Illinois Mesothelioma Lawyers

Illinois Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Treating mesothelioma is extremely expensive, and many families cannot afford the out-of-pocket cost. That is why filing a mesothelioma lawsuit with the help of an Illinois asbestos lawyer is crucial.

In 2019, 28% of all asbestos lawsuits in America were filed in Madison County, Illinois, which sits across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri.

The county court has a lot of experience handling asbestos claims, and an expedited docket for terminally ill patients, meaning their cases are tried more quickly.

This is crucial for mesothelioma victims, who are often given under a year to live at the time of diagnosis.

With a top Illinois mesothelioma lawyer, victims give themselves and their families the best chance at recovering crucial compensation through a lawsuit.

Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts in Illinois

Mesothelioma lawsuits are usually settled out of court before the case goes to trial. Asbestos victims typically receive $1 Million from these settlements.

If the case does not settle, it may go to trial. Through a trial, a jury decides how much money a mesothelioma victim receives through a verdict.

While mesothelioma verdicts may award more than a settlement, if a victim wins, they award nothing if the victim loses.

Below are a few Illinois mesothelioma verdicts:

• $1.8 Million: After being diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, an Illinois Army veteran filed a lawsuit against the companies that deceived the military and made countless other service members sick.
• $8.4 Million: In 2011, a jury in McLean County awarded this amount to a former pipefitter with mesothelioma who claimed that asbestos manufacturers had concealed the cancer risks of their products.

An Illinois mesothelioma lawyer can determine if a trial or settlement is better for your particular case.

Statute of Limitations in Illinois

It takes decades for someone to get sick as a result of asbestos exposure, so the laws regarding statute of limitations (SOLs) for mesothelioma claims are very complex.

The SOL refers to the amount of time that someone has to file a claim, and it varies from state to state.

It also depends on whether or not the person filing the claim is living (personal injury lawsuit) or if they have passed on (wrongful death lawsuit).

Because you only have a limited window in which to act, it is important to contact an Illinois mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Experienced Illinois mesothelioma lawyers understand how the law will be applied within the state.

They can determine if you have a legitimate claim and help you understand how the courts will interpret the specific facts of your case.

Even if the SOL for your lawsuit claim has expired, the best mesothelioma lawyers in Illinois may be able to help you navigate the asbestos bankruptcy trust funds, which have separate rules about how much time you have to file.

Asbestos Exposure Sites in Illinois

Asbestos was used regularly before the dangers were widely known because it is plentiful, strong, fireproof, and easy to work with. As a major cornerstone of industry, millions of tons of asbestos passed through Illinois.

It was used at oil refineries, power stations, manufacturing plants, and some workers interacted with the poisonous mineral on a daily basis.

Asbestos was also present in many common construction materials that ended up in schools and houses throughout Illinois.

In the City of Waukegan, an industrial suburb north of Chicago, there is an ongoing EPA Superfund cleanup effort focused on asbestos.

The 350-acre site was formerly a manufacturing facility for Johns-Manville, a major manufacturer that established the first ever asbestos trust fund.

The above list only reflects a small portion of well-known worksites where asbestos was present. Many additional asbestos exposure sites are present throughout Illinois.

Illinois mesothelioma lawyers keep thorough records and databases of asbestos exposure sites. To find out if your former worksite has a history of asbestos exposure, it is best to contact an Illinois mesothelioma lawyer.

Asbestos Laws and Regulations in Illinois

In Illinois, there are federal and state laws that protect people from asbestos exposure.

Illinois follows federal asbestos laws such as:

• NESHAP: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant
• AHERA: Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act

Illinois asbestos laws state that contractors and workers must be trained and licensed by the IDPH in order to safely remove the toxic substance from schools, commercial buildings, or public buildings in Illinois.

This removal process is called asbestos abatement, and it is dangerous if done improperly.

Illinois mesothelioma lawyers are familiar with how the courts apply federal, state, and regional asbestos laws and can help their clients navigate these complex regulations.

Illinois VA Information for Mesothelioma Victims

Veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma at a much higher rate than the average population. Every branch of the military used asbestos before 1980, and it still exists in some ships, bases, and family housing.

Thankfully, veterans with mesothelioma can access a number of benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

VA benefits include:

• Aid & attendance
• Disability compensation
• Health care
• Pension plans

Through the VA health care system, veterans can also access care from some of the best mesothelioma doctors.

These doctors include:

• Dr. Avi Lebenthal
• Dr. Robert Cameron

The Mesothelioma Cancer Network has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Robert B. Cameron. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Cameron directly. Visit the UCLA Health website to learn more about Dr. Robert Cameron.

There are many VA offices and hospitals in Illinois.

Veterans Benefits Administration

• Regional Benefits Office, Chicago
• Great Lakes Naval Station, North Chicago
• Scott Air Force Base, St. Clair County

VA Medical Centers

• Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago
• VA Illiana Health Care System, Danville
• Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines
• Marion VA Medical Center, Marion
• Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago

Outpatient Clinics

• Kankakee Clinic, Bourbonnais
• Auburn Gresham (Chicago) Clinic, Chicago
• Lakeside Clinic, Chicago
• Chicago Heights Clinic, Chicago Heights
• Evanston Clinic, Evanston
• Freeport Clinic, Freeport
• 1007 USS Tranquillity, Great Lakes
• 1523 USS Red Rover, Great Lakes
• Fisher Clinic, Bldg. 237, Great Lakes
• OHMD Occupational Health Medicine Department, Great Lakes
• USS Osborne Dental Clinic, Great Lakes
• Hoffman Estates, Hoffman Estates
• Joliet Clinic, Joliet
• Enterprise Way VA Clinic, Marion
• Heartland Street VA Clinic, Marion
• McHenry Clinic, McHenry
• Aurora Clinic, North Aurora
• Oak Lawn Clinic, Oak Lawn
• LaSalle Clinic, Peru
• Rockford Clinic, Rockford

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics

• Carbondale Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Carbondale
• Decatur VA Outpatient Clinic, Decatur
• Effingham Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Effingham
• Galesburg VA Clinic, Galesburg
• Harrisburg Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Harrisburg
• Mattoon Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Mattoon
• Mt. Vernon Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Mt. Vernon
• Bob Michel VA Outpatient Clinic, Peoria
• Quincy VA Clinic, Quincy
• St. Clair County CBOC, Shiloh
• Springfield VA Outpatient Clinic, Springfield
• Sterling VA Outpatient Clinic, Sterling

Veterans Centers

• Aurora Veterans Center, Aurora
• Chicago Veterans Center, Chicago
• Chicago Heights Veterans Center, Chicago Heights
• Quad Cities Veterans Center, East Moline
• Evanston Veterans Center, Evanston
• Oak Park Veterans Center, Forest Park
• Orland Park Veterans Center, Orland Park
• Peoria Veterans Center, Peoria
• Rockford Veterans Center, Rockford
• Springfield, IL Veterans Center, Springfield
• Metro East Veterans Center, Swansea

Find out more about the offices listed above by visiting va.gov.

AML and VFW Service Officers in Illinois

For assistance getting VA benefits, veterans can reach out to a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) through the American Legion (AML) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

VSOs are experts accredited by the VA to help veterans understand the complex claims process.

Veterans with mesothelioma and their families often need help:

• Filing claims for VA benefits
• Locating medical or service records
• Applying current laws and regulations
• Requesting hearings and making appeals

The AML has more than two dozen VSOs representing Illinois, and the organization’s state headquarters are located in Bloomington.

The main Veteran Service Office for the Illinois VFW is located in Chicago, with branch offices in Danville and Marion.

You can also contact an Illinois mesothelioma lawyer to help you file for VA benefits and services.

Connect With an Illinois Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma is an aggressive, incurable cancer whose expensive treatment can quickly drain family resources. You may be able to receive significant compensation through the VA, asbestos trust funds, or a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Only the best mesothelioma lawyers in Illinois will help you choose the right path and maximize the compensation you and your family receive.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should speak with an experienced Illinois mesothelioma lawyer without delay. Get a free case review today.

Get a free case review today.