Key Things to Know Before Choosing a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Chicago

The Best Mesothelioma Attorneys in Chicago

The top mesothelioma attorneys in Chicago have extensive experience litigating asbestos cases in local and national courts. They have a long, successful track record with cases like yours. Your mesothelioma lawyer ensures that any claims are filed in the appropriate court system.

When you first contact an asbestos lawyer, they’ll review your work and military history to determine where your exposure likely happened. This is important because mesothelioma’s long latency period means there can be decades between exposure and diagnosis.

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We take the time to learn about your diagnosis and where your asbestos exposure occurred so we better understand your specific situation.

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We Walk You Through Your Options

We help you and your loved ones find an experienced mesothelioma attorney who truly understands your situation and can guide your case.

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We Connect You With a Top Attorney

A top mesothelioma attorney has a proven track record of success. They can help you get compensation for wrongful asbestos exposure.

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How Long Does a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Take?

Mesothelioma lawsuits can take years to resolve. Cases that go to trial often take a year or longer, but experienced Chicago mesothelioma attorneys often negotiate settlements within several months.

If a defendant in your case declared bankruptcy and set up an asbestos trust fund, you may receive payment within a couple of months of filing. This is critical to getting the medical care you need to slow your illness’s progression. 

Steps for Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

  1. Hire a Chicago mesothelioma attorney.
  2. Gather evidence of exposure and medical diagnosis.
  3. File a claim in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
  4. Provide a deposition for the courts.
  5. Reach a settlement or go to trial.

Your Chicago mesothelioma trial lawyer will present evidence linking your condition to past asbestos exposure. Judge Patrick J. Sherlock handles all asbestos cases for the Circuit Court of Cook County. 

No matter the path your case takes, your attorney handles the entire process from start to finish. This allows you to focus your time and energy on treatment and recovery.

How Much Can You Recover in a Chicago, IL, Mesothelioma Case?

Each mesothelioma case is unique. Trial verdicts often reach several million dollars, but settlements average between $1 and $2 million. Your diagnosis, the company responsible for your exposure and your Chicago mesothelioma lawyer’s skill in connecting those factors will influence your compensation.

Asbestos trust funds offer the quickest payout. Many people file claims and receive payments within months. The NARCO Asbestos Trust that handles Johns Manville claims listed an average payout of $115,000 for mesothelioma claims, with a maximum value of $1,243,314.  

Asbestos Settlements and Verdicts in Chicago

Chicago-area residents have won notable verdicts and reached settlements against companies responsible for asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma settlement amounts usually remain private.

Notable Chicago Asbestos Verdicts

  • $45 million: A Cook County jury awarded $45 million to the estate of Theresa Garcia in April 2024.Their lawsuit claimed she developed mesothelioma after exposure to Johnson & Johnson’s asbestos-tainted talcum powder.
  • $24.4 million: A Cook County jury awarded $24.4 million to the family of Cipriano Ramirez in 2024. The lawsuit claimed he was exposed to asbestos while working as a janitor at the Avon manufacturing facility in the Chicago suburb of Morton Grove. 
  • $7.4 million: A jury awarded former brickmason Alonzo J. Cain $7.4 million for medical expenses, pain and suffering. Cain was exposed to asbestos while working at Inland Steel.

Jury awards can vary significantly. Cook County courts have increasingly held companies responsible for negligent asbestos exposure, awarding people diagnosed with mesothelioma favorable verdicts. 

What to Expect Next

You’ll Hear From a Patient Advocate

We’ll contact you soon to learn more about your needs and how we can help you.

We’ll Provide You Personalized Support

Whether it’s treatment options, financial assistance or legal guidance, we’ll tailor our recommendations to your situation.

Additional Support for You

We’ll follow up with additional resources and help schedule any necessary appointments at no cost to you.

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