Hoffman Measure to Ensure Justice for Sick Workers Signed by Governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing his efforts to protect the rights of working families across Illinois, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, recently passed legislation to expand workers’ access to the legal system in cases involving workplace illnesses that occur over extended periods of time.

“Previously, workers that faced dangerous conditions like exposure to asbestos may not have had access to workers’ compensation, since illnesses like mesothelioma may not manifest until decades after their first exposure,” said Hoffman. “This new law will help ensure that workers that have gone to work in dangerous conditions receive justice and adequate compensation.”

Serving on the Illinois House Labor and Commerce Committee, Hoffman has made the advancement of workers’ rights in Illinois a top priority. Hoffman passed Senate Bill 1596 in response to a 2015 Illinois Supreme Court case involving the declining health and eventual death of an individual who was exposed to asbestos during their employment. Although the court did not dispute the employer’s negligence as it contributed to the plaintiff’s death, it cited statute of limitations standards set forth in existing law that require legal action to be taken within specific time constraints which were not met in the case.

Hoffman’s measure, which was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, will address the statute of limitations provision in current law, which the Supreme Court held was the basis that prevented the plaintiff from receiving financial compensation following this case.

“Illinois workers deserve protection from employer negligence and wrongdoing in the workplace,” Hoffman said. “I commend the governor for signing this legislation into law, ensuring that workers who find themselves sick after working in dangerous conditions receive the justice they deserve.”

For more information, please call Rep. Hoffman’s constituent service office at 618-416-7407 or email RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.