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Demanding justice for victims of asbestos-caused diseases caused
Illinois has a large industrial economy with significant markets in manufacturing, agriculture, coal, oil, electricity and timber. In the last few decades, these industries used asbestos-containing materials. Many employees were exposed to toxic fibers, developing diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Illinois has been an American industrial powerhouse for more than a century, but it prospered at the cost of pollution, including asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma cancer and other deadly illnesses.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma: Get a Free Legal Case Review Now
From 2001-2010, malignant mesothelioma took the lives of 1,213 Illinois residents, an average of roughly 120 deaths a year.
Illinois mesothelioma lawyers have served the state for decades, helping people who have been exposed to asbestos get the compensation they deserve to help pay for treatment expenses and other costs.
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.
On average, asbestos victims access $1 Million to $2.4 Million from lawsuits.
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 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:
An Illinois mesothelioma lawyer can determine if a trial or settlement is better for your particular case.
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 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.
In Illinois, there are federal and state laws that protect people from asbestos exposure.
Illinois follows federal asbestos laws such as:
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.
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:
Through the VA health care system, veterans can also access care from some of the best mesothelioma doctors.
These doctors include:
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
VA Medical Centers
Outpatient Clinics
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics
Veterans Centers
Find out more about the offices listed above by visiting va.gov.
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:
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.
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.