madison County is also the nation’s leader in talc-related cases. In 2022, 93 talc cases were filed in Madison County, which was an increase over 2021 talc filings.
Experienced mesothelioma attorneys stay informed about asbestos filing trends. They can help victims file their cases in the most advantageous places to receive the best possible outcome.
Key Illinois Asbestos Exposure Sites
There are many Illinois jobsites where asbestos was used. Workers at these sites may have been exposed to asbestos putting them at risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Wood River Refinery
The Wood River Refinery was built by Shell in 1917 and is now operated by Phillips 66. The refinery is located along the Mississippi River in Roxana, IL. Refinery workers and other tradesmen that worked on machinery and equipment throughout the site were commonly exposed to asbestos. A Madison Country jury awarded $34 million to a roofer exposed to asbestos insulation while working at Wood River.
John Deere
John Deere was founded in Grand Detour, IL, and is now headquartered in Moline, IL. There have been several manufacturing plants operating in Illinois at different times during the 20th and 21st century. These sites include:
- John Deere Harvester Works
- John Deere North American Parts Distribution Center
- John Deere Malleable Works
- John Deere Industrial Equipment Works
- John Deere Planter Works
- John Deere Plow Works
- John Deere Spreader Works
Machines in the manufacturing plants and components in the tractors, combines and other machinery produced there often contained asbestos. Many factory workers and mechanics working at John Deere’s Illinois facilities have filed lawsuits for their diseases resulting from asbestos exposure.
Naval Station Great Lakes
Located on Lake Michigan, Naval Station Great Lakes is the U.S. Navy’s largest training installation and home to the Navy’s boot camp. There are a number of technical training schools at NSGL, many of which once involved working on or around asbestos-containing parts and equipment such as valves, gaskets, insulation and fireproofing material.
