Statute of Limitations in Illinois
| Claim Type | Deadline | Clock Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | Date of diagnosis |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | Date of death |
Important: Missing the statute of limitations permanently eliminates the right to file a lawsuit. Trust fund claims generally have different (often more lenient) deadlines. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately after diagnosis to preserve all your legal options.
Industrial Exposure History
Illinois has extensive asbestos exposure from Chicago-area industry (steel mills, refineries), Madison County/St. Clair County industrial corridor (across from St. Louis), and statewide construction. Madison County is one of the most active asbestos litigation jurisdictions in the United States, handling thousands of cases.
Key Courts for Mesothelioma Cases
- Madison County Circuit Court (Edwardsville)
- St. Clair County Circuit Court
- Cook County Circuit Court (Chicago)
Filing Considerations
Madison County, Illinois, is widely recognized as one of the most plaintiff-friendly asbestos litigation jurisdictions in the country. Cases are efficiently processed, and jurors are familiar with asbestos issues. Cook County (Chicago) also has experienced asbestos dockets.
How to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Illinois
- Confirm your diagnosis: Obtain confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis with pathology report from a qualified physician. If diagnosed at a general oncology practice, consider a second opinion at a specialized mesothelioma center.
- Document your exposure history: Gather work records, union documents, military service records, and any evidence of asbestos exposure. Make notes of products, employers, and job sites where exposure may have occurred.
- Check the Illinois statute of limitations: In Illinois, you have 2 years from diagnosis for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims have 2 years from date of death. Missing these deadlines permanently ends your right to file.
- Consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney: Free consultations are standard. Mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency — no fees unless you recover compensation. An experienced attorney identifies all eligible claims including trust funds and lawsuits.
- File claims and pursue compensation: Your attorney files the lawsuit in the appropriate Illinois court and simultaneously pursues asbestos trust fund claims. VA benefits can be pursued in parallel for veterans.