Chicago Mesothelioma Lawyers
Chicago Mesothelioma Lawyers
Trusted Legal Advocacy for Mesothelioma Victims in Chicago
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Chicago, you may be entitled to significant legal compensation.
At SWMW Law, our experienced Chicago mesothelioma lawyers help victims and their families hold asbestos companies accountable, with proven results across Illinois.
Chicago’s long industrial history means thousands of workers were unknowingly exposed to asbestos in factories, shipyards, construction sites, and other high-risk settings. Even today, new mesothelioma cases continue to emerge decades after exposure.
We bring decades of experience handling mesothelioma cases in Cook County and other high-risk areas across Illinois. Whether exposure happened on the job or at home, we know how to navigate the state’s busiest asbestos courts and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Finding the Right Asbestos Lawyer for You
You want to find someone with whom you feel comfortable talking because you will be discussing intimate details about your health and about where you used to work. Although your lawyer likely will know all the right questions to ask you, good communication is essential.
You should not restrict yourself to your community or state. It is more likely than not that your case may not get filed in the state where you currently live. Qualified asbestos attorneys are able to practice in many states and understand how best to expedite your case given your cancer prognosis.
You want to ask whether the firm you’re meeting with will handle your case from start to finish. You will want to know if the firm can try your case to verdict against an asbestos company, if necessary. And unfortunately, many firms and people that you may be contacted by or see advertising are not even lawyers. They just pass you off to the highest bidder.
You should not be afraid of asking what lawyers, paralegals, or staff members from the firm will work with you and your family day-in and day-out on your case. A reputable firm that takes their clients seriously will be able to tell you exactly who will be responsible for your case.
You may want to know when you could reasonably expect a trial date for your case. If you or your loved one has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’ll want to make sure the firm you’re choosing knows how to expedite your trial date as soon as possible.
You want to be skeptical of anyone that tells you when you first meet them that your case is worth millions. While a good asbestos lawyer will be able to quickly evaluate the merits of your case, making guarantees or promises on the amount you can expect is a good sign that the person you’re meeting with isn’t someone that has worked on asbestos cases from start to finish.
Why Chicago is a High-Risk Area for Mesothelioma
Chicago’s prominence as a manufacturing and industrial hub throughout the 20th century contributed to widespread asbestos use in industries such as steel production, construction, and shipbuilding. Workers in these sectors frequently encountered asbestos-containing materials, often without adequate protective measures, leading to significant health risks.
Notable sites of asbestos exposure in the Chicago area include:
Steel plants along the Calumet River
Rail yards such as the 47th Street Yard and Proviso Yard
Shipyards and dry docks on Lake Michigan
High-rise construction and renovation projects throughout the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods
Power plants and boiler rooms across the city and suburbs
Public housing renovations and old municipal buildings
The Reality of Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma in Chicago
Asbestos Exposure Across Chicago Communities:
Cook County: An average of 203 asbestos-related deaths per year
DuPage and Lake Counties: About 47 deaths each per year
Will County: Around 33 deaths per year
Kane County: About 22 deaths per year
McHenry County: Around 13 deaths per year
(Source: Environmental Working Group analysis, 1999–2017)
Mesothelioma often takes 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure – meaning people are still being diagnosed today due to work done decades ago.
Why Cook County Courts Matter for Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Calendar Year |
Asbestos Lawsuits Filed |
|---|---|
|
2020
|
119
|
|
2021
|
126
|
|
2022
|
122
|
|
2023
|
165
|
|
2024
|
193 (record high) |
|
2025 (Jan–July)
|
124 (YTD) |
Key Trends in Mesothelioma Case Filings
62% Increase in 5 Years: Cook County asbestos filings jumped from 119 in 2020 to 193 in 2024.
Peak Month on Record: April 2024 saw 25 asbestos-related lawsuits filed - the highest monthly total in the dashboard's six-year history.
2025 Off to a Fast Start: Through July 2025, the court has already recorded 124 asbestos filings, with July 2025 (24 filings) ranking as the second-highest single month overall.
Home to High-Dollar Cases: Cook County consistently sees large-value mesothelioma settlements and verdicts due to the complex, high-exposure nature of asbestos litigation.
Central Venue for Illinois Civil Claims: Nearly one-third of all civil lawsuits filed in Illinois originate in Cook County, including a majority of the state’s asbestos claims.
Month |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
January |
8 |
9 |
9 |
11 |
14 |
11 |
|
February |
13 |
9 |
7 |
8 |
14 |
14 |
|
March |
12 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
12 |
22 |
|
April |
11 |
7 |
6 |
10 |
25 |
18 |
|
May |
7 |
10 |
10 |
17 |
20 |
18 |
|
June |
8 |
11 |
17 |
13 |
19 |
17 |
|
July |
11 |
12 |
6 |
10 |
12 |
24 |
|
August |
5 |
9 |
14 |
11 |
12 |
- |
|
September |
16 |
4 |
7 |
16 |
18 |
- |
|
October |
10 |
13 |
8 |
21 |
10 |
- |
|
November |
9 |
14 |
6 |
15 |
20 |
- |
|
December |
9 |
15 |
19 |
21 |
17 |
- |
What This Means for Mesothelioma Victims
If you’re filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Illinois, Cook County’s fast-moving docket and procedural complexity require legal representation with proven local experience.
We understand the rules, the courtroom players, and the best strategies for maximizing compensation, whether through trust claims, negotiated settlements, or trial.
What This Means for You
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, having a legal team that knows how to navigate the fast-moving, high-stakes Cook County courts is critical. SWMW Law understands the local court system, keeps up with the latest trends, and fights aggressively to get families the compensation they deserve.
Legal Rights for Chicago Mesothelioma Victims
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, having a legal team that knows how to navigate the fast-moving, high-stakes Cook County courts is critical. SWMW Law understands the local court system, keeps up with the latest trends, and fights aggressively to get families the compensation they deserve.
Your legal rights may include:
Filing a personal injury lawsuit for direct exposure.
Filing a wrongful death claim if a family member has passed away due to mesothelioma.
Seeking compensation from asbestos trust funds.
Accessing workers’ compensation or veterans’ benefits when applicable.
We fight for the best possible outcome in your case
Because
Your Recovery Matters.
Steps to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Illinois
1. Free Consultation and Case Review
We begin with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to understand your situation. During this conversation, we review your medical diagnosis, work history, and any known or suspected sources of asbestos exposure.
2. Investigation and Exposure Identification
Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation using Illinois-specific databases, historical job site records, and SWMW Law’s internal exposure archive. If you worked at facilities like U.S. Steel South Works and the Pullman Company or participated in Chicago-area construction projects, we can often pinpoint where and how asbestos exposure occurred, even if those companies no longer exist.
3. Gathering Medical and Work Documentation
To support your claim, we work closely with top medical professionals and occupational experts who specialize in mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. We collect your medical records, pathology reports, employment history, and other documentation to demonstrate the link between your illness and past asbestos exposure.
5. Negotiation or Litigation
We strive to resolve your case efficiently and effectively. In many cases, we’re able to negotiate substantial settlements without going to trial. However, if responsible parties fail to offer fair compensation, our attorneys are fully prepared to litigate your case in Illinois state or federal courts.
4. Determining Legal Strategy
Based on your exposure history, we’ll determine whether to file a personal injury lawsuit, pursue claims through asbestos trust funds, or both. We also evaluate whether additional benefits, such as VA claims or workers' compensation, are applicable. Our team ensures your case is filed promptly within the legal time limits, typically two years from the date of diagnosis in Illinois.
6. Compensation Recovery
Once your case is resolved, we move swiftly to secure your compensation, whether it comes from a settlement, jury verdict, or asbestos trust fund. This financial support can help cover medical treatments, in-home care, lost wages, and the emotional and physical toll mesothelioma takes on you and your loved ones.
Because We Are Different.
Decades of Cumulative Experience
Our team is comprised of dozens of highly talented and experienced attorneys ready to fight for your best outcome.
Thousands of Clients Represented
Over the course of our firm's experience, we have helped thousands of victims and their families recover.
National Reach
We come to you wherever you are in the United States to help you and your family recover.
Resources + Personal Attention
A senior partner of our firm will be involved in your case, utilizing a team approach with massive resources uniquely applied to your case.
Get the Support You Deserve
Taking the first step in any legal case can feel daunting. But with SWMW Law, you can rest assured that we’ll work tirelessly to alleviate your burden and seek justice. Call us today at 855-744-1922 or complete our online form to see how we can help. Because People Matter.
Chicago Asbestos Exposure Sites
Republic Steel
Inland Steel Company
Container Corporation of America
Flintkote Company
Interlake Iron Corp.
Proctor & Gamble
Sherwin Williams Company
SunBeam Corp.
Types of Compensation Available to Chicago Residents
Mesothelioma victims and their families may be eligible for several forms of financial compensation:
Legal Settlements:
Many cases are resolved through negotiated settlements that provide significant financial relief without going to trial.
Asbestos Trust Funds:
Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds for victims of companies that have declared bankruptcy.
Trial Verdicts:
In cases that proceed to court, juries may award additional damages for pain, suffering, and punitive compensation.
Veterans Benefits:
Veterans exposed to asbestos during military service may qualify for VA benefits, including specialized mesothelioma treatment.
Workers’ Compensation:
In select cases, employees exposed on the job may pursue benefits under Illinois’s workers’ compensation system.
Our Chicago Mesothelioma Clients Stories
Chicago native Gwendolyn “Gwen” Lones spent more than 50 years married to her soulmate, Dale, whom she met as a child in grammar school.
Together, they raised five children and later adopted six grandchildren. Dale worked in construction, a career he loved. In 2014, he was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer.
The news was devastating. Gwen, who had always relied on Dale as her rock, stepped into the unfamiliar role of full-time caregiver. With no guidebook to follow, she cared for him through nearly four years of treatment – learning as she went, asking questions, and leaning on family for support. She made it her mission to give him love, comfort, and dignity in his final years.
Dale passed away in 2017, just shy of his 75th birthday. Gwen’s loss was immeasurable, but she has shared her story to help other caregivers navigate the emotional and practical challenges that come with supporting a loved one through cancer.
Her advice: ask for help, get legal affairs in order early, and above all, make memories, because those are what remain.
Our Team of Chicago Mesothelioma Attorneys
Why Choose SWMW Law for Your Chicago Mesothelioma Case
At SWMW Law, we combine national expertise with a deep understanding of Chicago’s industrial history and the Illinois legal landscape. Our commitment includes:
- Personalized Representation: We tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each client.
- Comprehensive Knowledge: We strengthen your case by utilizing our familiarity with local industries and exposure sites.
- Client-Centered Focus: We prioritize clear communication and compassionate support throughout the entire legal process.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Chicago, contact SWMW Law for a free consultation to explore your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultations Available 24/7
Because
Justice Matters.
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (855) 744-1922.