Like many other industrialized cities in the United States, Chicago has a history of asbestos exposure. In Chicago, numerous employers in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and other industries exposed workers to asbestos-containing materials during the 20th century. This exposure often occurred when handling asbestos-containing products without proper safety precautions.
Workers, as well as their families, inhaled asbestos fibers, which led to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Companies knew for decades that asbestos exposure was dangerous, yet many failed to protect workers or warn them of the risks.
If doctors diagnosed you with mesothelioma, contact a Chicago asbestos lawyer from Vogelzang Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
Nicholas Vogelzang, the founder of Vogelzang Law, established the firm on a foundation of understanding the unique challenges of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
His father, Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, MD, FASCO, FACP, was a celebrated oncologist in Chicago. He pioneered the first life-extending treatment for mesothelioma, a groundbreaking combination of chemotherapy drugs pemetrexed and cisplatin. Before Dr. Vogelzang’s groundbreaking work, mesothelioma, an invariably fatal disease, had no treatment options.
Dr. Vogelzang also played a pivotal role as a founding board member of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. This foundation offers support, guidance, and funding for mesothelioma research, aiding patients and their caregivers.
Today, the firm actively supports the Meso Foundation and Gilda’s Club Chicago, the ALA Fight for Air Climb, and other groups that work for asbestos disease and mesothelioma awareness. Because asbestos disease is heavily connected to workplace exposure, Vogelzang Law also actively supports workers’ unions.
Our firm is devoted to helping people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families seek justice for their injuries and compensation to help ease their burden. In the past two decades, the Chicago asbestos lawyers at Vogelzang Law Firm have helped over 250 clients secure more than $250 million in verdicts and settlements.
Some of our case results include:
While we cannot guarantee a specific settlement amount, we will work hard to help you get the maximum compensation in your case. Contact our dedicated Chicago mesothelioma & asbestos attorneys at Vogelzang Law Firm for a free consultation about your Chicago asbestos case.
Vogelzang Law Firm has spent the past two decades litigating cases for clients harmed by exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen. Notably, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer are the three most common causes of death and disease among individuals with substantial asbestos exposure. Here is a closer look at some of the cases we handle.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the organs, called the mesothelium. It most commonly affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) but may also affect the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or the lining of the testicles (tunica vaginalis). Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma.
The risk of developing mesothelioma is closely linked to the extent and duration of asbestos exposure. Individuals exposed at a young age, over an extended period, and at higher levels are most susceptible to this cancer. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning there can be many years, even decades, between asbestos exposure and the development of disease.
Asbestos-related lung cancer is a type of lung cancer that is directly linked to exposure to asbestos fibers. It is distinct from other types of lung cancer and has specific characteristics associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos-related lung cancer can take different forms, including small-cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure.
The primary risk factor for asbestos-related lung cancer is a history of asbestos exposure, either in the workplace or through environmental exposure. Individuals with significant occupational exposure to asbestos, such as miners, construction workers, shipyard workers, and asbestos industry workers, are at higher risk. However, secondary exposure (exposure through contact with a primary worker) can also lead to asbestos-related lung cancer.
Asbestos-related lung cancer develops when a person inhales asbestos fibers, which can become lodged in the lung tissue. Over time, these fibers can cause changes in the cells of the lungs, leading to the development of cancer.
Like other asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer often has a long latency period. This means several decades can pass between initial asbestos exposure and lung cancer diagnosis.
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that develops due to prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. It is a non-cancerous respiratory condition primarily affecting the lungs’ proper function.
Asbestosis occurs when someone inhales asbestos fibers, which the lungs’ small air sacs (alveoli) trap. Over time, these fibers can inflame and scar (fibrosis) the lungs. Fibrosis makes it difficult for the lungs to expand and contract, leading to breathing difficulties. Asbestosis is a progressive disease, so it worsens with time.
Talcum powder is a common personal hygiene product, but asbestos has contaminated some talc products. Research also suggests talcum powder may increase the risk of mesothelioma when consumers inhale or ingest asbestos-containing powder.
Talc litigation picked up significantly in October 2019 when healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson recalled about 33,000 bottles of Johnson’s Baby Powder after testing revealed some samples of the powder contained asbestos. J&J faces thousands of lawsuits from consumers who allege the product caused them to develop ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. Both asbestos and talc are mined from the earth, and carcinogenic asbestos fibers can contaminate talc.
Vogelzang Law Firm is dedicated to helping all people harmed by asbestos exposure get the compensation they deserve.
An asbestos trust fund, also known as an asbestos compensation trust fund, is a legally established fund set up by companies that were in the production, manufacture, or distribution of asbestos-containing products. These trusts compensate individuals who develop asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis from exposure to asbestos products associated with these companies.
Many companies heavily involved in the asbestos industry filed for bankruptcy due to the overwhelming number of asbestos-related lawsuits and the substantial financial liabilities they faced. Bankruptcy filings allow these companies to establish trust funds to manage asbestos-related claims while protecting their remaining assets.
The compensation awarded from asbestos trust funds can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the asbestos-related disease, the claimant’s exposure history, and the specific trust’s funding level. Compensation amounts can range from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars.
It’s important to note that there are multiple asbestos trust funds established by different companies, and each trust fund may have its own eligibility criteria and procedures.
Individuals who believe they have asbestos-related illnesses or have lost loved ones due to asbestos exposure should consult an experienced Chicago asbestos lawyer to assess their eligibility for compensation and navigate the claims process effectively.
Filing a lawsuit holds the responsible parties accountable for their negligence or misconduct. Asbestos manufacturers and companies that used asbestos-containing products have known about the health risks associated with asbestos for decades but failed to adequately warn or protect workers and consumers.
Holding these parties accountable helps prevent future harm. Legal action can raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and encourage companies to take proper precautions when handling asbestos-containing materials.
Filing a lawsuit protects your legal rights and ensures that you have access to the legal system. It also provides a legal avenue for seeking justice and compensation. Pursuing a legal claim can provide peace of mind, knowing that you are taking action to address the consequences of asbestos exposure and provide a sense of closure and justice.
If you are considering filing an asbestos lawsuit, you should talk to an experienced asbestos lawyer from Vogelzang Law. We can determine if you have a case and can advise you on the best course of action.
The statute of limitations for filing an asbestos lawsuit in Chicago or the state of Illinois can vary depending on your case. You need a lawyer who knows the time limits associated with asbestos-related claims, as failing to file within the prescribed period can result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation.
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including asbestos-related claims, is typically two years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the asbestos-related illness. If a loved one has passed away due to an asbestos-related disease, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the individual’s death.
Illinois follows the discovery rule, which means that the statute of limitations begins to run when the person knew or should have known that their injury or illness was related to asbestos exposure. This rule considers that asbestos-related diseases often have long latency periods, and symptoms may not appear until many years after exposure.
Exceptions may apply to the statute of limitations based on specific circumstances, such as the type of asbestos-related disease, the age of the individual, and other factors. Consult an experienced asbestos attorney to determine the exact deadline for your case.
Illinois also has a statute of repose, which places an absolute time limit on filing personal injury claims. The statute of repose for asbestos-related claims in Illinois is generally 25 years from your last exposure to asbestos. This means that you may still have a valid claim even if doctors diagnosed you more than 25 years after your last exposure.
Given the complexity of asbestos-related cases and the varying time limits, consult an experienced asbestos attorney in Chicago as soon as possible if you believe you have an asbestos-related claim. Our lawyers can verify that you have a case and file your claim on time to protect your rights.
Vogelzang Law’s contingency fee agreement means you pay nothing to consult us about your case or file your lawsuit. We only collect legal fees if you receive compensation through a verdict or settlement.
Time is precious, especially for families dealing with asbestos-related diseases. Our asbestos lawyers work to settle cases quickly, but not so fast that you lose out on any of the money you need to pay for your damages.
