Wylder Corwin Kelly LLPWylder Corwin Kelly LLP2026-06-05T18:32:05Zhttps://www.wcklaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1104156/2019/01/cropped-site-identity-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP<![CDATA[Historic buildings may expose professionals to asbestos]]>https://www.wcklaw.com/?p=502832026-06-05T18:32:05Z2026-06-04T23:44:10ZHistoric buildings are often protected from demolition and appearance-altering upgrades. In many cases, these buildings contain design features and materials that are products of a bygone era.
Many such buildings contain asbestos, which was commonly used in everything from flame-retardant ceiling materials to insulation. While modern building codes and production standards acknowledge the dangers of asbestos, historical buildings erected before asbestos restrictions may contain materials that expose workers, including maintenance workers, government employees, and teachers, to this carcinogen.What options do workers have if they suspect there is asbestos present in the historic buildings where they work?
Check for a remediation plan
Generally speaking, organizations operating in buildings where there is asbestos present should have plans to contain or remediate the asbestos. In some cases, those plans become outdated and may no longer adequately ensure the safety of the people present in the building.Looking into any existingasbestos mitigation plan can help workers determine the next steps to take. They may need to contact those managerial or facility maintenance positions to inquire about updating the mitigation plan.
What if asbestos leads to illness?
Unfortunately, the failure to contain or remediate asbestos can have devastating medical consequences. Renovations or age-related wear may expose or break down materials that contain asbestos, exposing those in the building to this dangerous substance, and putting them at risk of illness. Workers exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma or lung cancer, along with other serious conditions.Those illnesses may require aggressive treatment that may interfere with the ability to work. Those sickened due to asbestos exposure in the workplace may have grounds for a compensation claim, especially if their employer or the building’s owner failed to maintain an updated asbestos mitigation plan.Reviewing the information about asbestos in a building, and any medical consequences that asbestos can cause, can help workers understand their rights. Those sickened due to the presence of asbestos in historic buildings have legal rights. A conversation with an attorney can help people understand and make use of those rights.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP<![CDATA[Profound impacts of mesothelioma on a family’s finances]]>https://www.wcklaw.com/?p=502802026-05-27T15:51:41Z2026-05-27T15:51:41ZPeople diagnosed with mesothelioma often feel understandably anxious about the future. This devastating form of cancer has an abysmally low five-year survival rate. Mesothelioma does not respond to most traditional forms of cancer treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy.
The person diagnosed with mesothelioma may worry about the long-term financial impact their condition could have on their loved ones. Seeking financial compensation after a mesothelioma diagnosis is a way to protect a family from the long-term economic impacts that mesothelioma could have on everyone in the household.
Why is mesothelioma expensive?
Obviously, treatment costs for mesothelioma can be an immediate source of financial stress. The best treatment options involve cutting-edge drugs and procedures, such as immunotherapy treatments that insurance may not yet fully cover. However, care costs are just one of several financial concerns.The need for in-home support while a person undergoes treatment for mesothelioma or receives palliative care in their last month can be far more costly than people realize. Home health aides can help administer medication or perform daily tasks, such as cleaning and personal hygiene responsibilities, that people may struggle to manage on their own.Home health aides without any certificationcost an average of $33 per hour in 2025, and those with more skills who provide medical services can cost substantially more than that. Those costs can add up to thousands of dollars per month for the rest of the mesothelioma patient's life.
The Hidden Costs of Care and Lost Wages
Then there are their lost wages to consider. Blue-collar employees exposed to asbestos in the workplace might command competitive wages. Their family members lose out on their wages and also the benefits they may have provided, including health insurance coverage.The family may struggle to absorb those expenses while simultaneously dealing with the distress of a loved one’s illness. Thankfully, compensation is likely available. Professionals exposed to asbestos in the workplace or consumers exposed through contaminated products may have grounds to file a lawsuit or make a claim against an asbestos trust established by a business.Reviewing one’s mesothelioma diagnosis and likely sources of prior asbestos exposure with a skilled legal team could help those with mesothelioma minimize the impact their illness has on their loved ones. Appropriate compensation can cover treatment costs, replace lost income and help families absorb the long-term financial impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP<![CDATA[Why silica dust may become the next asbestos for industrial workers]]>https://www.wcklaw.com/?p=502782026-05-20T14:53:41Z2026-05-16T19:52:36ZSilicosis cases are on the rise
Decades ago, silicosis was a relatively rare industrial illness. However, that has changed in recent years. The rates of silicosis among stonecutters and other industrial professionals began climbing after companies started importing engineered stone, initially patented in Italy in 1975.
Since then, the rates of industrial workers diagnosed with silicosis have risen dramatically, especially among Hispanic workers at smaller businesses that custom-cut countertops in Illinois. Synthetic or manufactured stone is now commonplace in construction, especially for prestige countertops. Professionals who cut manufactured stone are among those most at risk of developing silicosis.
For many workers, the long latency period after silica dust exposure gives them a false sense of safety. They assume that because they have gone years without developing symptoms, they are safe. Unfortunately, workers may fall ill many years after they ceased working with manufactured stone or other natural products that may produce silica dust during cutting or processing.
Those with chronic silicosis may only show symptoms after 10-30 years have passed, while accelerated silicosis may become noticeable a decade after exposure. Professionals who have worked in fracking, construction, custom countertops or stone cutting may need to advise their health care providers of their prior workplace exposure to ensure proper medical oversight. An early diagnosis can give a worker better control over their long-term prognosis.
They also then have an opportunity to request compensation from their employers to expose them to silica dust. Discussing a recent diagnosis with a silica dust and silicosis attorney can help industrial and construction workers cover the cost of their medical care and recoup lost income.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP<![CDATA[The dangers of asbestos exposure in older schools]]>https://www.wcklaw.com/?p=502642026-03-19T21:54:35Z2026-03-24T15:30:07ZMany educational buildings across Illinois still contain materials that pose serious health risks to those inside. For decades, builders favored asbestos because it resisted heat and provided excellent insulation.
While these materials are generally safe when they remain intact, they become hazardous once they age or sustain damage. In many older schools, decades of wear and tear have caused these materials to deteriorate.
The use of asbestos in schools
The use of this mineral in educational infrastructure was widespread due to its affordability and durability. Construction projects between the 1940s and the late 1970s relied heavily on these materials to meet fire safety codes. Architects integrated asbestos into the very bones of school buildings, from pipe insulation to ceiling tiles. Because these materials are often hidden behind walls or above drop ceilings, they can remain present for generations.
The risk of exposure for school workers
School workers face the highest risk of inhaling dangerous fibers during their daily routines. Maintenance crews and janitors often disturb asbestos while repairing leaking pipes or replacing damaged ceiling tiles. Even teachers and former students encounter risks if crumbling insulation in classrooms goes unaddressed. Once a person inhales these fibers, the particles can become trapped in the lungs for life. Over time, this exposure can lead to severe illnesses like lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Challenges of filing a claim against institutions
Filing a legal claim for asbestos exposure can be a challenge when dealing with public or private institutions. Public schools are covered by immunity laws that protect them from liability in specific circumstances.Additionally, proving exactly when the exposure occurred requires the analysis of maintenance logs that may be decades old. These complexities require a thorough investigation to determine which party bears the legal responsibility.
Prioritize worker safety in schools
Schools have a basic duty to fix dangerous problems like asbestos as soon as they find them. When an institution fails to do this, holding responsible parties accountable is crucial to ensure that sick workers get the justice they deserve.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP<![CDATA[Asbestos exposure in Illinois factories]]>https://www.wcklaw.com/?p=502662026-03-19T21:53:15Z2026-03-19T21:53:15ZBloomington played a central role in the history of industrial asbestos exposure in Illinois. The Union Asbestos And Rubber Company (UNARCO) operated for decades, producing asbestos-based insulation. This facility left a lasting mark on the local community because the production process released massive amounts of dust.
Many workers and their families suffered because the dangerous fibers traveled home on clothing and hair. The legacy of this industrial site continues to affect generations of families in Illinois, as health issues often appear long after the factory doors closed.
What are the risks?
Manufacturing plants in Bloomington and the surrounding areas relied heavily on asbestos for its fireproofing and insulating properties. Workers in these plants handled the mineral in many forms, such as pipe covers and machine parts.
In Illinois factories, these materials often became dry and turned into a fine dust. People breathed this dust into their lungs during every shift.
The danger affected everyone in the building, including maintenance workers and office staff who used the same air vents. Because these fibers stay inside the body, it caused serious health problems for the employees.
The importance of a detailed work history
Former workers need to gather specific information to support any future health claims. A clear record of employment helps identify when and where the exposure occurred. Keeping copies of old tax returns or Social Security records confirms the dates of employment at specific industrial sites. Creating a list of coworkers who can verify the working conditions is also a vital step. Documenting the specific tasks performed, such as handling insulation or cleaning machinery, provides necessary evidence of how a person encountered hazardous dust.
Take legal action to protect former industrial workers
Taking legal action is a powerful way to make companies pay for the harm they caused. When a business ignores safety, a legal claim makes sure the company pays for the bills. Most importantly, it helps those injured get the money they need to take care of themselves and their families.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP<![CDATA[Veterans and asbestos: Guidance for navy shipmen]]>https://www.wcklaw.com/?p=502602026-03-13T21:57:01Z2026-03-16T15:15:32Z of veterans encountered asbestos during shipboard operations and shipyard overhauls. Navy vessels relied on asbestos in many materials including insulation, gaskets, packing, cement, valves, pumps, boilers, turbines, brakes, clutches and electrical components. Any action that disturbed these products led to microscopic fibers that became airborne. Inhalation of these small particles was and still is very dangerous as it can lead to an increased risk of mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. One of the most frustrating things about exposure is the fact that it can take decades before one realizes they inhaled these dangerous particles. For those who are concerned or recently diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, the following will provide guidance on next steps.
Why Navy mechanics and pipefitters faced elevated risk
Navy mechanics and pipefitters worked in tight spaces with poor ventilation, frequent heat and continuous vibration. Maintenance cycles required active work like cutting, grinding, scraping and wire brushing which could generate heavy visible dust and sustained periods of inhalation. Examples of common high-risk tasks often included:
Removing old pipe insulation during repairs, lagging, re-lagging
Replacing flange gaskets, valve packing, pump packing on steam systems
These tasks were often completed multiple times throughout one’s military career.
Civil claims against manufacturers, not the military
Most compensation litigation targets manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing products, not the Navy or the shipyard as a federal employer. The steps for veterans to pursue a civil claim against the manufacturers and suppliers typically include the following:
Confirm diagnosis: collect pathology, imaging, treating physician records
Resolution: settlements, trust payments, trial verdicts in limited cases
Prompt filing is important. Statutes of limitation usually run from diagnosis, not exposure. In Illinois, the deadline is generally two years after diagnosis.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP<![CDATA[Asbestos in homes: What to know before renovation or removal]]>https://www.wcklaw.com/?p=502532026-03-10T20:43:41Z2026-03-12T15:15:46ZRecognizing risk and identifying asbestos before renovation
Older homes often contain materials placed many years ago. Some of those products may contain asbestos. Renovation tasks such as drilling, sanding or removing insulation may disturb these materials.
You may want to review places where asbestos may appear. Examples may include pipe insulation, vinyl floor tiles, textured ceilings or cement siding.
Sight alone rarely confirms asbestos. Lab tests often give clearer answers. Also, a licensed inspector can collect small samples and arrange testing.
Results may help you decide whether renovation may move forward or whether removal may help limit asbestos exposure concerns. Early testing may also help prevent delays once construction begins.
Handling asbestos safely after testing confirms its presence
If testing identifies asbestos, you may want to avoid disturbing it. Illinois rules often require licensed contractors to handle asbestos removal. State and federal rules may also apply to renovation work that disturbs regulated asbestos materials. A cautious plan may include steps such as:
Hiring a licensed asbestos abatement contractor
Sealing the work area before disturbing suspect materials
Keeping materials wet during removal work
Placing debris in sealed, labeled containers
Transporting waste to an approved disposal site
Some projects may also require advance notice to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency before regulated asbestos work begins.
Points to consider before starting demolition work
Before demolition begins, you may want to review older materials in the work area. If flooring, insulation or ceiling coatings appear aged, asbestos testing may help clarify potential risk.
If tests confirm asbestos, you may want to avoid disturbing the material and discuss removal and disposal steps with a licensed contractor. Early planning may help you continue the renovation with fewer unexpected issues.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP<![CDATA[Asbestos exposure and legal rights: A guide for family members]]>https://www.wcklaw.com/?p=502492026-03-10T20:41:46Z2026-03-10T20:41:46ZUnderstanding Illinois asbestos legal rights
Illinois law allows certain claims tied to asbestos exposure in some situations. You may hear about personal injury claims after a diagnosis or wrongful death claims after a loss.
In many cases, you may need to file a personal injury claim within about two years from diagnosis or from learning that asbestos may be linked to the illness. A wrongful death claim may follow a similar two-year period that often starts after death. Illinois uses a discovery rule, which means the filing period may begin when someone learns that asbestos may have caused the illness.
Preserving medical and exposure evidence
A good organization can support later review. You may begin by collecting the following key information and keeping copies together for your loved one:
Medical records confirming diagnosis and treatment
Employment history listing job sites or duties
Product or workplace details indicating possible exposure
Insurance statements or bills reflecting costs
These records may help you track when exposure may have happened. They may also help you identify when symptoms appeared or when treatment began.
Seeking counsel and preparing for claims
Speaking with a legal professional about a possible asbestos exposure claim may help you understand filing deadlines, identify possible exposure sources and avoid missing key records tied to your loved one’s history. Legal guidance may also help you decide which documents to gather before filing and what questions to raise during early discussions.
Factors to review as new information develops
Supporting a loved one through an asbestos-related illness can bring new responsibilities along with uncertainty. As you move forward, you may choose to keep track of new medical updates, note any questions about past exposure and decide when a legal review feels useful for your situation. Taking time to understand each new piece of information as it comes may help you stay prepared while you support your loved one through changing circumstances.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP<![CDATA[Can you get sick from secondary asbestos exposure?]]>https://www.wcklaw.com/?p=502132026-02-05T22:44:49Z2026-02-05T22:44:49ZHow does secondary asbestos exposure happen?
Secondary asbestos exposure typically happens when workers unknowingly carry asbestos fibers away from the job site. Workers can transfer these fibers through:
Clothing: Asbestos fibers can embed in work clothes, which, when worn home, can release fibers into the household environment.
Hair and skin: Fibers can adhere to a worker's hair and skin, transferring to surfaces and people.
Personal items: Tools, bags, and other items used at work can harbor asbestos fibers, further spreading contamination.
The danger lies in the microscopic nature of asbestos fibers, which, if inhaled by family members, can cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
How can I prevent secondary asbestos exposure?
Preventing secondary exposure requires proactive measures both at the workplace and at home. It is important for employers to educate workers on these dangers, implement decontamination protocols, and provide facilities for workers to change clothes and shower before leaving the job site. Workers can also reduce the risk of secondary exposure by wearing disposable or specially designed protective clothing to prevent fibers from clinging to their everyday attire.
By taking these precautions, workers and employers can significantly reduce the risk of secondary asbestos exposure, safeguarding the health of workers' families.
What legal remedies are available if someone becomes ill from secondary asbestos exposure?
If secondary asbestos exposure leads to a serious illness, victims may have a legal claim to compensation through one of the following:
Filing a lawsuit: Victims can take legal action against employers or manufacturers responsible for asbestos exposure.
Seeking settlements: Many companies offer settlements to avoid lengthy court proceedings, providing financial relief to affected families.
Legal recourse can help cover medical expenses and provide support for those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. Those who find themselves in this situation are wise to consult with legal counsel with experience in this type of case to help better ensure the protection of their legal rights and remedies.]]>On Behalf of Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP<![CDATA[Debunking myths: smoking history and asbestos exposure claims]]>https://www.wcklaw.com/?p=502022025-04-07T15:04:19Z2025-04-07T15:04:19ZWhat should I know about asbestos exposure cases?
Despite a history of smoking, the legal rights of individuals exposed to asbestos remain intact due to several key legal principles:
Contributory negligence: While smoking may contribute to disease, it does not absolve responsible parties from their liability for asbestos exposure.
Compensable disease: Legal systems recognize these diseases as compensable, regardless of other health factors.
These principles help to better ensure that victims of asbestos exposures can seek justice, regardless of their smoking history.
Why should past smokers with asbestos-related diseases consider legal recourse?
The presence of a smoking history should not deter asbestos exposure victims from seeking legal help for several reasons. Medical experts can help distinguish the impacts of asbestos exposure from those of smoking and professionals can calculate compensation based on the extent of harm caused specifically by asbestos. It is also important to note that the courts have ruled in numerous cases in favor of plaintiffs who were smokers, further highlighting the fact that you can find success with these cases regardless of smoking history.
The misconception that smoking history negates the validity of an asbestos exposure claim is not only false but also harmful, as it may prevent victims from seeking the compensation they rightfully deserve. Courts have awarded both smokers and non-smokers settlements in asbestos-related cases, proving that legal avenues exist to address the harm caused by asbestos exposure. Remember, the law is designed to protect all victims of asbestos exposure and to hold accountable those responsible for the harm caused.]]>