Chicago Mesothelioma Lawyer

Helping Victims of Asbestos Exposure in Chicago Recover Financial Compensation

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to stand up for mesothelioma victims in Cook County and across Illinois. As a dedicated Chicago mesothelioma lawyer team, we’ve spent years representing families whose lives were upended by asbestos exposure in the city’s industrial plants, steel mills, and construction projects. 

Chicago’s proud manufacturing history left behind a hidden danger: asbestos fibers embedded in factories, shipyards, schools, and high-rise buildings. Because mesothelioma can take decades to develop, many of our clients only learn of their illness long after the exposure happened. 

Our law firm has the resources, local knowledge, and courtroom experience to handle these complex cases and recover the financial compensation our clients deserve.

Mesothelioma Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

• $3,750,000 for a Navy mechanic’s family
  John worked out of Chicago’s Navy Pier shipyard in the 1960s and 1970s. For more than two decades, he repaired engines and boilers insulated with asbestos. Decades later, he developed mesothelioma and passed away. We pursued claims against the shipbuilders and asbestos manufacturers responsible, securing $3.75 million for his surviving family.
• $2,220,000 for a construction worker’s family
  David spent years working on large-scale expansion projects for factories in Chicago’s South Side. He was unknowingly exposed to asbestos in insulation and drywall compounds. After his death from this fatal disease, we proved the negligence of multiple contractors involved in the project and recovered more than $2.2 million for his wife and children.
• $1,800,000 for a school maintenance worker
  Maria was a custodian in a Chicago public school. She regularly swept and polished floors that contained asbestos dust, unaware of the danger. After her diagnosis, we filed asbestos claims through available bankruptcy trust funds and secured $1.8 million to cover her medical expenses and lost earnings.
• $1,495,000 for a laborer with mesothelioma
  Frank spent his career working in union labor across various Chicago job sites, where he was repeatedly exposed to asbestos. When he was later diagnosed with both mesothelioma, our attorneys pieced together decades of employment history and held multiple defendants accountable. His family received nearly $1.5 million in compensation.
• $1,000,000 for a teenage boy with pleural mesothelioma
  Tragically, even young victims can suffer from asbestos exposure. Michael, a Chicago teenager, developed pleural mesothelioma after secondhand exposure from asbestos dust carried home on his father’s work clothes. We recovered $1 million to help cover his ongoing treatment and provide long-term financial security for his family.

What Makes Us the Best Mesothelioma Attorneys in Chicago

When families come to us after a mesothelioma diagnosis, they need a team with the skill, compassion, and resources to fight for justice. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are proud to be widely recognized as one of the best mesothelioma attorneys in Chicago. 

Our reputation is built on decades of experience, a proven track record of results, and recognition from respected organizations nationwide. We’ve secured more than $450 million in settlements and verdicts for clients across Illinois, including substantial recoveries in mesothelioma lawsuits. 

Our Chicago mesothelioma attorneys have been honored with membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, inclusion on the Super Lawyers list, and recognition from the American Association for Justice and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. 

We also hold an AVVO rating of 10/10 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting our commitment to professional excellence and client care.

Families in Cook County facing asbestos exposure turn to us because we know how to handle the most complex mesothelioma litigation. From investigating exposure that occurred decades ago to navigating wrongful death lawsuits under Illinois law, our firm has the experience to deliver results.

Types of Mesothelioma Cases We Handle

Our Chicago mesothelioma lawyers represent clients diagnosed with every form of this rare and aggressive cancer, including:

• Pleural Mesothelioma – The most common type, pleural mesothelioma develops in the protective lining of the lungs. Victims often experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and eventual respiratory failure. We help families recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma – This type attacks the abdominal lining and frequently causes abdominal pain, swelling, and digestive issues. Because treatment often requires aggressive surgery and chemotherapy, we fight for full recovery of costs and damages on behalf of victims and their families.
• Pericardial Mesothelioma – A rare but devastating cancer, pericardial mesothelioma forms in the tissue surrounding the heart. Symptoms can resemble other heart conditions, which makes diagnosis difficult until the disease has advanced. Our legal team works with medical experts to support both treatment and the pursuit of justice.
• Testicular Mesothelioma – The rarest form, testicular mesothelioma affects the lining of the testes. It is often misdiagnosed until late stages, creating unique legal challenges. We ensure these cases are handled with the care, privacy, and thorough investigation they deserve.

No matter the type, mesothelioma is an asbestos-related disease that stems from asbestos fibers entering the body, often decades before symptoms appear. 

What Causes Mesothelioma in Chicago?

Most mesothelioma cases in Chicago can be traced back to long-term asbestos exposure in the city’s industrial and construction workforce. 

For decades, asbestos products were widely used in factories, steel mills, power plants, shipyards, and high-rise buildings throughout Cook County. Asbestos was prized for its strength and heat resistance, but the tiny asbestos fibers released into the air posed a serious risk to workers and their families.

• Industrial Exposure: Chicago’s manufacturing sector, from South Side steel plants to refineries along the Calumet River, relied heavily on asbestos insulation, gaskets, and industrial talc. Workers in these environments were regularly exposed to asbestos on the job.
• Construction Sites: Asbestos was a common ingredient in drywall, floor tiles, insulation, and roofing materials used in Chicago’s construction boom of the mid-20th century. Laborers and contractors who handled or disturbed these materials often developed mesothelioma decades later.
• Public Buildings and Schools: Many schools and commercial properties across Chicago contained asbestos in their insulation and heating systems. Maintenance workers, janitors, and custodians were routinely exposed while cleaning or repairing these buildings.
• Secondhand Exposure: Families of workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently came into contact with asbestos fibers brought home on clothing, tools, and equipment, leading to cases of malignant mesothelioma even among individuals who never worked directly with asbestos.

Because mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer with a latency period of 20 to 50 years, many people in Chicago are only now receiving a diagnosis from exposure that happened decades ago. 

Our Chicago mesothelioma lawyers specialize in investigating these long timelines, identifying responsible companies, and holding them accountable through asbestos litigation.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is often called a silent killer because symptoms may not appear until decades after asbestos exposure. By the time a diagnosis is made, the disease is usually advanced or spread to other organs. 

As a result, mesothelioma patients face a devastating reality. This is a fatal disease that impacts every aspect of their health and quality of life. The signs and symptoms vary depending on the type:

• Pleural Mesothelioma: Victims often suffer from persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid buildup around the lungs. As the cancer progresses, pleural mesothelioma can lead to respiratory failure and significant pain.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This type commonly causes abdominal pain, bloating, swelling, nausea, and weight loss. The buildup of fluid in the abdominal lining often requires repeated draining procedures to relieve discomfort.
• Pericardial Mesothelioma: Symptoms may include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Because pericardial mesothelioma mimics other heart conditions, it is particularly difficult to detect early.

In nearly every case, mesothelioma is a life-threatening, aggressive internal organ disease that demands intensive medical treatment. Victims may undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy in an effort to slow the spread of cancerous to healthy cells of major organs. 

Beyond the physical toll, mesothelioma victims endure mental anguish, emotional distress, and a loss of independence. Families also carry a heavy burden, watching their loved ones suffer while worrying about mounting medical bills and the future.

What Damages Can Victims Exposed to Asbestos Recover?

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we fight to recover full and fair compensation for mesothelioma victims and their families. Each mesothelioma claim is unique, but the categories of damages often include:

• Medical Expenses – covering surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and palliative care needed to manage the disease.
• Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity – many clients are forced to leave work early due to the disease, creating financial strain on their families.
• Pain and Suffering – compensation for the intense physical pain and emotional distress caused by mesothelioma.
• Loss of Consortium – damages awarded to spouses for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support.
• Wrongful Death Benefits – families who lose a loved one can pursue compensation through wrongful death lawsuits to cover funeral expenses, loss of household income, and long-term spousal support.
• Emotional Distress – recognition of the mental anguish suffered by both victims and their loved ones during treatment and decline.

Our Chicago mesothelioma attorneys know how to calculate both the economic and non-economic losses that stem from asbestos-related diseases. We build strong cases by working with medical experts, economists, and life-care planners to ensure that no damage goes overlooked.

Compensation cannot undo a mesothelioma diagnosis, but it can give families financial security, peace of mind, and the resources to focus on care rather than bills.

What Is the Average Mesothelioma Payout in Chicago?

Mesothelioma settlements and verdicts in Chicago vary widely, but recent results show that compensation can be substantial. Based on reported case outcomes:

• Average payout: around $66.8 million
• Median payout: about $40.7 million
• Value range: from approximately $5.6 million to $250 million

The outcome of a mesothelioma claim in Cook County depends on several factors, including:

• Clarity of Exposure Source: Strong evidence tying asbestos exposure to specific products, job sites, or employers often leads to higher recoveries.
• Employer Negligence: When we can show that companies ignored known asbestos dangers, juries and defendants are more likely to award higher compensation.
• Age and Health of the Victim: Younger victims or those with dependent families often receive larger settlements due to the long-term financial impact of lost earnings and support.
• Severity of the Disease: Advanced pleural, peritoneal mesothelioma, or cases involving multiple cancers typically drive higher compensation.
• Strength of Medical and Employment Records: The ability to trace a victim’s asbestos exposure history through work records, union files, and expert testimony is critical.

Example Mesothelioma Cases Filed in Cook County

• $45 Million Verdict Against Johnson & Johnson – A Cook County jury in Chicago awarded $45 million to the family of Theresa Garcia, who developed mesothelioma after years of using asbestos-contaminated talc-based baby powder products. The jury found Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries liable for failing to warn consumers about the asbestos contamination in their products.
• $40.75 Million Jury Award for Former Worker – Bruce Torgerson, a 77-year-old former industrial worker, was diagnosed with mesothelioma after decades of working with asbestos-containing gaskets and packing materials. A Chicago jury awarded his estate $40.75 million, including damages for pain, suffering, and loss of society. His family testified about the suffering he endured and the enormous impact on their lives, leading to one of the largest asbestos verdicts in Illinois.
• $7.2 Million Jury Verdict Against U.S. Steel – James O’Reilly worked for years as a contracted pipefitter at U.S. Steel mills in Chicago and Indiana, where he was exposed to asbestos from pipe coverings, gaskets, and insulation. He developed pleural mesothelioma and passed away shortly after diagnosis. In 2020, his family was awarded $7.2 million in damages, later reduced to $3.75 million based on shared liability.

Why You Need a Chicago Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma lawsuits are some of the most complex personal injury cases filed in Illinois courts. Unlike a typical accident claim, these cases require tracing asbestos exposure that may have happened 30, 40, or even 50 years ago. 

That means proving which asbestos products were used at specific job sites, identifying the companies responsible, and linking the exposure to a present-day mesothelioma diagnosis.

Our work as experienced Chicago mesothelioma lawyers involves:

• Investigating Exposure History: We dig into decades-old employment records, union files, and industrial hygiene reports to prove exactly when and where the asbestos exposure occured.
• Holding Multiple Defendants Accountable: Most mesothelioma lawsuits involve several liable parties, from asbestos manufacturers to property owners and contractors. We know how to file claims against multiple defendants to maximize recovery.
• Expert Testimony: Because mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive disease with a long latency period, expert witnesses are critical. We work with top oncologists, toxicologists, and occupational safety experts to connect exposure to disease.
• Navigating Wrongful Death Claims: For families who have lost loved ones, Illinois law provides avenues for recovery under the Wrongful Death Act and Survival Actions. These claims are often emotionally charged and legally challenging, but our firm has the experience to handle them with compassion and precision.

Without a top-rated Chicago mesothelioma attorney guiding the process, families risk missing critical deadlines, overlooking responsible defendants, or accepting far less than their case is worth. 

How Common Is Mesothelioma in Illinois?

Illinois has one of the highest numbers of asbestos-related deaths in the United States, reflecting its long history of heavy industry, manufacturing, and construction. 

Between 1999 and 2017, more than 12,000 asbestos-related deaths were recorded in the state, including at least 2,333 deaths directly from mesothelioma. Cook County—home to Chicago—had the highest toll, with nearly 3,900 asbestos-related deaths, averaging more than 200 deaths per year.

In addition, a major federal study of firefighters in Chicago, San Francisco, and Philadelphia showed double the risk of malignant mesothelioma compared to the general population. 

The study found that asbestos exposure during firefighting contributed to elevated rates of pleural mesothelioma and other asbestoses, with many cancer diagnoses occurring decades after initial exposure.

Where Do Mesothelioma Exposures Happen Most in Chicago?

In Chicago, asbestos exposure has been most common in:

• Industrial Zones: Steel mills, refineries, and power plants along the Calumet River.
• Union Trades: Pipefitters, electricians, insulators, and construction workers handling asbestos on job sites.
• Shipyards and Rail Yards: Navy Pier, locomotive repair facilities, and shipbuilding operations.
• Public Buildings: Schools, hospitals, and high-rises built before 1980 using asbestos insulation and flooring materials.

What Illinois Laws Govern Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Cases?

(225 ILCS 207/) The Commercial and Public Building Asbestos Abatement Act Rrequires state licensing for anyone performing asbestos removal, encapsulation, or management in commercial or public buildings. Violations (unlicensed work, unsafe methods) can support liability in a mesothelioma claim involving school, hospital, or high‑rise renovations.

(77 Ill. Admin. Code § 855.220) IDPH Asbestos Rules mandate pre‑abatement notification to the Illinois Department of Public Health, engineering controls (wet methods, negative pressure), and safe handling of friable and non‑friable asbestos products. Non-compliance helps us prove negligence in mesothelioma litigation.

What Is the Time Limit to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Illinois?

Illinois law sets strict deadlines for filing, and missing them can mean losing the right to recover compensation.

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, victims have two years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Under the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/2), surviving family members generally have two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death claim.

Under the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act (820 ILCS 310/1(f)), asbestos claims against employers are subject to a 25-year statute of repose from the last exposure date.

Illinois added Section 1.1 to the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act, creating an exception to the 25-year repose period, allowing civil suits beyond that cutoff. The Illinois Supreme Court upheld this amendment in Martin v. Goodrich Corp. (2025), confirming that civil claims may proceed even after the repose period has passed.

Who Is Legally Liable for Mesothelioma in Chicago?

Potential defendants in a Chicago mesothelioma lawsuit may include:

• Asbestos Product Manufacturers – Companies that made insulation, gaskets, drywall, and other products used in construction and industry.
• Contractors and Subcontractors – Businesses that installed or handled asbestos materials on Chicago job sites without proper safety measures.
• Employers and Industrial Facilities – Steel mills, refineries, power plants, and rail yards that exposed workers to asbestos.
• Shipbuilders and Locomotive Companies – Operations around Navy Pier, Calumet shipyards, and Chicago rail yards where asbestos insulation was standard.
• Property Owners and Landlords – Owners of buildings constructed before 1980 who failed to warn or protect maintenance workers from asbestos-containing materials.
• Industrial Unions and Suppliers – Entities that distributed or allowed unsafe asbestos-containing products to remain in use.

Because mesothelioma is a fatal disease caused by asbestos exposure, multiple defendants may be brought into a single case. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are relentless in holding every responsible party accountable to obtain compensation for our clients and their families.

Common Defenses in Asbestos Litigation

In Chicago courts, asbestos companies and contractors often rely on several common defenses in an effort to limit or deny compensation.

They argue that asbestos exposure could have come from other employers or unrelated products. Some claim that smoking, environmental toxins, or other medical conditions—not asbestos—caused the cancer.

Defendants may argue that decades-old records are missing or unreliable, making it impossible to link exposure to their worksite or product. In some cases, companies claim the worker failed to follow safety procedures, shifting responsibility away from themselves.

Our Chicago mesothelioma attorneys know how to counter these tactics. We work with occupational safety experts, review union and employment records, and present medical opinions that show the direct connection between asbestos and malignant mesothelioma. 

By reconstructing exposure histories and gathering corroborating witnesses, we eliminate uncertainty and strengthen our clients’ case against every responsible party.

How to Strengthen Your Mesothelioma Case in Chicago

If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, here are steps that can make a major difference in your case:

• Collect Medical Records: Document your mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment plans, and medical costs. These records are essential for proving both the illness and its financial impact.
• Gather Employment History: Work records, union files, and pay stubs help establish where and when asbestos exposure occurred in Chicago job sites.
• Locate Witnesses: Co-workers, supervisors, or family members who can confirm exposure to asbestos strengthen your mesothelioma claim.
• Preserve Evidence: If you still have tools, equipment, or clothing that may have contained asbestos, keep them safe as they can be used to show exposure.
• Secure Expert Support: Industrial hygiene reports, toxicology studies, and testimony from occupational safety experts help connect asbestos to your illness.

How Our Chicago Mesothelioma Attorneys Can Help

As experienced Chicago mesothelioma attorneys, our legal services include:

• Reconstructing Exposure History – We dig into employment files, union records, and job-site documentation to uncover exactly where asbestos exposure occurred.
• Working With Experts – During the discovery phase, our firm partners with oncologists, toxicologists, and industrial hygiene specialists to prove the link between asbestos and your mesothelioma diagnosis.
• Filing and Managing Claims – We coordinate asbestos claims, lawsuits, and trust fund applications to make sure every available source of recovery is pursued.
• Handling Multiple Defendants – Many mesothelioma cases involve several responsible parties. We know how to bring claims against asbestos manufacturers, property owners, and contractors simultaneously.
• Securing Compensation for Families – Whether through settlement, trial, or wrongful death lawsuits, we fight for damages covering medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term family support.

Our law firm takes every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. We pride ourselves on being not just legal advocates but trusted partners who walk alongside our clients every step of the way.

FAQs

Is mesothelioma lung cancer?

Not exactly. While both affect the lungs, mesothelioma is different from lung cancer. Pleural mesothelioma cancerous tissue develops in the lining around the lungs, while lung cancerous cells appear inside lung tissue itself. Both can be linked to asbestos exposure, but mesothelioma is considered a separate disease.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Doctors use imaging scans, biopsies, and pathology tests to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Because symptoms can mimic other illnesses, diagnosis often occurs at an advanced stage. That’s why it’s critical for anyone exposed to asbestos to share that history with their doctor.

How is mesothelioma treated?

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or a combination. Since mesothelioma is aggressive, treatment usually focuses on extending life and improving comfort.

Do I have a legal case if I lost a loved one due to asbestos-related disease?

Yes. Surviving family members can file wrongful death lawsuits against the companies responsible for exposing their loved one to asbestos. These claims may provide compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and loss of companionship.

How much does a mesothelioma attorney cost in Chicago?

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win your case. We also offer a free consultation to review your situation and explain your legal options.

Book a Free Consultation

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the toll that mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases take on victims and their families. Our Chicago mesothelioma lawyers have the experience, resources, and compassion to guide you through this fight. 

We’ve helped countless families recover financial compensation through mesothelioma claims and wrongful death lawsuits, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

We take every mesothelioma case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you never pay out-of-pocket costs and owe no attorney fees unless we win.

If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma after asbestos exposure in Chicago, don’t wait. Call our Chicago personal injury law firm today to schedule your free consultation.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Chicago, Elgin, Peoria, Rockford and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.