Obtenga una consulta gratuita con un abogado de lesiones personales

Valoración de T.V.

"Recomiendo encarecidamente BB&G ... Le daría 10 estrellas si pudiera".

Valoración de G.V.

"¡Estoy muy contenta con la representación de BB&G!".

Valoración de M.S.

"Los abogados de BBG fueron excepcionales. El resultado fue mejor de lo que esperábamos".

Valoración de R.G.

"Desde el momento en que contacté con este bufete me trataron como de la familia".

Valoración de A.H.

"No podríamos estar más contentos con el resultado ni con el excelente servicio".

Valoración de V.A.

"Nos sentimos muy seguros y confiados con su representación".

Valoración de J.P.

"Briskman Briskman & Greenberg es una fuerza legal a tener en cuenta".

Valoración de T.Z.

"Estoy contento con cómo han llevado mi caso y recomiendo llamarles".

Valoración de K.N.

"Proceso muy fácil con la ayuda de estas increíbles personas. Resultado muy feliz".

CONSULTA GRATUITA

CONSULTA GRATUITA

Nuestros abogados

Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Mesothelioma

A mesothelioma diagnosis changes everything. If you or someone you love worked in Chicago’s steel mills, construction trades, shipyards, or industrial plants and received this diagnosis, you have legal rights under Illinois law, and time matters. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg represents workers and families across the Chicago area who are dealing with the devastating consequences of occupational asbestos exposure. As a Chicago abogado de lesiones personales firm with deep experience in workers’ compensation and occupational disease claims, we are here to help you understand your options and fight for every benefit you are owed.

Why Chicago Workers Face a High Risk of Mesothelioma
What Illinois Law Says About Mesothelioma as an Occupational Disease
The 2025 Illinois Supreme Court Ruling That Opened New Doors for Mesothelioma Victims
Filing Deadlines for Mesothelioma Claims in Illinois: What You Need to Know
What Benefits and Compensation Are Available to Mesothelioma Victims in Chicago
How Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Helps Chicago Mesothelioma Victims
FAQs About Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Mesothelioma

Why Chicago Workers Face a High Risk of Mesothelioma

Chicago’s industrial history is directly tied to the mesothelioma crisis in Illinois. Illinois is one of the most heavily impacted states in the country for asbestos-related disease. The combination of steel production, heavy manufacturing, railroad infrastructure, and vermiculite processing created exposure pathways that reached tens of thousands of workers across the Chicago metropolitan area and downstate industrial corridors.

Illinois ranks sixth nationally for mesothelioma deaths, with an age-adjusted rate of 13.39 per million. That number reflects decades of industrial work along the lakefront, in the steel mills of the South Side, in the rail yards stretching through the West Loop, and in the manufacturing plants that once lined the Chicago River.

Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties lead the state in asbestos-related cancer deaths, driven by steel production, manufacturing, and vermiculite processing. A single Chicago facility processed 273,000 tons of contaminated vermiculite from Libby, Montana, one of the largest volumes in the country.

The occupations with the highest exposure in Illinois mirror the state’s industrial profile, including steelworkers at South Works, Wisconsin Steel, and Republic Steel, pipefitters and insulators across industrial and commercial construction, railroad workers in maintenance yards and locomotive shops, boilermakers at power plants and industrial facilities, and construction tradespeople working in pre-1980 buildings.

If you worked in any of these trades or industries, your diagnosis may be directly tied to your job. Understanding how Illinois law protects you is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.

What Illinois Law Says About Mesothelioma as an Occupational Disease

Mesothelioma is a compensable occupational disease under Illinois law. The lesión laboral framework that applies to mesothelioma claims is found in the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act, 820 ILCS 310. This law defines an occupational disease as a disease arising out of and in the course of employment, or one that has been aggravated and rendered disabling as a result of workplace exposure.

Under 820 ILCS 310/1, a disease is considered to arise out of employment when there is a clear causal connection between the conditions of work and the disease itself. For mesothelioma, that connection is asbestos. Asbestos exposure on the job is the recognized cause, and Illinois courts treat it as such.

The Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act also governs which employer is responsible. In asbestos cases, the liable party is generally the last employer where the worker was exposed to asbestos for a period of 60 days or more after the Act’s effective date. This matters in cases where a worker held multiple jobs across different Chicago job sites over a long career.

Because of a latency period of 20 to 50 years between exposure and diagnosis, many patients are diagnosed decades after their working years ended. Illinois law accounts for this reality. In cases of disability caused by exposure to asbestos, unless an application for compensation is filed with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission within 25 years after the employee was so exposed, the right to file such application shall be barred.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, created under the Workers’ Compensation Act, 820 ILCS 305, is the state agency that reviews and decides these claims. Filing your claim with the Commission through an Application for Adjustment of Claim is the formal start of the workers’ compensation process.

The 2025 Illinois Supreme Court Ruling That Opened New Doors for Mesothelioma Victims

A landmark 2025 ruling from the Illinois Supreme Court significantly expanded legal options for mesothelioma victims in this state. On January 24, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a significant ruling in Martin v. Goodrich Corp., addressing the statute of repose under the Illinois Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act. The court examined the interplay between Section 1(f), which establishes a statute of repose for occupational disease claims, and Section 1.1, which contains an exception to the exclusive remedy provisions set forth in the Act. The court upheld the 2019 legislative amendment in Section 1.1 allowing employees to bring suit against their employers in tort for asbestos and other latent occupational disease claims that develop more than 25 years after the date of last occupational exposure.

What does that mean in plain terms? Before this ruling, workers whose mesothelioma was diagnosed more than 25 years after their last asbestos exposure were sometimes left without any legal remedy. The 2019 amendment to the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act added Section 1.1, which created a critical exception. Section 1.1 provides that the exclusive remedy provisions of the Act do not apply to an injury or death caused by an occupational disease when compensation benefits would otherwise be barred due to a period of repose.

This means that if your mesothelioma diagnosis came more than 25 years after your last asbestos exposure, you may still have the right to file a civil action against your employer. The court rejected the defendants’ argument that employers had a vested right to assert defenses that existed before the 2019 amendment, holding that a defendant’s right to a defense accrues when the plaintiff’s right to a cause of action accrues.

This ruling is especially important for Chicago-area workers who were exposed to asbestos at plants like those in Waukegan, along the Calumet industrial corridor, or at rail facilities near Union Station and the yards on Chicago’s Northwest Side. If you believe this ruling applies to your situation, contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg at (312) 222-0010 to discuss your rights.

Filing Deadlines for Mesothelioma Claims in Illinois: What You Need to Know

Filing on time is not optional. Missing a deadline can permanently eliminate your right to benefits. Illinois sets specific filing windows for asbestos-related disease claims, and mesothelioma has its own set of rules under the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act, 820 ILCS 310.

For workers’ compensation claims based on asbestos disability, the application must generally be filed within 3 years after the date of disablement where no compensation has been paid, or within 2 years after the date of the last payment of compensation where any has been paid. In cases of disability caused by exposure to asbestos, unless an application for compensation is filed with the Commission within 25 years after the employee was so exposed, the right to file such application shall be barred.

When mesothelioma results in death, the rules shift. In cases of death occurring within 25 years from the last exposure to asbestos, an application for compensation must be filed within 3 years of death where no compensation has been paid, or within 3 years after the date of the last payment where any has been paid.

For civil claims outside the workers’ compensation system, the statute of limitations under 735 ILCS 5/13-202 is generally two years from the date of diagnosis. Wrongful death claims carry their own separate deadline under 740 ILCS 180/2. These timelines run quickly, especially when a worker is dealing with a serious illness and has no idea that legal deadlines are ticking.

The good news is that you do not have to track all of this alone. A workers’ compensation lawyer at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can review your exposure history, identify which deadlines apply to your situation, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Call us at (312) 222-0010 before time runs out.

What Benefits and Compensation Are Available to Mesothelioma Victims in Chicago

Workers and families dealing with mesothelioma may be entitled to multiple forms of compensation. Illinois workers’ compensation benefits for occupational diseases cover medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits for surviving family members. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission oversees these claims, and benefits are calculated based on the worker’s average weekly wage and the severity of the disability.

Medical benefits under the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act, 820 ILCS 310, cover the cost of treatment related to the occupational disease. This includes hospital care, specialist visits, chemotherapy, surgery, and prescription medications. Illinois law requires employers to pay for all reasonable and necessary medical care connected to the compensable disease.

Wage loss benefits replace a portion of income when a worker can no longer perform their job due to mesothelioma. Depending on the level of disability, a worker may be entitled to temporary total disability, permanent partial disability, or permanent total disability benefits. Each category carries its own calculation method under the Workers’ Compensation Act, 820 ILCS 305.

Death benefits are available to surviving family members when mesothelioma results in death. Under 820 ILCS 310, dependents may file for compensation within 3 years of the date of death. Surviving spouses, children, and other dependents may qualify for wage replacement benefits and burial expenses.

Beyond workers’ compensation, some mesothelioma victims may also be able to pursue third-party civil claims against product manufacturers who made or sold the asbestos-containing materials used at their job sites. This is separate from the workers’ compensation claim and can significantly increase total recovery. A workers’ compensation lawyer at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you evaluate all available avenues of recovery based on your specific exposure history and diagnosis.

How Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Helps Chicago Mesothelioma Victims

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg represents injured workers and their families throughout the Chicago area, including Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, and surrounding communities. We understand the industrial history of this region, from the steel mills of the South Side near Calumet Harbor to the rail yards on the city’s West Side, and we know how to connect that history to a mesothelioma diagnosis.

When you come to us, we start by reviewing your full work history to identify all potential sources of asbestos exposure. We gather employment records, medical documentation, and any available evidence about the job sites where you worked. We then build your claim under the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act, 820 ILCS 310, and identify whether additional civil claims are available under Section 1.1 or against third-party defendants.

We also handle the filing process with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission and manage all communications with insurance carriers. Employers are required under 820 ILCS 310 to maintain records of occupational diseases and report them to the Commission. We make sure those obligations are met and that the record reflects your full condition and losses.

Our firm handles workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We serve clients across the Chicago metropolitan area, including those who may benefit from consulting with a workers’ compensation lawyer closer to their community in Oak Lawn, or a workers’ compensation lawyer serving clients in Orland Park and the southwest suburbs. Call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg at (312) 222-0010 today for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and speaking with us does not create an attorney-client relationship unless you choose to retain our firm.

FAQs About Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Mesothelioma

Can I file a workers’ compensation claim for mesothelioma if I retired years ago?

Yes, in many cases. The Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act, 820 ILCS 310, allows claims based on when the disability occurred, not necessarily when you last worked. Because mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, Illinois law provides a 25-year window from the date of last asbestos exposure to file a workers’ compensation claim. If your diagnosis came after that 25-year window, the 2019 amendment to the Act under Section 1.1, upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court in January 2025, may allow you to bring a civil action against your employer instead. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg at (312) 222-0010 to find out which path applies to your situation.

What is the difference between a workers’ compensation claim and a civil lawsuit for mesothelioma?

A workers’ compensation claim is filed with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission under the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act, 820 ILCS 310. It provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits without requiring you to prove fault. A civil lawsuit, on the other hand, is filed in court and may be brought against employers when the workers’ compensation system’s statute of repose has expired, or against third-party manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. These two paths are not always mutually exclusive, and an attorney can help you determine which applies to your case.

Who is considered the responsible employer in an Illinois mesothelioma workers’ compensation claim?

Under 820 ILCS 310, the liable employer in asbestos-related cases is generally the last employer where the worker was exposed to asbestos for a period of 60 days or more. This rule matters because many Chicago-area workers spent careers moving between multiple job sites, plants, and employers. If you worked in construction, manufacturing, or the railroad industry across different companies, identifying the correct responsible employer is a critical part of building your claim. An attorney can investigate your full work history to make that determination.

What if my mesothelioma was caused by asbestos exposure at multiple Chicago job sites?

This is common in Chicago, where workers in construction, pipefitting, and industrial trades often moved between many job sites over the course of a career. Illinois law provides a framework for these situations under the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act, 820 ILCS 310, focusing on the last employer where qualifying exposure occurred. In addition, civil claims may be available against multiple product manufacturers whose asbestos-containing materials were used at those sites. An attorney experienced in occupational disease claims can map your exposure history and identify all potential sources of compensation.

Does Briskman Briskman & Greenberg charge upfront fees for mesothelioma cases?

No. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. You should be aware that even in contingency arrangements, clients may be responsible for certain costs or expenses depending on the specifics of the case, which will be clearly explained to you during your consultation. To discuss your mesothelioma claim and understand your options with no pressure or obligation, call us at (312) 222-0010. Viewing this page or contacting our firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.

More Resources About Occupational Diseases & Long-Term Conditions

La experiencia general que tuve con Briskman Briskman & Greenberg fue del tipo que todo el mundo debería recibir de cualquier empresa.

El personal se mantuvo en contacto conmigo por teléfono y correo electrónico, estaban muy bien informados, se aseguraron de que entendiera lo que estaba pasando en todo momento, respondieron a todas mis preguntas, fueron transparentes, y definitivamente superaron mis expectativas. Los recomiendo encarecidamente.

- Brandon Spivey

El nivel de cuidado, atención, empatía y preocupación en relación con mi caso al tratar con Briskman Briskman y Greenberg superó mis expectativas.

Eran extremadamente informados y justos en todos los asuntos relacionados. Dieron ejemplo de excelente servicio y atención al cliente. Me mantuvieron informado y actualizado en todo momento y respondieron a todas mis preguntas. Recomiendo encarecidamente usarlos como lo haría de nuevo.

- Joshua Payton

Me sentí a gusto con la profesionalidad de Briskman y Briskman.

Paul Greenberg especialmente poner mi mente para descansar y en un plazo de un año he resuelto mi caso y estoy muy satisfecho con el resultado. Mi lesión fue devastador, pero trabajar con este bufete de abogados ha puesto un montón de noches estresantes para descansar.

- Nakia Childs

Necesitaba un abogado de lesiones personales y Gavin y su equipo fueron más allá.

Hicieron que el proceso fuera sencillo y me ayudaron en cada paso del camino. Lo que realmente aprecio es que son directos y responden rápidamente a mis preguntas y a cualquier problema con un mensaje de texto o una llamada telefónica. Además, me controlaron continuamente. ¡Estoy contento con la forma en que manejaron mi caso y recomendaría darles una llamada!

- Ted Zakrzewski

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers (BBG) is a legal team you want on your side.

Llevaron mi caso de manera profesional, sensible y muy competente. El personal muestra experiencia en el ámbito jurídico y proporcionó un excelente apoyo y atención al cliente. Gracias BBG por su ayuda con la navegación de un caso muy sensible y difícil para mi familia.

- Robin Albritton

Si ha sufrido un accidente y necesita un abogado excelente, ¡¡¡hable con Paul!!!

Muy agradable y profesional abogado que extremadamente se preocupa por sus clientes. Crucemos los dedos para que nunca vuelva a tener un accidente, pero si es así, ¡sin duda, 10/10 volvería a utilizar Paul!

- Danny S.

Estoy muy satisfecha con la representación de BB&G.

Robert Briskman manejó mi caso de lesiones muy bien. Personalidad divertida y comprensiva y se tomó el tiempo para explicar todo en detalle de todo el caso. Fue maravilloso trabajar con él. Yo recomendaría BB&G a cualquiera y para mí de nuevo en el futuro.

- Ginebra Vanderbilt

Desde el momento en que me puse en contacto con este bufete me trataron como de la familia.

Gavin Pearlman fue honesto y sincero conmigo durante todo el proceso. Sin sorpresas y nunca me mantuvo colgado. Recomiendo encarecidamente estos abogados para sus necesidades.

- Ron Gaber

I cannot say enough good things about the attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers.

Fueron extremadamente receptivos, profesionales y compasivos durante todo el proceso. Sus habilidades de negociación fueron excepcionales, y fueron capaces de asegurar un acuerdo que superó con creces mis expectativas. Estoy agradecido de haber tenido un equipo tan dedicado".