Illinois Mesothelioma Lawyer
In Illinois, mesothelioma cases involve individuals diagnosed with this rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Workers in construction, shipyards, and manufacturing are particularly at risk of this dangerous cancer disease.
Illinois law enables mesothelioma patients to recover compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Our personal injury attorneys understand the pain of receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis years after asbestos exposure or the loss of a loved one you never expected to be affected by the disease.
Book a free consultation with an experienced mesothelioma attorney in Illinois who can negotiate a fair settlement or advocate for your rights in court, if necessary.
Table of Contents
Contact our Illinois mesothelioma lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Illinois mesothelioma lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Statistics on Mesothelioma Cases in Illinois
Illinois ranks sixth in the United States for mesothelioma deaths, with an age-adjusted death rate of 13.39 deaths per million people.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that La Salle, McLean, and Lake counties in Illinois are among the top 50 counties in the U.S. with the highest age-adjusted mesothelioma death rates between 2000 and 2009.
Madison County, Illinois, has become a hotspot for asbestos lawsuit filings, making up nearly 27% of all mesothelioma lawsuits nationwide in 2022.
An industry report reveals that from 2018 to 2022, around 50% of all asbestos lawsuits in Illinois courts were filed by plaintiffs.
Illinois ranks seventh in the U.S. for mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths, a high ranking attributed to its long-standing industrial history in cities like Chicago, Peoria, and Alton.
In 2020, around 117 mesothelioma cases were reported in Illinois.
The average mesothelioma lawsuit settlement in Illinois ranges between $1 and $2 million.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that originates in the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles due to asbestos exposure. This disease can take decades to manifest after the initial exposure, and it is not hereditary.
In Illinois, individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma can seek legal advice to file a claim or personal injury case against those responsible for the asbestos exposure. An Illinois mesothelioma attorney can guide you through your legal options, such as pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit for compensation.
What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary depending on the affected area but often include coughing, fatigue, lower back or chest pain, shortness of breath, and sudden weight loss. Digestive issues, fever, and fluid buildup are also common symptoms.
Early diagnosis is crucial for better treatment options, so being aware of symptoms, especially if you have known asbestos exposure. If you have been diagnosed with the deadly cancer, consult Illinois mesothelioma lawyers to secure compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
Types of Asbestos-Related Mesothelioma Cancer
There are four main types of mesothelioma commonly seen in Illinois residents, all linked to asbestos exposure:
Pleural Mesothelioma
This type, which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for nearly 90% of all diagnoses. Early signs of pleural mesothelioma may include chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing. An Illinois mesothelioma lawyer can help file a pleural mesothelioma lawsuit for compensation related to workplace asbestos exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This type affects the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) and is caused by ingesting asbestos fibers. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, swelling, fatigue, and digestive issues. Personal injury cases may be filed against manufacturers of asbestos products with the help of mesothelioma lawyers.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
This rarest form of mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart (pericardium) and can present severe symptoms, even in the early stages. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. Due to its rarity, experienced Illinois mesothelioma attorneys can provide tailored guidance on filing a case.
Testicular Mesothelioma
The rarest type, testicular mesothelioma affects the lining of the testicles (tunica vaginalis). The exact cause remains unknown, but symptoms may include testicular pain, swelling, and fluid buildup.
Talking to a personal injury lawyer experienced in Illinois mesothelioma cases can help guide you through the legal process and seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages.
What Mesothelioma Claims Can Be Filed in Illinois for Compensation?
You may be able to file a mesothelioma legal claim if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, or if you are the family member or estate representative of someone with mesothelioma.
Your legal team can help you seek mesothelioma compensation through:
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claims: Over $30 billion remains available in asbestos trust funds for mesothelioma patients and their families. You can access these funds without going to court.
- Mesothelioma Lawsuits: By suing responsible companies with a mesothelioma lawsuit, you can secure significant compensation for asbestos related diseases.
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans account for 33% of mesothelioma cases due to asbestos use in the military. VA benefits provide healthcare and monthly compensation.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits: If you are the family member or estate representative of someone who has passed away from mesothelioma, you can file a wrongful death claim. A mesothelioma wrongful death claim helps seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
Mesothelioma lawyers handle every aspect of the legal process, from evidence collection to timely claim submission.
Who is Most At-Risk of Mesothelioma Cancer?
Many Illinois workers are exposed to asbestos products used in factories, plants, refineries, farmhouses, schools and public buildings. Employees working in these locations have a high risk of diagnosing asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Occupational Exposure: People who worked in jobs with high asbestos exposure, such as:
- Firefighters
- Construction workers
- Power plant workers
- Industrial workers
- Shipyard workers
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Military personnel
- Plumbers
- Insulation manufacturers
Residential Risk: Individuals who lived in homes built before asbestos bans, especially during remodeling or renovations.
Secondhand Exposure: Those exposed indirectly to asbestos from workers who brought fibers home on their clothing.
General Risks: Others in environments where asbestos was present in high concentrations.
If you have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, consult an experienced Illinois mesothelioma attorney to guide you through the legal process and determine the best next steps.
Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations in Illinois
Illinois allows mesothelioma victims two years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit. Due to the long latency period of mesothelioma, this discovery rule extends the statute of limitations beyond the typical two-year period for other personal injuries.
For construction workers diagnosed with mesothelioma, the statute of limitations is longer, providing ten years from the date of diagnosis to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. An experienced mesothelioma attorney in Illinois can ensure you understand and comply with these timelines for seeking legal recourse.
Compensation Available For Mesothelioma Victims in Illinois
Mesothelioma victims and their families in Illinois depending on their case, may be entitled to various compensatory damages, including:
- Medical bills such as costs for treatments, medications, and therapies.
- Lab testing fees for diagnostic and monitoring tests.
- Surgery costs for procedures and follow-up care.
- Lost earning capacity due to lost income and career opportunities.
- Physical impairment and disfigurement compensation.
- Loss of spousal support and companionship.
- Loss of consortium.
- Pain and suffering compensation.
- Wrongful death expenses including costs for funeral, burial, and related services.
- Court costs and legal fees.
- Potential punitive damages to penalize negligent parties.
A skilled Illinois mesothelioma lawyer can help you seek maximum compensation for your losses by collaborating with medical and economic experts to evaluate your case accurately.
Fights for Your Rights With an Illinois Mesothelioma Attorney
Pursuing a mesothelioma case in Illinois requires understanding the state’s specific legal timelines and potential compensation. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help protect your rights and secure maximum compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
Whether pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, our Mesothelioma lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, ensure mesothelioma patients get justice for their damages.
Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation. Our legal team accepts personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. Meaning, that you will pay no upfront fees until our Illinois mesothelioma attorneys resolve your claim through a negotiated settlement or jury award.