Pritzker signs bill to help workers exposed to toxic substances

Illinois workers exposed to diseases from toxic substances while employed can now take matters to court.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed

​ into action Friday, lifting a 25-year statute of limitation on such claims. It intends to help people diagnosed with latent diseases after exposure to toxic substances in the workplace, which could include asbestos and radiation.

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. The new law protects victims’ access to justice beyond that time limit.

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