Brian Joseph Cooke is a shareholder at Simmons Hanly Conroy in Alton, Illinois, and has devoted his legal career exclusively to representing mesothelioma and asbestos cancer victims. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours — including a year in Baghdad as legal adviser to the Iraqi Ministry of Justice — Cooke brings extraordinary discipline and advocacy to every case. Recognized as a Super Lawyer from 2016 through 2025 and recipient of the 2011 Spirit of Justice Award from the St. Louis Bar Association, he is licensed in both Illinois and Missouri and comes from a family of judges and veterans committed to justice.
Why Work With Brian?
26+ YearsMesothelioma experience
Free ConsultationNo obligation to hire
No Upfront FeesContingency — no fee unless we win
Statewide CoverageServing all of Illinois
Experience & Credentials
Years in Practice26 yrs Senior Expert
Client Rating5.0 / 5.0 (10 reviews)
Mesothelioma
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos Cancer
Veterans Claims
Illinois Mesothelioma Lawsuit Information
Statute of Limitations2 years from diagnosis or discovery date
Wrongful Death Deadline2 years from date of death
Filing LocationIllinois Circuit Court (county of exposure or residence)
Average Settlement$1.1M–$1.4M (varies by case factors)
Illinois allows mesothelioma victims to file personal injury lawsuits against responsible asbestos manufacturers. Many victims also receive compensation from multiple asbestos bankruptcy trust funds. Learn more about settlements →
Office Locations
1 Court Street, Alton, IL 62002-6267
255 Alhambra Circle, Suite 320, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Frequently Asked Questions
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for mesothelioma personal injury claims is 2 years from diagnosis or discovery date. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is 2 years from date of death. Acting quickly is important — evidence and witness availability can diminish over time. Brian offers free consultations to help you understand your timeline.
Brian Joseph Cooke works on a contingency fee basis — Contingency — no fee unless we win. This means you pay nothing out of pocket to get started. Legal fees are only collected if your case is resolved successfully through a settlement or verdict.
Brian Joseph Cooke handles cases involving Mesothelioma, Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Cancer, Veterans Claims. Brian Joseph Cooke is a shareholder at Simmons Hanly Conroy in Alton, Illinois, and has devoted his legal career exclusively to representing mesothelioma and asbestos cancer victims. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours — including a year in Baghdad as legal adviser to the Iraqi Ministry of Justice — Cooke brings extraordinary discipline and advocacy to every case. Recognized as a Super Lawyer from 2016 through 2025 and recipient of the 2011 Spirit of Justice Award from the St. Louis Bar Association, he is licensed in both Illinois and Missouri and comes from a family of judges and veterans committed to justice.
Mesothelioma lawsuits in Illinois are typically filed in the Illinois Circuit Court (county of exposure or residence). Brian can advise on the best venue for your specific circumstances based on where the asbestos exposure occurred.
Average mesothelioma settlements in Illinois range from $1.1M–$1.4M (varies by case factors). The actual value of your case depends on factors such as the extent of asbestos exposure, the severity of your diagnosis, the number of liable parties, and available bankruptcy trust fund claims. Brian can provide a case-specific evaluation at no cost.
Ready to Speak With Brian?
Free consultations available. No upfront fees — contingency only. Get the help you deserve today.
