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Mesothelioma in Gary, Indiana

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

The steel industry has historically made up much of the economy in Gary, Indiana. Large mills in the town produce high quantities of steel. Workers at these jobsites, such as the U.S. Steel mill in Gary, have had exposure to asbestos. Anyone exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma.

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Asbestos use in Indiana

Gary, Indiana Mesothelioma Treatment

Residents in Gary may have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. These individuals have access to mesothelioma treatment in nearby Chicago. Gary is located approximately 25 miles from downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Patients who have been diagnosed with this illness should seek care from an experienced mesothelioma doctor. These medical experts have the knowledge and experience to develop a treatment plan that is best suited for each patient. Mesothelioma experts often recommend a multimodal treatment approach. Each recommendation depends on the specific type and staging of the disease.

Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving Gary, Indiana

Mesothelioma patients in Gary may seek treatment at cancer centers in Chicago, Illinois. For example, patients may choose the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. This center is on the South Side of Chicago. Doctors here provide treatment for patients diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers, including malignant mesothelioma.

These specialists develop personalized treatment plans to help improve mesothelioma prognoses. Treatment plans frequently include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Additionally, there are various clinical trials offered at the cancer center. Eligible mesothelioma patients may be able to participate in these trials.

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 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 RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building
Chicago, IL 60607
Photo of Endeavor Health Cancer Center – Naperville
Endeavor Health Cancer Center – Naperville
Naperville, IL 60540
Photo of City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago
City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago
Zion, IL 60099

Gary, Indiana Mesothelioma Doctors

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center offers various treatment methods. Doctors may use both conventional and emerging treatment methods for mesothelioma patients. Doctors in the center’s mesothelioma program will determine the appropriate treatment methods for each patient. These treatments are often aimed at extending patient survival and improving their prognosis.

Surgical oncologists at the center have expertise in using heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after surgery. Research shows this combination can be effective in treating patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. Clinical researchers at the center also focus on further developing mesothelioma treatment therapies.

Photo of Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
Medical Oncologist & Director, Multidisciplinary Mesothelioma Program
Chicago, IL
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
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Gary, Indiana Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Gary residents have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. These individuals may have legal options available to them. Individuals who meet exposure and diagnosis requirements may be able to file lawsuits. These lawsuits may be for personal injury or wrongful death.

Victims who reside in Indiana may have had past asbestos exposure in other states. If so, they may meet the requirements to file claims using a different jurisdiction. Qualified mesothelioma lawyers can advise victims in seeking compensation for their asbestos-related illnesses.

Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in Gary, Indiana

Law firms specialized in asbestos litigation can assist asbestos exposure victims and their families with seeking compensation. Some nationwide law firms have experience handling these asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits.

Asbestos attorneys are familiar with the process of filing lawsuits or bankruptcy trust claims. They will advise clients regarding the best approach for filing these claims based on:

  • The diagnoses of their asbestos-related diseases
  • The victims’ asbestos exposure history
  • The specific sites where exposures occurred

Viable bankruptcy trusts list asbestos jobsites located in Gary. These jobsites are known to have exposed workers to asbestos. Knowledgeable attorneys will know which trusts they can file against for their clients. These lawyers work to ensure their clients are compensated fairly for their injuries.

The following law firms have experience filing mesothelioma claims in Indiana:

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 Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP
Fighting to get mesothelioma victims the compensation they deserve. Recognized by Super Lawyers® and National Trial Lawyers.
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 Gary, Indiana

Indiana asbestos lawsuits must be filed within the timelines set by the state’s statutes of limitations. For personal injury cases, this is within two years of an asbestos-related diagnosis. For wrongful death cases, this is within two years of an asbestos-related death.

Each state has specific statutes of limitations. These set the timeline for filing wrongful death or personal injury lawsuits. Attorneys at nationwide mesothelioma law firms have experience filing asbestos lawsuits. They can advise Gary residents about filing asbestos claims or lawsuits to seek compensation.

Statutes of Limitations for Gary
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.

Asbestos attorneys will advise Gary victims or their families about their legal options. These attorneys are knowledgeable in asbestos litigation requirements. They will be able to advise clients about the other legal opportunities available. These may include filing in other states if asbestos victims had exposure there.

Examples of clients served in the Gary, Indiana, area include:

Client Profile

Age: 78

Occupations: Painter, Merchant Marine

Jobsites Worked at: United States Steel Corporation, Gary Works (1947 – 1953)

Settlement: ~$4,010,553

Client Profile

Age: 81

Occupation: Sales

Jobsites Worked at: United States Steel Corporation, Gary Works (1955 – 1956)

Settlement: ~$1,999,063

Client Profile

Age: 71

Occupation: Insulator

Jobsites Worked at: Allied Chemical Corp. (1976 – 2004); Bethlehem Steel (1970 – 1985); Dow Chemical Company (1976 – 2004); United States Steel Corporation, Gary Steel Works (1976 – 2004); Heat & Frost Insulators – Local 17 (1976 – 2004)

Settlement: ~$1,889,043

Client Profile

Age: 77

Occupations: Painter, Maintenance

Jobsites Worked at: Bethlehem Steel (1964 – 1965)

Settlement: ~$1,767,259

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Asbestos Use in Gary, Indiana

Repeated exposure to asbestos took place at Gary, Indiana, steel plants. This exposure put many workers at risk for developing mesothelioma. The city of Gary is known for large steel mills, such as the United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) Gary Works plant. Many types of tradespeople were frequently exposed to asbestos materials at this plant. This includes many types of metal workers, such as steel workers, sheet metal workers, metallurgic engineers, welders and ironworkers.

Lake County Mesothelioma Deaths by Gender 1999 – 2020
Gender Number of Deaths
Male 145
Female 34

Asbestos Found at U.S. Steel Gary Works Plant

The U.S. Steel Gary Works plant in Gary, Indiana, is comprised of steelmaking and finishing facilities. The plant began operating in 1908. It is the largest U.S. Steel manufacturing plant and the largest single employer in the city. Many of these employees were at risk of repeated exposure to asbestos at the steel mill.

Asbestos was added to heat-resistant insulation products used in much of the machinery, welding equipment and heat systems within the plant. Many steel workers worked with or around this machinery. As a result, these workers were often exposed to asbestos-containing products.

In 2003, one of the largest single-plaintiff awards regarding an asbestos lawsuit case was granted to a former employee of the U.S. Steel Gary Works plant. This individual was exposed to asbestos while working at the plant from 1950 – 1981. His mesothelioma diagnosis was linked to his exposure to asbestos while on the job. He worked with asbestos insulation products and pipe covering in the plant. He filed a lawsuit against U.S. Steel. The jury verdict found the company responsible for his mesothelioma. He was awarded $50 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages.

More than 15 bankruptcy trusts recognize asbestos-containing products were used at the U.S. Steel Gary Works plant. Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may have had exposure at the U.S. Steel Gary Works mill. They may be eligible to receive compensation for their exposure to asbestos during specific dates at this jobsite.

Gary, Indiana Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

  • American Bridge Company
  • American Sheet & Tin Plate Company
  • American Sheet and Tin Plate Company
  • Arctic Engineering Co.
  • Berry Refining Company
  • Bethlehem Steel Corporation
  • Budd Company
  • Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation
  • Chicago, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway Company
  • Dean H. Mitchell Generating Station
  • Dow Chemical Company
  • Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJ&E)
  • Gary Sanitary District
  • Gary Tin Mill
  • General Refractories Company
  • Hydro-Blast Corporation
  • Illinois Steel Company
  • Industrial Combustion Engineers, Inc.
  • Inland Steel Company
  • Interlake Steel
  • Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation (KACC)
  • Linde Air Products Company
  • Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus
  • National Tube Supply
  • North American Rockwell
  • Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO)
  • Republic Steel Corporation
  • Republic Steel Corporation, Union Drawn Steel Division
  • Rubber Synthetics
  • Spartan Department Store
  • Standard Oil Co.
  • Superior Construction
  • Taylor Forge & Pipe Works
  • Turbo-Blower Boiler House
  • U.S. Steel Corporation Midwest Plant
  • Union Carbide Corporation
  • United States Steel Corporation Gary Works
  • Victor Chemical Company
  • Walgreens
  • Wisconsin Steel Company
Sources
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020. CDC Wonder Online Database.

  2. Indiana Department of Environmental Management. U.S. Steel Gary Works.

  3. Tranfield P. United States Steel Corporation. Gary Works. Indiana Historical Society. October 2002.

  4. U.S. Steel Loses Asbestos LawsuitLos Angeles Times. March 2003.

  5. United States Steel. Our History.

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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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