How to Get Mesothelioma Attorney Assistance in Illinois

Asbestos was advertised as a “miracle mineral” for over a century in the United States. Today, it’s known as the “mineral of death.” 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rock and soil. Its fibers are strong and heat resistant. Because of its unique properties, asbestos makes an excellent component for building and insulation materials. Asbestos was also used in automobile parts, appliances, and heat-resistant fabrics. 

Asbestos is a well-known hazard now, but it wasn’t several decades ago. Exposure to asbestos, even if it was many years ago, puts you at increased risk of lung disease. Asbestos-related conditions include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. 

Of the three, mesothelioma is the most aggressive–and deadly. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs and develops in the thin layer of tissue called mesothelium that covers your internal organs. It often affects the tissue around the lungs. 

Common signs of this disease include chest pain, painful coughing, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. By the time most mesothelioma patients go to the doctor, it’s too late.

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Many folks who are diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos years ago on the job, and they didn’t know. Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years. 

However, the risks of asbestos exposure were publicly known (and secretly acknowledged) by employers and manufacturers for several decades. As such, mesothelioma victims and their families filed several lawsuits against them. To this day, there are thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits pending across the country. 

If you or someone you love was diagnosed with mesothelioma and you were exposed to asbestos in Illinois, you’re not alone. Our mesothelioma attorneys are here to help you recover financially and emotionally after a mesothelioma diagnosis. You can contact us today to discuss your legal options: (312) 578-9501. 

Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about finding mesothelioma attorney assistance in Illinois and what you can expect during the course of a lawsuit.  

Finding an Illinois Mesothelioma Attorney That’s Right for You

When you turn on the TV, you may have seen commercials advertising services for mesothelioma claims. Should you call the 1-800 number on the screen? 

Some people do, but that’s not your only option. 

Finding the right mesothelioma attorney shouldn’t be taken lightly. An experienced lawyer will know how to get you and your family the most compensation from all negligent parties. 

You or your family should meet with several attorneys before you sign any forms. Take a look at their Google reviews online, and see what results they’ve secured for families like yours. What have their past clients said about their work? 

The compensation that mesothelioma patients receive from filing a lawsuit helps their families support themselves after they’re gone. 

What Is a Mesothelioma Lawyer? What Do They Do?

A mesothelioma attorney in Illinois helps victims and their families get compensation from companies and manufacturers that exposed them to asbestos years ago. 

First, your lawyer will interview you and your family to identify any points of exposure. Next, they will speak with past coworkers and places of employment. At the end of the day, your attorney’s job is to identify as many defendants who exposed you to asbestos as possible. 

Many potential defendants, such as corporations, manufacturers, and employers, have declared bankruptcy. Several of these companies have established special asbestos bankruptcy funds and trusts, which have given millions of dollars to plaintiffs over the years. 

Your attorney will bring individual lawsuits against any known defendants, and you and your family will receive compensation as each lawsuit resolves.  

Why Should You Consider Hiring a Mesothelioma Attorney?

Hiring an attorney to represent you in a mesothelioma lawsuit has many benefits. Here are just a few: 

• It doesn’t cost you anything to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. Attorneys who handle mesothelioma claims often work on a contingency fee basis. Your lawyer will agree to cover the costs of your lawsuit while it’s pending. When you’re awarded a settlement, your attorney will take a percentage of your net recovery as their fee. This percentage is agreed upon when you hire them. 
• Filing a lawsuit will preserve your right to compensation and a jury trial. When you and your attorney file a complaint, you’re preserving your legal right to justice. If you file your lawsuit too late, you may no longer be eligible to pursue recourse for your mesothelioma diagnosis. 
• You can focus on recovery and treatment, while your attorneys secure your family’s financial future. People who have mesothelioma often don’t live past five years following diagnosis. Their time is precious, so they should be with their families instead of worrying about a lawsuit. Our attorneys at Shannon Law Group, P.C., go above and beyond to resolve your claim. We want your family to have enough money to pay the bills and take care of themselves in the future. 

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims

There are time limits on how long you have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit in Illinois. This is called the statute of limitations. 

You have two years from the date of your mesothelioma diagnosis to file a lawsuit. Once it’s been more than two years from the date of your diagnosis, you will no longer be able to hold the responsible parties accountable. 

What Types of Mesothelioma Compensation Are Available to Victims?

In mesothelioma claims, there are three avenues to compensation: asbestos trust fund claims, settlements, and lawsuit verdicts. An attorney can help you figure out which ones you qualify for. 

Asbestos Trust Funds

Bankrupt asbestos companies created asbestos trust funds. These funds provide compensation for current and future claims. In order to be eligible to file an asbestos trust fund claim, an individual must identify when they were exposed to asbestos by a corporation and when they developed an asbestos-related illness, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. 

An asbestos attorney can help you determine whether you are eligible to file for compensation from specific asbestos trust funds. You may also be able to file multiple claims against several asbestos trust funds.  

Mesothelioma Settlements

Mesothelioma settlements happen when the asbestos defendant offers compensation to the plaintiff to resolve the claim. Most of the time, companies will offer to settle the claim before trial. 

The plaintiff can decide whether to accept the settlement offer. Your experienced mesothelioma attorney will be by your side to lead you through this process. 

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma claims can resolve at trial as well. After the trial has concluded, a jury determines liability and awards the plaintiff damages. The amount awarded is decided by economic and non-economic losses suffered by the plaintiff. 

Economic damages include past and future lost wages, as well as past and future medical bills. Non-economic damages are intangible. They include compensation for pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of a normal life. The jury may also award punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant for their reckless behavior. 

Other Mesothelioma Claims

Mesothelioma patients and their families may also be eligible for other types of compensation, including workers’ compensation claims and veteran’s claims. 

Claimants who were exposed to asbestos at work may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. In Illinois, mesothelioma victims can now go after their employers for asbestos exposure (SB 1596). 

 If they served in the military, they may have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Eligible victims can file claims with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Free Mesothelioma Consultation Available. Speak with An Asbestos Attorney Today. 

At Shannon Law Group, we pride ourselves on giving our clients their day in court. We will fight for them until we have secured all of the compensation they deserve. 

If you or someone you love was diagnosed with mesothelioma, we can help. Give us a call at (312) 578-9501 to schedule your free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call. Thanks so much, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!