Close

Joliet Mesothelioma Attorneys

In 2021, a new Will County courthouse was finally completed leaving the former downtown courthouse in Joliet empty. Not too many people were sorry to see the weird concrete building shut down, but a group of preservationists fought to have the building survive.

2019 Vote

In a 2019 vote, the Will County Board unanimously agreed to demolish the building. At that time, some advocates of building preservation argued that there would be asbestos issues if the building were demolished. Asbestos remediation is often expensive.

2023 Update

Just recently, the old Will County Courthouse escaped demolition by just one vote as the board agreed to go forward with a redevelopment proposal. The vote was not a carte-blanche stamp of approval to let the building stand, but it did not move the Joliet-based building another step away from a very dusty demolition.

$200,000 Already Spent

The county had already spent over $200,000 in engineering expenses as it began the demolition process. The county’s 2023 budget estimated that another $2.5 million would need to be spent to properly demolish the building and then clean up the hazardous site.

Historic Landmark Status

The Joliet Historic Preservation Commission also became involved in the process as it continued holding hearings regarding the building’s possible landmark status. While the hearing process continues, no demolition can occur.

Asbestos Issues Either Way

Whether the old Will County Courthouse will be redeveloped or ultimately demolished, asbestos issues will come to the forefront of any discussion regarding the building’s future.

Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a requirement called National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Asbestos. According to the EPA, “There are specific federal regulatory requirements that require the identification of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in many of the…buildings that are being demolished or renovated by a municipality.” And, “The NESHAP for asbestos apply to most demolition projects conducted by municipalities, counties and land banks.”

Site Inspections

Thorough site inspections are required as buildings scheduled for demolition need to have possible problem areas identified, and plans need to be made to remediate the effects of the release of asbestos fibers called “fibrils.”

Asbestos Danger

Inhalation and/or ingestion of harmful asbestos fibrils can result in fatal conditions like:

  • Lung cancer.
  • GI Tract cancers.
  • Lung tissue scarring.

Asbestos was commonly used in building construction up until the 1980s. Since asbestos is a great insulator and has significant fire retardant properties, it was a go-to construction material.

If asbestos is left in place--in wrapped and not broken pipe insulation, for example--there is no reason to abate it. Also, if asbestos is suspected under a tile floor, it can be left alone. Imagine, however, the amount of asbestos fibrils that could be released during a building demolition, and you will understand the EPA requirements.

Joliet Asbestos Exposure Sites
  • American Cyanamid
  • Amoco
  • Cargill
  • Joliet Arsenal
  • Mobil Oil
  • New Brunswick Building
  • Olin
  • Parsons Co.
  • Universal Oil
  • Joppa
Get Legal Help from a Qualified Joliet Mesothelioma Attorney

You or a loved one might have been exposed to asbestos fibrils. The exposure could have happened at work, or even at home since asbestos lurks in many areas. If you or a relative thinks they have been exposed to asbestos anywhere in Joliet whether the location is public or private, you need to contact a qualified Joliet Mesothelioma Attorney like the Throneberry Law Group. The Throneberry Law Group provides aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Call the experienced attorneys today at (888) 506-1131, or visit them online for 24/7 assistance.


Practice Areas
Client Reviews
★★★★★
You are the reason my mother was able to cope with losing a loved one. You and your staff are always helpful and go above and beyond to help. You have been great to my family and especially my mother. My mother would always come out of your office with a peace of mind. R.S.
★★★★★
We are so appreciative of the results Michael Throneberry got for us! Michael Throneberry and the attorneys we worked with were focused on our peace of mind and seemed to care for my family and me as if we were family. They truly get it. We were thrilled with the result and would recommend this firm to anyone. M.S.
★★★★★
During one of my family's darkest and trying times, Michael Throneberry was there to provide help. His personal experience with mesothelioma made certain that he advised us like family. Thank you, you are wonderful. Do yourself a favor and let him help you during this trying time. He is a true 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. T.S.
★★★★★
Michael Throneberry gave me a whole new outlook on attorneys'! A very caring person who was more concerned with my health than a case. Truly unexpected! He explained possible conditions in english and even found the right doctors in my area. Prepared me for the right questions to ask the doctors so that I can understand my illness better. A great person and a great human being! Thank you. Greg
Contact Us
Live Chat