Today, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in favor of plaintiffs and protected an employee's right to bring a civil suit against his employer when a workers compensation remedy is unavailable. This decision in Martin v. Goodrich means that victims of asbestos exposure in Illinois will continue to have a right to pursue an action against their employers for causing their diseases, like mesothelioma.

In a 7-0 ruling in favor of plaintiffs, the Court found that the legislature's 2019 amendment allowing for a civil tort remedy did not violate Illinois' due process protections.

Original Post Written by Patricia Manson of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin

A Cook County jury on Thursday awarded $23 million to a woman who developed mesothelioma after handling asbestos-containing materials while working for the Chicago manufacturer Qualitex Co. The jury returned its verdict in favor of Cynthia Cowger in her lawsuit against Qualitex following a three-week trial. Cook County Circuit Judge Patrick J. Sherlock presided over the case. 

Our team at Cooney & Conway is eager to announce that twelve of our very own have been recognized for the 2021 Leading Lawyer Award! This award is only bestowed upon qualified top state lawyers who have been recognized by their peers for exemplary work. Less than 5% of any given state’s lawyers have received such a distinction.