When was Asbestos Banned?
Asbestos is a toxic material that was commonly used in building insulation back in the 20th century. Eventually, the discovery that asbestos exposure was directly linked to lung cancer led to a nationwide partial ban in 1989. The ban prohibited five select uses of asbestos and any “new uses,” which was defined as “manufacturing, importation, or processing… initiated for the first time after August 25th, 1989.” (Source: epa.gov/asbestos)
However, it was never banned entirely, and just because asbestos is no longer used in a majority of manufacturing materials and products does not mean that it isn’t still on the market, or that it has been eliminated from old products, building structures, manufacturing plants, etc.
Asbestos was once regularly used across numerous industries, such as steel working, construction, and shipbuilding. This means that the number of people who could have been impacted by asbestos exposure, or will be, at one time or another is almost endless.
For many U.S. citizens and workers, asbestos exposure has caused or will result in Mesothelioma, an aggressive form of lung cancer. When this occurs, medical bills and treatment costs, loss of income, mobility, and other damages can leave victims and their families dealing with extremely heavy emotional and financial burdens.
Illinois Mesothelioma Lawyers – Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure?
Working with an Illinois asbestos attorney can help lay the groundwork for filing an asbestos injury claim. Receiving compensation from the company responsible for your exposure to asbestos won’t make your illness go away, but it can help you reach an adequate verdict or settlement that will cover medical expenses and other financial burdens so you can focus on your health and family.
Illinois Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma Cases
The statute of limitations for asbestos lung cancer lawsuits and other asbestos injury claims varies from state to state. In Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years from the date the victim was diagnosed with an illness caused by asbestos exposure, or should have known they had the disease in question.
In the event the victim passes away, the statute of limitations does not change, meaning that surviving family members can only file a wrongful death claim within that two year period from when the victim knew of their disease or should have known, and also knew that said disease was caused by asbestos exposure or products containing asbestos.
Contact The Crosby Law Firm for Asbestos Lawsuit Representation in Illinois
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact our personal injury lawyers in Rockford, IL today to schedule a free consultation. When you’re faced with a devastating injury after being exposed to asbestos, such as lung cancer, or you’ve lost a family member to such an illness, The Crosby Law Firm is here to help you sort through your legal options.
