Illinois Countertop Silicosis Lawsuit
Updated March 2026
Illinois At a Glance
- Statute of Limitations: 2 years
- SOL Type: Discovery rule applies
- Workers' Comp: Illinois workers' compensation does not prevent a product liability lawsuit against stone manufacturers, distributors, or retailers.
- State Bar: Illinois Bar Association →
- Major City: Chicago
- Major City: Aurora
- Major City: Joliet
Filing Deadline in Illinois
Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The Chicago metro area has a significant stone fabrication workforce. The discovery rule applies — the 2-year period may start from when a worker knew or should have known silicosis was connected to engineered stone exposure.
⚠️ Important: Many workers don't connect their lung disease to engineered stone until years after exposure. Under the discovery rule, your deadline may start from when you discovered the connection. Don't assume you've missed your window — consult an attorney.
Workers' Compensation & Your Lawsuit Rights in Illinois
Illinois workers' compensation does not prevent a product liability lawsuit against stone manufacturers, distributors, or retailers.
You can pursue both workers' compensation benefits and a product liability lawsuit against stone manufacturers simultaneously in most cases. An attorney can advise on coordination rules specific to Illinois.
Do You Qualify? — Illinois Stone Workers
To have a viable silicosis claim in Illinois, you generally need to show:
- You worked with engineered stone countertops — cutting, grinding, polishing, installing, or fabricating
- You have been diagnosed with silicosis, PMF, lung cancer, or another occupational lung disease — or have significant respiratory symptoms after fabrication work
- You were not adequately warned about silicosis risks or provided proper respiratory protection
- You are within Illinois's 2-year filing window (discovery rule may extend this)
Free Case Review — Illinois Residents
Find out in 2 minutes if you may qualify for a countertop silicosis claim. Free, confidential, no obligation. ¿Habla español? Podemos ayudarle.
Check My Eligibility → Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois
How long do I have to file a silicosis lawsuit in Illinois?+
Illinois product liability claims are evaluated under a 2-year limitations framework. However, the exact deadline depends on when your lung disease was diagnosed, when you connected your illness to engineered stone exposure, and applicable tolling rules. Many workers only recently learned the connection — the discovery rule may mean your deadline starts from your diagnosis date or date of knowledge.
Does Illinois use a discovery rule for silicosis claims?+
Illinois generally follows a discovery framework for product liability claims. Under the discovery rule, the limitations period starts when you knew or reasonably should have known your lung disease was connected to engineered stone exposure — not necessarily when you first developed symptoms.
Does workers' comp prevent me from suing stone manufacturers in Illinois?+
Illinois workers' compensation does not prevent a product liability lawsuit against stone manufacturers, distributors, or retailers.
Does my immigration status affect my silicosis claim in Illinois?+
No. Your immigration status does NOT affect your right to file a product liability lawsuit in Illinois. Product liability law protects all workers on US soil regardless of immigration status. Your personal status is protected and cannot be used as a defense by stone manufacturers.
Is there a cost to evaluate a silicosis claim in Illinois?+
No upfront cost. Attorneys handling countertop silicosis cases work on contingency — they only get paid if you receive compensation. The initial case evaluation is free and confidential.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Illinois's statute of limitations for product liability claims. It is not legal advice. Individual deadlines and eligibility depend on specific facts that only a licensed Illinois attorney can evaluate. Your immigration status does not affect your rights.