Manufacturing Worker Injured in Illinois?
Last updated: 2026 · Verified against Illinois DWC regulations
Reviewed by: David K. Warren, Esq.
Occupational Injury Attorney · IL Bar #6320145 · 11 yrs exp.
Last reviewed: January 2026 · Verified against state DWC regulations
Find out what your mesothelioma / asbestos disease claim is worth. Illinois workers typically receive $14,000–$100,000. Free, no-obligation assessment.
$14,000
Avg low
$100,000
Avg high
3 years
Deadline
Pre-filled for your situation — just add your wage & impairment info.
Tell us about your work
Your estimated weekly TTD benefit: $533/week
67%
of avg weekly wage (TTD)
$1,897
max weekly benefit
20%
typical attorney fee
3
filing deadline
Illinois Workers' Comp Law — Key Facts
Governing statute: Illinois Workers' Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305)
TTD rate: 67% of average weekly wage
Maximum weekly benefit: $1,897
Statute of limitations: 3 years from injury
Filing deadline: Report to employer within 45 days
Key features of Illinois's system:
- ✓ Percentage-of-person disability system (no scheduled loss)
- ✓ No cap on PPD weeks for non-scheduled injuries
- ✓ Petitioner can choose treating physician
Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) administers a system notable for its high impairment benefit multipliers — permanent disability is calculated as a percentage-of-person disability, with payments at 60% of average weekly wage for the applicable number of weeks. Illinois has no maximum number of weeks for non-scheduled injuries, which can result in very high PPD awards for significant impairments. Attorney contingency fees are capped at 20% of disputed amounts.
What to Expect with Mesothelioma / Asbestos Disease in Illinois
80%
Average impairment rating
$250,000
Average medical costs
Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer of the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Latency between first asbestos exposure and diagnosis typically ranges from 20 to 50 years, meaning workers diagnosed today were exposed in industrial settings decades ago. Mesothelioma workers' compensation claims intersect significantly with personal injury asbestos litigation, which historically has produced settlements and verdicts in the millions. Workers' comp provides medical benefits and wage replacement, but the tort system typically provides far greater compensation for pain and suffering. Many asbestos trust funds — created by bankrupt asbestos manufacturers — pay claims independently of workers' comp. Mesothelioma carries a median survival of 12–21 months, making prompt legal action critical.
Common treatments
- ✓ Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) or pleurectomy/decortication (P/D)
- ✓ Chemotherapy (pemetrexed + cisplatin)
- ✓ Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab)
- ✓ Radiation therapy
- ✓ Palliative care and pain management
- ✓ Clinical trial enrollment
Documentation needed
- ✓ Pathology report confirming mesothelioma diagnosis
- ✓ Asbestos exposure history (employment records, union records)
- ✓ Coworker affidavits identifying asbestos products
- ✓ Military service records (if shipyard or Navy exposure)
- ✓ Social Security earnings history
- ✓ Asbestos trust fund claim eligibility evidence
Frequently asked questions
How is mesothelioma / asbestos disease compensation calculated in Illinois?
In Illinois, your weekly benefit is 67% of your average weekly wage, capped at $1,897. Permanent disability is calculated based on your impairment rating.
What is the average mesothelioma / asbestos disease settlement in Illinois?
Illinois workers with mesothelioma / asbestos disease typically settle between $14,000 and $100,000, depending on impairment rating, treatment costs, and lost wages.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Illinois?
3 years from injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Contact a workers' comp attorney as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers' comp claim in Illinois?
You are not required to have an attorney, but representation significantly increases average settlement amounts. Most workers' comp attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win. Typical fees are 20% of settlement.
Other Illinois Workers' Comp Claims
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual compensation depends on the specific facts of your case, your state's workers' compensation laws, and the outcome of any proceedings. Always consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in your state.