Mesothelioma Lawyers for Waukegan, Illinois

6 companies and facilities in Waukegan have documented asbestos exposure on record. Families affected by mesothelioma from exposure in this area may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and litigation.

Waukegan is the county seat of Lake County, Illinois, with a city population of approximately 89,000 (89,321 in 2020 census; projected 88,570 in 2026). Historically an industrial hub with manufacturing, chemical production (including three Superfund sites), and proximity to the Naval Station Great Lakes military base in neighboring North Chicago, it now emphasizes arts, tourism, recreation, and services. Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois, 36-37 miles north of Chicago within its metropolitan area.

Workers across 6 documented sites in the Waukegan area were exposed to asbestos in industrial, commercial, and government settings.

Map of Waukegan, Illinois — 6 documented asbestos exposure sites
Waukegan 6 exposure sites Lake County

Asbestos Exposure Sites in Waukegan

Waukegan, Illinois has 6 companies and facilities with documented asbestos exposure on record. Workers at these sites, and their families who may have experienced secondary exposure, may qualify for mesothelioma compensation.

6 Documented Exposure Sites
  • Illinois Bell Telephone
  • Johns-Manville
  • Lordahl Engineers
  • Man Power, Inc.
  • Midwest Tire Auto Stores, Inc.

This list may not include all exposure sources. An attorney with access to asbestos product databases can identify additional responsible parties based on work history and job site records.

Filing Deadlines in Illinois

Illinois law sets strict time limits for filing mesothelioma claims. These deadlines begin when you receive a diagnosis, not when exposure occurred.

Personal Injury
2 Years from Diagnosis
Claims filed by patients
Wrongful Death
2 Years from Death
Claims filed by family

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation. Even with longer deadlines, starting early gives your legal team time to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Full Illinois legal guide →

Compensation Options

Mesothelioma patients exposed in Waukegan may be eligible for compensation from multiple sources.

Lawsuits Against Responsible Parties

Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits can be filed against companies responsible for asbestos exposure. These claims can recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. Average mesothelioma settlements range from amounts that vary widely by case, and total compensation is often higher.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Many asbestos companies have filed for bankruptcy and established trust funds to pay victims. Over 60 trusts hold more than $30 billion. You can file claims with multiple trusts if you were exposed to products from multiple companies.

VA benefits for veterans

Veterans who developed mesothelioma from military service typically qualify for VA disability compensation, often at the 100% rating. These benefits can be received alongside lawsuit settlements and trust fund payments.

Cancer Centers Near Waukegan

These cancer centers are near Waukegan. Specialized centers provide access to clinical trials, multidisciplinary treatment teams, and oncologists experienced with asbestos-related cancers.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Chicago

Zion, IL, ~6 mi

855.337.7808

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University

Chicago, IL, ~34 mi

312.695.0990

Rush University Cancer Center

Chicago, IL, ~35 mi

312.226.2371

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chicago, IL, ~42 mi

888.824.0200

Edward Cancer Center – Naperville

Naperville, IL, ~45 mi

630.527.3788

View all cancer centers →

Finding a Mesothelioma Lawyer

When looking for legal representation for a mesothelioma case tied to Waukegan exposure, a few things separate asbestos-focused firms from general personal injury practices. Look for attorneys who concentrate on asbestos litigation rather than dabble in it, and who carry working knowledge of Waukegan and Illinois industries and the specific job sites in the area. Ask about the firm's track record of settlements and verdicts in similar cases. Confirm they carry the investigation resources these claims need, including product identification databases and access to the decades of deposition testimony already on file. Finally, most mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency, which means no payment unless they recover compensation.

Most mesothelioma attorneys offer confidential case reviews and work on contingency: you pay nothing unless they recover compensation.