Chicago Mesothelioma Lawyer

The Chicago mesothelioma attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm know well the financial and emotional strife a mesothelioma diagnosis can bring to your family. We’ve earned recognition as one of the nation’s leading asbestos litigation firms, with attorneys who have decades of experience focusing solely on mesothelioma cases. Our team is ready to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Actively Pursuing Justice for Asbestos Exposure Victims in Chicago

Our Chicago mesothelioma lawyers focus exclusively on serving asbestos exposure victims, recovering billions of dollars for clients in the city and across the country. More than 900 people in Cook County died from mesothelioma between 2018 and 2024, underscoring the risk exposure still poses to residents.

We’re ready to help you and your family pursue compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit, asbestos trust fund claim, VA benefits claim, or other legal pathways. Contact our trusted team online or call 800-723-3216 today to schedule a free consultation.

The Lanier Law Firm’s Mesothelioma Case Results in Chicago and IL

Our experienced team has built a strong reputation for getting results for asbestos exposure victims. We’ve recovered billions in mesothelioma settlements and verdicts for our clients, including:

Lawyers You Can Trust: Our Mesothelioma Client Testimonials

We’re committed to providing our mesothelioma clients with the personalized attention and support they need to get through one of the worst times of their lives. Here are some reviews from real asbestos exposure victims we’ve served:

Want to get started on your mesothelioma case? Call 800-723-3216 today for a free consultation.

Chicago Asbestos Exposure: Facts and High-Risk Sites

Our experienced Illinois mesothelioma lawyers are monitoring asbestos exposure in Chicago and Cook County, which saw 936 mesothelioma deaths from 2018 to 2024. A variety of industries that traditionally used asbestos have been active in the Chicago area, and we’re committed to helping those diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases as a result of their occupational exposure.

Industries with companies known to have exposed Chicago-area residents to asbestos include the following:

  • Manufacturing, including W. R. Grace and Illinois Steel Company
  • Energy & Utilities
  • Oil & Gas refining, including Standard Oil
  • Transportation Infrastructure
  • Construction
  • Shipbuilding, including Calumet Shipyard
  • Education

Worker Exposure During Chicago Building Renovations

Even today, construction workers are still at risk of exposure to asbestos-containing materials during work on older buildings. A 2014 inspection found that a company handling the renovation of a historic Chicago firehouse improperly handled asbestos-containing materials, exposing its workers.

In July 2025, the city of Chicago and the Illinois Attorney General sued developers for violating public health laws by failing to handle asbestos-containing materials safely during renovations of an industrial building in the Belmont Cragin community of Chicago. Workers and residents exposed to asbestos by these negligent activities could potentially develop mesothelioma or similar illnesses as far as 60 years into the future.

Asbestos in Chicago’s Schools

Older school buildings often contain asbestos, which can expose students and staff when the material is disturbed. As a result, school districts and universities have implemented policies and procedures for handling renovations, surveying for asbestos, and removing materials if asbestos is found.

Asbestos Exposure at the Former W.R. Grace Facility in West Chicago

W. R. Grace shipped more than 273,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from its infamous mine in Libby, Montana, to a facility in West Chicago that operated from 1974 to 1996. Air quality samples taken during the facility’s operation showed the presence of asbestos fibers at significantly higher concentrations than OSHA’s permissible limit.

The site is now sealed and poses a minimal current risk of exposure for nearby residents. However, exposure during the facility’s operation still poses health concerns for those who worked or lived nearby in the past.

What Are the Types of Mesothelioma Compensation Options Available in Chicago?

Asbestos exposure in Chicago is often the consequence of intentional decisions made by companies. Many companies knew about the dangers of asbestos but continued using it for decades. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma may have multiple options for seeking compensation and getting the justice they deserve.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, our Chicago mesothelioma lawyers can help you pursue justice and compensation through the following paths:

  • Mesothelioma lawsuits: You can pursue compensation from those parties responsible for your asbestos exposure through civil litigation.
  • Asbestos trust fund claims: Some companies that filed for bankruptcy protection amid mounting mesothelioma lawsuits have established asbestos trust funds that can provide compensation to victims.
  • Asbestos claims after death: Families of those who have died from mesothelioma or similar illnesses can pursue claims for their losses.
  • VA mesothelioma claims: The VA offers a variety of benefits, including health care and disability payments, to military veterans exposed to asbestos during their service.
  • Mesothelioma Workers’ Compensation: Asbestos workers’ comp benefits may be available to those who were exposed on the job.

How Long Do You Have To File a Chicago Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

The Illinois mesothelioma statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of a diagnosis. Starting your claim as early as possible will give you the best chance of success, allowing you to build a case while the evidence is strongest.

Get a Free Legal Consultation

What Are the Steps To File an Asbestos Lawsuit in Chicago?

After you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the first step toward pursuing litigation is to sit with an experienced attorney for a free consultation. Your lawyer can do the following:

  • Investigate and identify the sources of your asbestos exposure
  • Gather evidence to build a trial-ready case and prove the liability of those responsible
  • File your claim and negotiate a full settlement using the strength of your case
  • Take your claims to trial if necessary, fighting to secure a verdict that fairly compensates you and your family

Our Chicago mesothelioma lawyers can travel to you for a convenient on-site consultation. Here are some of the experienced attorneys ready to serve you.

Headshot of the Lanier Law Firm's Senior Attorney, James Campbell

James Campbell

Senior attorney James Campbell is a dedicated advocate for cancer patients who has moderated a panel on Cook County asbestos litigation for the Chicago Bar Association. His accolades include recognition from Forbes as one of Chicago’s “Best Mesothelioma Lawyers” in 2024.

Headshot of the Lanier Law Firm's Senior Attorney, Case A. Dam

Case A. Dam

Senior attorney Case A. Dam is a Chicago native committed to serving asbestos-exposure clients. Case has been recognized as one of Lawdragon’s 2026 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers.

Contact Our Award-Winning Mesothelioma Law Firm in Chicago, IL

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, The Lanier Law Firm is ready to help your family secure well-deserved justice and compensation.

Contact us online or call 800-723-3216 today for a free consultation.

Headshot of Lanier Law Firm Senior attorney Case A. Dam, part of the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure practice.
Case A. Dam
Senior Attorney

Case A. Dam is dedicated to asbestos exposure, representing clients with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and related cancers. He has served veterans, automotive mechanics, and workers in various industries. Recognized in the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, among others.

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States We Serve

Headshot of Lawrence P. Wilson, Lanier Law Firm Senior Attorney in personal injury and product liability.
Lawrence P. Wilson

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Abogado Senior
Lawrence P. Wilson se dedica a lesiones personales, responsabilidad por productos, negligencia médica y ciertos asuntos marítimos. Casos notables: $17.5 millones por lesiones personales y veredicto favorable en Schwab v. Ford Motor Company. Reconocido como Texas Super Lawyer (2012-2021) y en Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyers.

Headshot of Alex Abston, Senior Attorney in Pharmaceutical Liability and Product Liability.
Alex Abston

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Abogada
Alex Abston se dedica a responsabilidad farmacéutica, por productos y demandas colectivas. Formó parte del equipo que obtuvo uno de los primeros veredictos federales en MDL 2804, In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation. Honores incluyen Lawdragon 500 Next Generation (2024) y los 40 mejores de Texas menores de 40 (2021-2024).

Headshot of Alex Brown, Managing Attorney for the Lanier Law Firm Business Litigation practice.
Alex Brown

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Abogado Gerente, Litigios Comerciales
Alex Brown se dedica a litigios comerciales, manejando disputas complejas en tribunales federales, estatales e internacionales. Lideró equipos de juicio para asegurar un veredicto de $9 mil millones en el caso Actos. Honores recientes incluyen Best Lawyers (2024-2025) y Lawdragon 500 (2025), entre otros.

Headshot of attorney Benjamin T. Major from the Lanier Law Firm's Issues and Appeals legal team.
Benjamin T. Major

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Abogado
Benjamin T. Major se dedica a apelaciones, ayudando a preservar sentencias multimillonarias y asegurar acuerdos favorables. Logros notables incluyen preservar una sentencia por cáncer de ovario y derrotar mociones en litigios antimonopolio y de reclamaciones falsas. Reconocido como Texas Rising Star (2018-2020), entre otros logros.

Headshot of Lanier Law Firm Senior attorney Case A. Dam, part of the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure practice.
Case A. Dam

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Abogado Senior
Case A. Dam se dedica a exposición al asbesto, representando a clientes con mesotelioma, asbestosis y cánceres relacionados. Ha servido a veteranos, mecánicos automotrices y trabajadores de diversas industrias. Reconocido en el Lawdragon 500 de Abogados de Demandantes Líderes (2024), entre otros logros.

Headshot of Darron E. Berquist, Managing Attorney Asbestos Litigation for the Lanier Law Firm.
Darron E. Berquist

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Abogado Gerente, Litigios por Asbesto
Darron se dedica a exposición al asbesto y responsabilidad por productos. Parte del equipo que obtuvo $4.69 mil millones en Ingham v. Johnson & Johnson, vinculando el asbesto en talco con el cáncer de ovario. Honorado por Best Lawyers por Litigios por Responsabilidad por Productos y Mass Tort (2024-2025).

Headshot of David L. Rosenband, Senior Attorney practicing Personal Injury and Pharmaceutical and Product Liability.
David L. Rosenband

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Abogado Senior
David L. Rosenband se dedica a responsabilidad farmacéutica, lesiones personales y responsabilidad por productos. Fue Abogado de Enlace en la litigación de Bextra/Celebrex en Nueva York y ayudó a asegurar un veredicto de $9 millones en el caso Accutane de NJ. Reconocido por su trabajo en litigios MDL y en tribunales estatales.

Headshot of Evan M. Janush, Managing Attorney, New York, for Personal Injury, Pharmaceutical Liability, and Product Liability.
Evan M. Janush

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Abogado Gerente, Nueva York
Evan M. Janush supervisa los litigios por responsabilidad farmacéutica y de productos en litigios masivos en NY. Formó parte del Comité Ejecutivo de Demandantes en MDL 2804 y del equipo de juicio en los casos Vioxx. Reconocido por Best Lawyers en Litigios por Daños Masivos/Demandas Colectivas (2024-2025) y Lawdragon 500 (2020).

Headshot of Judson A. Waltman is a Lanier Law Firm Managing Attorney for product liability, personal injury and maritime law.
Judson A. Waltman

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Abogado Gerente
Judson A. Waltman se dedica a lesiones personales, responsabilidad por productos y derecho marítimo. Obtuvo uno de los veredictos más grandes en Ward County, Texas, para un trabajador de campo petrolero y un veredicto de $2 millones para un trabajador de Texas Central. Reconocido por Best Lawyers (2024-2025).

Abogado Senior
Kevin LaMarca se dedica a exposición al asbesto, lesiones personales y responsabilidad por productos. Obtuvo acuerdos de siete cifras, incluyendo $2.25 millones para la familia de un trabajador de papelería fallecido. Reconocido como Top 40 Under 40 de National Trial Lawyers, representa clientes en tribunales estatales y federales.

Abogado Senior
Manny Cabrera se dedica a exposición al asbesto y casos de lesiones catastróficas. Ha representado a clientes en asuntos relacionados con el asbesto, lesiones personales, así como en casos de responsabilidad por camiones y propiedades. Honrado como Top 40 Under 40 de National Trial Lawyers en Litigios Civiles para Demandantes.

Headshot of Maura Kolb, Managing Attorney, Asbestos Resolution in the mesothelioma and pharmaceutical liability practice.
Maura Kolb

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Abogada Gerente, Resolución de Asbesto
Maura Kolb lidera el equipo de resolución de asbesto, asegurando millones para los clientes. Parte del equipo que ganó $258 millones en el caso Vioxx y coordinado acuerdos por el derrame de petróleo de BP en el Golfo. Reconocida por Lawdragon 500 (2024).

Headshot of Megan Waida, Senior Attorney in the Lanier Law Firm's Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure practice.
Megan Waida

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Abogada Senior
Megan Waida se dedica a exposición al asbesto y casos de apelación. Nombrada a Top 40 Under 40 de National Trial Lawyers (2018-2021), Megan aboga por las víctimas del asbesto y tiene una sólida experiencia en litigios complejos.

Headshot of Michael A. Akselrud, Senior Attorney in our Business Litigation, Personal Injury, and Product Liability practice.
Michael A. Akselrud

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Abogado Senior
Michael A. Akselrud se dedica a lesiones personales, litigios comerciales y responsabilidad por productos. Parte del equipo de juicio que obtuvo un veredicto de $4.69 mil millones en el caso del talco de Johnson & Johnson. Reconocido por Super Lawyers como Rising Star (2016) y nombrado a LawDragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyers (2020).

Headshot of Michelle Greene, Senior Attorney in our Pharmaceutical Liability and Product Liability practice.
Michelle Greene

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Abogada Senior
Michelle Greene se dedica a responsabilidad farmacéutica y de productos, con un enfoque en daños tóxicos. Ha representado a clientes en casos de contaminación por AFFF y PFAS. Reconocida por Best Lawyers como “Ones to Watch” (2024-2025) y mencionada en la lista de Next Generation de Lawdragon (2025) en Litigios para Demandantes.

Headshot of Patrice McKinney, Lanier Law Firm Senior Attorney in personal injury, product liability, and FELA.
Patrice McKinney

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Abogada Senior
Patrice McKinney se dedica a lesiones personales, responsabilidad por productos y casos FELA, con enfoque en trabajadores ferroviarios lesionados en el trabajo, colisiones de automóviles y camiones, y lesiones en campos petroleros. Reconocida como Texas Super Lawyer (2017-2024) y Best Lawyers (2024-2025) en Lesiones Personales.

Headshot of Rachel Lanier, Managing Attorney, Los Angeles, Product Liability and Pharmaceutical Liability
Rachel Lanier

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Abogada Gerente, Los Ángeles
Rachel Lanier se dedica a responsabilidad farmacéutica y por productos, ayudando a asegurar el veredicto de $4.6 mil millones en Ingham v. Johnson & Johnson. Lidera demandas por adicción a las redes sociales y representa a clientes en MDLs. Reconocida por Best Lawyers (2024-2025) en Daños Masivos y Lesiones Personales.

Headshot of Rebecca Phillips, The Lanier Law Firm's Mass Torts Director.
Rebecca Phillips

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Directora de Litigios por Daños Masivos
Rebecca Phillips se dedica a responsabilidad farmacéutica, litigios comerciales y apelaciones. Co-líder del litigio de Bard Implant, también ayudó a asegurar miles de millones en compensación por opioides para Texas. Honores recientes incluyen Super Lawyers Rising Star y Lawdragon 500 (2024-2025), entre otros.

Headshot of Sam E. Taylor, Senior Litigation Counsel for the Lanier Law Firm Personal Injury practice.
Sam E. Taylor

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Abogado Asesor de Litigios Senior
Sam es “board-certified” en Derecho de Juicios por Lesiones Personales y Derecho Civil, con más de 30 años de experiencia. Ha llevado a cabo 50+ juicios civiles con jurado, incluyendo casos de mesotelioma y muerte por negligencia. Reconocido como Texas Super Lawyer desde 2008, tiene calificación AV Preeminent por más de 25 años.

Headshot of Zeke DeRose, Lanier Law Firm Senior Attorney, Business Litigation
Zeke DeRose

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Abogado Senior
Zeke DeRose se dedica a litigios comerciales, antimonopolio y responsabilidad por productos. Forma parte del equipo legal en un caso antimonopolio contra Google y representa al Estado de Arkansas en litigios contra Meta. Reconocido por Lawdragon 500 (2025) y Best Lawyers (2025), Zeke es miembro del Top 100 de National Trial Lawyers.

Headshot of Lanier Law Firm Senior attorney Catherine Heacox, part of the Personal Injury, Pharmaceutical and Product Liability practice.
Catherine Heacox

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Abogada Senior
Catherine Heacox se dedica a responsabilidad farmacéutica, lesiones personales y responsabilidad por productos. Reconocida como Super New York Metro Super Lawyer desde el 2013, Catherine tiene una amplia experiencia en litigios de MDL (Litigios Multidistritales) y daños masivos o demandas colectivas.

Headshot of attorney Richard D. Meadow who serves as Of Counsel for the Lanier Law Firm.
Richard Meadow

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Abogado Asesor
La amplia experiencia legal de Richard Meadow abarca múltiples áreas de práctica y jurisdicciones. Es reconocido en Best Lawyers 2025 por su trabajo en Litigios de Responsabilidad por Daños Masivos y Litigios por Lesiones Personales. Con más de tres décadas de experiencia, Richard ha dedicado su carrera a defender los derechos de las personas lesionadas.

Headshot of the Lanier Law Firm's attorney Kelsey Stokes
Kelsey Stokes

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Senior Attorney
Kelsey Stokes is dedicated to mass tort litigation, product liability, and complex litigation. With extensive experience in trial and settlement negotiations, she continues to be a leader in medical device litigation recognized by Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2022).

Headshot of Lanier Law Firm senior attorney Lee Cirsch
Lee Cirsch

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Abogado Senior
Lee Cirsch tiene más de dos décadas de experiencia en juicios de casos de lesiones personales, responsabilidad por productos y litigios comerciales. Su experiencia representando tanto a demandantes como a demandados le otorga una habilidad única para anticipar la estrategia de su oponente, lo que brinda a sus clientes una valiosa ventaja en litigios.