Asbestos exposure remains a serious health crisis, particularly in industrial cities like Chicago. For decades, workers in construction, manufacturing, shipyards, and power plants were exposed to this deadly mineral, often without warning or protection. Today, thousands of people develop mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis from exposure that occurred years or even decades ago.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive, incurable cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Victims and their families face enormous medical costs, lost income, and the devastating reality of a terminal diagnosis. Experienced asbestos lawyers can help victims pursue compensation from the companies responsible for their exposure. This guide highlights the best asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in Chicago.
Understanding Asbestos-Related Diseases
Mesothelioma
An aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs (pleural), abdomen (peritoneal), or heart (pericardial). Almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure with a latency period of 20-50 years.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure significantly increases lung cancer risk, especially among smokers.
Asbestosis
Progressive lung scarring that causes breathing difficulties, often developing decades after exposure.
Other Conditions
- Pleural plaques and thickening
- Pleural effusions
- Other asbestos-related cancers
Who Is at Risk?
Workers in many industries were exposed to asbestos:
- Construction workers – Insulation, drywall, roofing, flooring
- Industrial workers – Steel mills, refineries, chemical plants
- Shipyard workers – Ship construction and repair
- Power plant workers – Boilers, turbines, insulation
- Automotive workers – Brakes, clutches, gaskets
- Railroad workers – Locomotive insulation
- Firefighters – Building fires releasing asbestos
- Military veterans – Navy ships, military facilities
- Family members – Secondary exposure from workers’ clothing
Asbestos in Chicago
Chicago’s industrial history means widespread asbestos exposure:
- Steel mills throughout the region
- Oil refineries
- Power plants
- Manufacturing facilities
- Commercial and residential buildings built before 1980
- Chicago’s shipbuilding and repair operations
Asbestos Litigation Options
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Claims against companies that manufactured, distributed, or used asbestos products.
Wrongful Death Claims
Claims by family members when mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease causes death.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Many asbestos companies have established trust funds through bankruptcy. Over $30 billion is available in these trusts.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans exposed to asbestos may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
Why Choose an Experienced Asbestos Lawyer?
- Identifying all sources of asbestos exposure
- Determining which companies are liable
- Accessing asbestos bankruptcy trusts
- Understanding complex medical evidence
- Working within limited timeframes (mesothelioma patients)
- Maximizing compensation from multiple sources
Best Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers in Chicago
1. Phillips Law Offices
Chicago’s Premier Asbestos Attorneys
Phillips Law Offices is widely recognized as one of Chicago’s leading firms for asbestos and mesothelioma cases. With decades of experience representing workers and families affected by asbestos exposure, their attorneys understand the medical complexities and the urgency these cases require. The firm has helped clients recover from asbestos trusts and through litigation.
Phillips Law Offices understands Chicago’s industrial history and can trace exposure to specific job sites and products. Operating on a contingency fee basis, clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
2. Simmons Hanly Conroy
National asbestos litigation firm with Chicago presence.
3. Cooney & Conway
Extensive experience with asbestos and mesothelioma cases.
4. Clifford Law Offices
Handles complex asbestos litigation.
5. Power Rogers & Smith
Experience with industrial exposure cases.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
- Medical expenses (treatment, surgery, chemotherapy)
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Travel costs for treatment
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
Illinois Asbestos Law
Statute of Limitations
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, claims must be filed within two years of diagnosis or discovery of the disease.
Official Resources
- American Cancer Society – Mesothelioma
- EPA Asbestos Information
- OSHA Asbestos Standards
- 735 ILCS 5/13-202 – Statute of Limitations
- Illinois Courts
Fighting for Asbestos Victims
Asbestos companies knew their products were deadly and hid the dangers for decades. Victims deserve full compensation for their suffering. Time is critical—mesothelioma cases require urgent action.
Firms like Phillips Law Offices have the experience to pursue maximum compensation. Contact an asbestos lawyer today.
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