Illinois Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Regarding Workers Exposed to Toxic Substances

Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB 1596 today, allowing workers who have been exposed to toxic substances pursue justice in Illinois courts.

The new law lifts the 25-year statute of limitation on claims for people diagnosed with latent diseases after exposure to toxic substances (such as asbestos, radiation, beryllium) in the workplace.

In some cases, the 25-year limit imposed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act is shorter than the medically-recognized time period in which some diseases generally manifest. SB 1596 protects victims’ access to justice beyond that time limit.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. and Representative Jay Hoffman, and it takes effect immediately.

‍