Asbestos Exposure Sites in Illinois
Illinois has 7 documented asbestos exposure sites spanning 6 industries. Workers at these facilities were exposed to asbestos-containing materials — often in shipyards, power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants — and may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Asbestos Exposure in Illinois
Illinois ranks among the states with the highest number of asbestos-related deaths, driven by Chicago's massive industrial base and the state's concentration of manufacturing, refining, and power generation. Chicago's steel mills on the south side, including the massive U.S. Steel South Works and Wisconsin Steel, exposed steelworkers to asbestos insulation on furnaces, ladles, and processing equipment for decades. Oil refineries in the Chicago suburbs and downstate, including facilities in Joliet, Lemont, and Wood River, used asbestos throughout their operations. The Caterpillar manufacturing plants in Peoria, John Deere facilities in the Quad Cities, and numerous other heavy manufacturing operations across the state relied on asbestos-containing materials. Commonwealth Edison power plants throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and downstate exposed maintenance workers and operators to asbestos insulation. The Great Lakes Naval Training Center in North Chicago and Scott Air Force Base near Belleville used asbestos in their facilities. Chicago's enormous building stock of older commercial and residential structures contains asbestos materials that continue to pose risks during renovation and demolition. Madison County, in the Metro East area near St. Louis, became one of the nation's most active asbestos litigation venues. Illinois applies a two-year statute of limitations from discovery, and the state's experienced judiciary and plaintiff-friendly venues make it an important jurisdiction for mesothelioma claims.
Major industries linked to asbestos exposure in Illinois: Steel production, Oil refining, Heavy manufacturing, Power generation, Construction, Railroad equipment.
Notable exposure sites: U.S. Steel South Works, Chicago; Caterpillar Inc., Peoria; Commonwealth Edison power plants; Great Lakes Naval Training Center, North Chicago; ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery.
Chemical Plants
Manufacturing
Steel Mills
Construction
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Exposure in Illinois
What is Illinois's statute of limitations for mesothelioma lawsuits?
Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of diagnosis or discovery for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years of the date of death.
Why is Madison County, Illinois a major asbestos litigation venue?
Madison County became a leading venue for asbestos lawsuits due to its plaintiff-friendly courts, efficient case management, and the area's high concentration of industrial sites with asbestos exposure. Many national asbestos cases have been filed there.
What industries caused the most asbestos exposure in Illinois?
Steel mills in the Chicago area, oil refineries, Caterpillar and other heavy manufacturing plants, Commonwealth Edison power plants, railroad operations, and the construction industry in older buildings across the state were leading exposure sources.
How do I choose a mesothelioma lawyer in Illinois?
Look for attorneys with specific experience in asbestos litigation and a track record of results in Illinois courts. Most work on contingency with no upfront cost. Our directory lists attorneys with proven experience handling mesothelioma cases in Illinois.