In Joliet and across Will County, hard-working people are at risk every day from an invisible danger in asbestos. This toxic substance, used for decades in industries like construction, manufacturing, and energy production, continues to claim lives through mesothelioma and other devastating illnesses. At Throneberry Law Group, we have seen the suffering asbestos exposure causes for workers and their families. That is why we are dedicated to holding negligent companies accountable and getting justice for those harmed by this hazardous material. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we are here to help.
Major Asbestos Exposure Sites in Joliet
Many workplaces in the Joliet area have used asbestos heavily in the past, putting their employees at risk of inhaling dangerous fibers. Some notable exposure sites include:
- Joliet Iron Works and Steel Company: This massive 160-acre steel mill operated from the late 1800s until 2001. Asbestos was used extensively in the facility for insulation, fireproofing, and other purposes. Thousands of steelworkers were likely exposed over the decades.
- Caterpillar: The heavy equipment manufacturer has had a presence in Joliet since the 1950s. Their large factories used asbestos to insulate pipes, line brake pads, and in gaskets. Caterpillar workers continue to be diagnosed with asbestos diseases like mesothelioma today.
- Joliet Generating Station: Many power plants used asbestos in boilers, turbines, generators, and miles of pipe insulation. Mechanics and other personnel who constructed or maintained the generating station likely came in frequent contact with hazardous asbestos dust.
- Oil refineries: Texaco, Mobil, and other major oil companies operated refineries in the Joliet area that used large amounts of asbestos insulation. Refinery workers are at high risk for mesothelioma due to the prevalence of asbestos at these facilities.
Asbestos Products and Materials
In addition to these major exposure sites, asbestos could be found in all kinds of industrial and consumer products in Joliet, including:
- Construction materials like insulation, floor tiles, roofing, siding, joint compound, and cement
- Heat-resistant textiles like ironing board covers, fire blankets, and oven mitts
- Automotive parts like brake linings, clutch plates, and gaskets
- Fireproofing spray applied to steel beams and columns in large buildings
These products put a wide range of people at risk, from the factory workers who manufactured them to the tradespeople who worked with them every day like pipefitters, welders, mechanics, and construction laborers. Even teachers and office workers have developed mesothelioma from asbestos in the insulation and building materials in their workplaces.
Holding Companies Accountable for Asbestos Harm
At Throneberry Law Group, we believe there is no excuse for knowingly putting people in harm’s way. Our experienced Joliet mesothelioma attorneys work tirelessly to investigate our clients’ asbestos exposure and pinpoint the companies responsible. We have gone up against big corporations and their legal teams to secure much-deserved compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Throneberry Law Group today for a free consultation. Our compassionate lawyers are ready to listen to your story and fight for the justice you and your family deserve.
