statute of limitations on filing a meso claim - how much time do you actually have

Got your situation, M. Navy taught me one thing about deadlines and you don't miss them. Statute of limitations varies by state, which is the kicker. Illinois where your dad worked and where he lives now if he's still there, those can be different clocks running.

Most states it's from diagnosis, not exposure. That's the one that matters for your dad's case. Some states give you 2 years, some 3, some longer. But here's what I learned when we were dealing with mine back in 2025 after my June diagnosis - you absolutely need a consultation with someone who knows Illinois law specifically because they'll know if there's any quirks with construction exposure claims from that era.

The window doesn't close overnight but it's real. Don't put this off another month or two. I waited about 8 weeks after my diagnosis before we started talking to anyone and that felt too long already, just from a mental standpoint of getting things locked down. Your dad's got enough to handle without that hanging over him.

Get a consultation, most don't charge upfront. They'll tell you exactly what timeline applies to him and whether Chicago area exposure creates any special considerations. That's not something internet posts can nail down because it depends on his exact situation and state law.