Illinois Asbestos Information

The State of Illinois has a large population and the sixth largest gross domestic product in the country. The Illinois economy was built on agriculture and manufacturing. While the financial and service sectors have become increasingly important, many Illinois residents worked in blue collars jobs through the sixties, seventies, and eighties. Many of the manufacturing and construction jobs held during this time period have been associated with asbestos exposure. In turn, inhalation and ingestion of asbestos fibers has been linked to diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Individuals who have been diagnosed with occupational diseases may be entitled to financial compensation from those responsible for their condition. These illnesses can take decades to develop, so some victims are not sure when they were exposed to asbestos or how to proceed with filing a claim. Hiring an asbestos attorney is often the best way to protect your legal rights.

Illinois Asbestos Claims: W.R. Grace Company

The federal government recently investigated the actions of one company that may have exposed thousands of people across the nation to asbestos. The W.R. Grace Company mined vermiculite ore at a mine in Libby, Montana, and then shipped the material to processing facilities all over the United States, including locations in Illinois. The raw vermiculite, a silicate material that can be used for insulation or as a planting medium, was contaminated with asbestos. The technique used to process the vermiculite ore released the asbestos fibers trapped within. The airborne asbestos dust permeated the processing facilities and likely contaminated surrounding areas.

Over 200,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated material was shipped to West Chicago between 1948 and 1993. Other Illinois locations that received thousands of tons of contaminated vermiculite ore include Chicago, Girard, Dekalb, Lake Zurich, Buda, and Calumet City. Individuals who worked in or near the W.R. Grace Company processing facilities during this time period may have a greatly increased risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. Individuals who have already developed an asbestos-related disease that may be associated with the actions of the W.R. Grace Company should speak with an attorney for an individual case review.

Asbestos Exposure in Illinois

Due to the concentration of industries linked to asbestos exposure in certain areas of Illinois, some counties have reported a higher number of asbestos-related deaths.

Illinois Counties Most Affected by Asbestos Deaths

• Cook County
• Lake County
• DuPage County
• Madison County
• Saint Clair County
• Will County
• Kane County
• La Salle County
• Winnebago County
• McLean County
• McHenry County
• Peoria County
• Sangamon County
• Rock Island County

Contact a Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos in Illinois, you should contact experienced attorneys to review their claim as soon as possible. Find an asbestos lawyer in your area today using LawyerShop’s legal directory.