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Overview: Asbestos Exposure in Cicero, Illinois
Key Facts: Cicero Asbestos Exposure
- Known Exposure Sites
- 1
- Primary Industries
- Occupational
- Years of Exposure Activity
- 1905 - 1983
- County
- Cook County
- State
- Illinois
- Consultation Cost
- Free — No Fee Unless We Win
Known Asbestos Exposure Sites in Cicero, Illinois
The following facilities have been identified as locations where workers and residents may have been exposed to asbestos. If you worked at or lived near any of these sites, you may be eligible for compensation.
Western Electric Hawthorne Works
Hawthorne Works was the largest U.S. manufacturing facility through the 1920s, producing telephone equipment for the Bell System. The plant employed over 40,000 workers at peak. Asbestos was used in cable insulation, electrical equipment, building insulation, and ceiling tiles. The famous Hawthorne Studies of worker productivity were conducted here. The plant closed in 1983 and was demolished; a shopping center now stands on the site.
If you or a family member worked at any facility in Cicero and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact our attorneys for a free case evaluation.
About Cicero & Asbestos Exposure History
Asbestos Exposure in Cicero, Illinois
Cicero was home to Western Electric's Hawthorne Works — the largest U.S. manufacturing facility through the 1920s, employing over 40,000 workers at peak. Asbestos was used extensively in cable insulation, electrical equipment, building insulation, and ceiling tiles. The plant closed in 1983 and was demolished; a shopping center now stands on the site. Hawthorne workers and their family members continue to file mesothelioma claims.
Documented Asbestos Exposure Sites in Cicero
- Western Electric Hawthorne Works
Cicero Mesothelioma Lawyers
Whitman Mesothelioma Law Firm represents Cicero workers and families exposed to asbestos at the named sites above and at hundreds of other Illinois facilities. Our attorneys travel to Cicero clients; depositions can be conducted from home. Reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Lead Mesothelioma Attorney.
Compensation for Cicero Mesothelioma Victims
Three parallel compensation tracks: (1) lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers and premise owners — Illinois settlements average $1.0–$1.4 million; (2) trust fund claims against the 60+ asbestos trusts holding over $30 billion (Manville Trust and UNARCO Trust apply directly to Cicero workers exposed at Johns-Manville Waukegan or Ford City facilities); (3) VA benefits for veterans (mesothelioma rated 100%).
Illinois Statute of Limitations: 2 Years
Illinois imposes a 2-year statute of limitations on mesothelioma claims (735 ILCS 5/13-202). The clock starts at diagnosis under the discovery rule. Wrongful-death claims: 2 years from date of death. Do not delay — missing the deadline permanently extinguishes the claim.
Your Legal Rights in Cicero, Illinois
Understanding the legal landscape is critical when pursuing an asbestos or mesothelioma claim. Below is a summary of relevant legal information for cases involving exposure in Cicero.
Illinois Statute of Limitations
Court Jurisdiction
Legal Options for Cicero Asbestos Victims
Mesothelioma victims and their families in Cicero may be entitled to pursue compensation through several legal avenues:
- Personal injury lawsuits — filed against the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure
- Asbestos trust fund claims — over $30 billion remains in trust funds established by bankrupt asbestos companies
- Wrongful death claims — filed by surviving family members when a loved one has passed from mesothelioma
- Veterans benefits — additional compensation for veterans exposed to asbestos during military service
- Workers' compensation — benefits for occupational asbestos exposure, which may be pursued alongside other claims
Our attorneys handle cases involving Cicero exposure sites and have the experience to identify all available sources of compensation. Call 1-800-875-3000 to discuss your case.
Do I Have a Mesothelioma Case?
Answer 4 quick questions to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.
Next Steps for Cicero Mesothelioma Victims
You have options. Our attorneys are ready to help you understand them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Cicero
Have additional questions? Call 1-800-875-3000 to speak with an attorney, or submit a free case evaluation.
Free Asbestos Exposure Guide for Illinois Workers
Download our comprehensive guide covering your legal rights, the claims process, and what compensation you may be entitled to after asbestos exposure in Cicero.
- Your legal rights after asbestos exposure
- Step-by-step claims process explained
- Compensation types available to you
- Statute of limitations by state
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