WRG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust
Asbestos Trust Funds Claims and Mesothelioma
U.S Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts Funds have paid out nearly 21 billion to more than 600,000 asbestos claimants. There are about 60 active Asbestos Trust Funds with an estimated $32 billion in remaining assets.
Asbestos Settlement Trusts were established to help compensate workers and their families for asbestos exposure causing Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. When an Asbestos company establishes a Trust Fund all settlements are managed by trustees that decide the compensation amounts paid to Mesothelioma claimants. U. S. Courts allow Asbestos defendants to file for protection under a legal process known as bankruptcy reorganization. This allows the company to pay claims and stay in business.
Asbestos Trust Fund settlements typically do not come with an admission of guilt by the asbestos company that set up the trust.
Global Asbestos Disaster Study Estimates More than 39,000 USA Deaths Annually from Asbestos-Related Diseases.
Specifically, asbestos contributes to 34,270 lung cancer deaths, 3,161 mesothelioma deaths, 787 ovarian cancer deaths, 443 larynx cancer deaths and 613 chronic asbestosis death. Source: www.adao.us
WRG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust
Facts:
Founded: 1854
Head Quarters: Columbia, Maryland
Turn out: Various Construction Products as well as chemicals
Operating status: Still Currently Operating
Asbestos Trust: Yes
Trust began: 2014
Trust Amount: estimated $3 billion
Asbestos Trust Fund
W.R. Grace filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in 2001. Thirteen years later the company was able to create a reorganization plan and emerge from bankruptcy. They made the decision two make to trust funds. One is titled the WRG Asbestos PI Trust which handles personal injuries due to asbestos exposure. The other is titled the WRG Asbestos Property Damage Trust which is responsible for coving the costs of asbestos cleanup that Zonolite caused.
Currently, there is a successful claim payment percentage of 35%.
Asbestos Litigation
W.R. Grace began receiving lawsuits in the middle of the 1980s. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of individuals became ill after working as employees for W.R. Grace’s manufacturing and mining companies. After accumulating so many lawsuits the company was forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2001. Multiple other companies affiliated with them also filed for bankruptcy. Throughout filing for bankruptcy, the company had to settle claims for illegally dumping waste containing asbestos in facilities in Massachusetts and Montana. The company did not reemerge from bankruptcy until 2014. Multiple known cases include:
-2005 Several of the company’s top executives were charged by the U.S. government for neglecting to acknowledge and warn employees and residents of asbestos contamination in Libby —> the jury acquitted the defendants of all charges
-2008 The company had to pay over $50 million to cover claims and administrative costs having to do with liability. The same year the company had to pay for various cleanups that emerged during bankruptcy processes
-2008 W.R. Grace paid over $250 million to the EPA. They paid for cleanup costs for the damage they caused. Since then, the EPA has removed over 30,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and building materials.
-2008 Marcin Penn, who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos through W.R. Grace’s products sued the company. He was awarded $16.25 million.
-2009 800 Libby residents filed lawsuits against W.R. Grace
Occupational Exposure
Since products containing asbestos were highly prevalent in A.P. Greens Industries, many individuals, including workers and the general public, were put at risk. Since the company expanded quite quickly, there were multiple plants where individuals may have come into contact with asbestos materials. Some workers were exposed on a routine schedule, and due to effects have asbestos-related health complications. Various occupations that may have been affected include: miners, HVAC workers, farmers, contractors, chemical plant workers, insulation workers, painters, electricians, demolition workers, mill workers, construction workers, and cement layers.
History of Asbestos Use
William Russell Grace founded W.R. Grace Company in Peru in 1854. Throughout the 20th century, the company primarily focused on manufacturing insulation products. Their company excelled and was incredibly popular among the public. So much so that it was installed across the United States in millions of homes.
The company continued to expand into manufacturing for construction and started producing cement, paints, insulation, coating, and other various products. Throughout the years of the company, they were able to acquire multiple companies including David Chemical Company, Dewey & Almy Chemical Company, and Zonolite. In the early 1960s, the company purchased a mine in Montana.
When they acquired Zonolite in 1963 they began their involvement in mining and milling asbestos minerals. Zonolite was mined in Libby, Montana for the product, and in doing so contaminated the whole town with asbestos. W.R. Grace continued the mining operation for almost thirty years when they stopped in 1980.
Companies often add asbestos to products such as cement and roofing to achieve heat resistance. Asbestos is a group of minerals that contain fibers that stop heat, and companies are allowed to use the product as long as it doesn’t account for more than 1% of the product. W.R. Grace Company products were using asbestos in their products above the legal limit amount. Employees working were exposed to environments full of airborne asbestos fibers. When exposed to large amounts of the materials as they were, it can cause diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and cancers with serious long-term effects. Within the small town of Libby, 400 residents died from an asbestos-related disease, and 3,000 other individuals were diagnosed with the same related illnesses.
Unfortunately, W.R. Grace knew about the harm asbestos caused but chose not to tell their workers. When they acquired the mines in Libby they saw physical proof of what it could do. They witnessed X-rays that showed 130 workers developed lung disease, but they kept it quiet. They went as far as to do a study in an attempt to disprove that asbestos causes mesothelioma. In the 1980’s they began accumulating lawsuits related to asbestos exposure. Twenty years later, in the 2000s, they had hundreds of thousands of lawsuits.
Asbestos Products
W.R. Grace Ari-Zonolite Texture 1961-1964
W.R. Grace Econo-White 1956-1970
W.R. Grace Gun Coat Spray Surfacer
W.R. Grace Hi-Sorb Plaster
W.R. Grace High Temp Insulating Cement 1938-1970
W.R. Grace Perlcoustic
W.R. Grace Perltex Super 40 Perlite 1968-1974
W.R. Grace Perltex Super 40 Fog 1968-unknown
W.R. Grace Perltex Super 40 Polycoarse 1968-1973
W.R. Grace Perltex Super 40 Sav 1968-1974
W.R. Grace Prep Coat
W.R. Grace Spra-Wyt
W.R. Grace Vermiculite
W.R. Grace Versakote unknown-1973
W.R. Grace Z-Tex 1958-1962
W.R. Grace Zono-Coustic 1960-1973
W.R. Grace Zonolite Attic Insulation
W.R. Grace Zonolite Acoustical Plaster 1945-1972
W.R. Grace Zonolite Cement 1944-1952
W.R. Grace Zonolite Fireproofing
W.R. Grace Zonolite MK-1 Spray Insulation
W.R. Grace Zonolite MK-2 Spray Insulation
W.R. Grace Zonolite Mono-Kote 1958-1962
W.R. Grace Zonolite Mono-Kote Fireproofing
W.R. Grace Zonolite Spra-Insulation 1959-1973
W.R. Grace Zonolite Spra-Tex 1955-1972
W.R. Grace Zonolite Super 40 1968-1974
Have A Question About Asbestos Trust Funds?
Our Mesothelioma Patient Advocates can answer questions about trust funds, treatments, settlements and other types of Mesothelioma compensation.
Chat Now – Click Chat Banner to Start a Live Chat!
Call Now – Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline Number is 888.640.0914
How Do Mesothelioma Trust Funds Work?
Asbestos exposure victim’s diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can submit their claims to asbestos settlement trusts belonging to the bankrupt asbestos companies responsible for their illness. Surviving relatives of mesothelioma that have died from asbestos exposure are also eligible to submit claims to responsible asbestos trust funds.
After submitting a claim, asbestos trust funds decide whether to pay a claim. The decision to pay a claim is made separate from the company that created the trust fund.
Asbestos Trust Fund Information
- There are more than 65+ Asbestos Trust Funds set up by U. S. Courts.
- Asbestos bankruptcy reorganization can be a lengthy process that can span several years.
- Asbestos Trusts publish additional information about their Trust guidelines, qualifications and rules.
- Representatives of current and future Mesothelioma claimants must consent to any significant changes to these trusts.
- Since 1988, Asbestos trusts have paid out about $17.5 billion representing more than 3 million claims.
- Since 2011, Asbestos Trust Funds have combined assets of $36.8 billion.
- Since 2010, the average percentage paid per asbestos victim is 25 percent of a claim.
- Asbestos Trust Funds set Statutes of Limitations that only allow a certain amount of time to file an Asbestos claim.
- Mesothelioma Claimants can sometimes file both Asbestos Trust lawsuits and Asbestos claims.
- S. Courts must approve the amount that is set aside before the Asbestos company will be granted bankruptcy protection.
Evidence Required to File an Asbestos Trust Fund Claim
Diagnosis: Medical Documentation, including biopsy information, and pathology report, showing claimant is diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease.
Physician Statement: The victim must also provide medical documentation to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis, signed off by a doctor or mesothelioma specialist.
Exposure Evidence: Witness affidavits, employment records, company invoices linking a company product or facility to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
It is very important to contact a Mesothelioma lawyer soon after you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma. The only known cause of this Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a progressive disease, with a 10-50 year-latency period developing over years or even decades in many patients. Therefore, your statute of limitations does not begin with the time of exposure. Rather, it begins with your diagnosis that you have Mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you have legal rights. But you need to act quickly, because the statute of limitations in most states is 1-3 years.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
- Malignant Mesothelioma is commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 75 years old.
- There are 3000-3,500 malignant Mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year in the United States.
- 1 in 3 U. S. military veterans will develop an asbestos related disease in their lifetime.
WRG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust and Mesothelioma Claims
A person diagnosed with Mesothelioma may be entitled to recover compensation for the following:
Factors that May Affect the Value a Mesothelioma Case Include:
- Age, Gender, Location, and Work History
- History of Military Service
- Pain and Suffering
- Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred
- How Many Asbestos Products are involved with Your Exposure
There Are 4 Primary Types of Mesothelioma Claims:
Product Liability – Can be filed against companies that manufactured and distributed asbestos products.
Medical Malpractice – Can be filed against doctors or hospitals if they misdiagnose or delay your diagnosis of Mesothelioma.
Workers Compensation – Can be filed against an employer if you were exposed to asbestos while on the job.
Wrongful Death – Can be filed against asbestos manufacturers, asbestos distributors, or an employer of a product containing asbestos that directly caused a person’s death if their actions constituted gross negligence for a deceased worker s safety.
How a Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help
An experienced Mesothelioma lawyer will help you to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit to hold negligent asbestos manufacturers and asbestos companies accountable for the severe pain and suffering that comes with a Mesothelioma cancer diagnosis.
Military Veterans Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
Recent Mesothelioma Verdicts
- $4.6 Million Mesothelioma Settlement: For a union insulator that developed malignant Mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
- $10.2 Million Mesothelioma Verdict: For a Paper Mill worker suffering from pleural Mesothelioma.
- $8 Million Mesothelioma Award: For a man diagnosed with Mesothelioma.
- $1.2 Million Mesothelioma Settlement: For a 76-year-old carpenter that developed malignant Mesothelioma.
- $1.1 Million Veteran Mesothelioma Settlement: For a Navy veteran machinist that developed malignant Mesothelioma at age 71.
- $245,000 Asbestosis Settlement: For a Paper mill worker suffering from Asbestosis.
- $2.5 Million Mesothelioma Settlement: For a union pipefitter man who died from malignant Mesothelioma.
- $2.6 Million Shipyard Worker Mesothelioma Settlement: For the family of a 72-year old shipyard worker with Mesothelioma who suffered secondhand exposure.
- $5 Million Navy Veteran Mesothelioma Verdict: For a Navy Boilerman who developed Mesothelioma during his service.
- $1.8 Million Mesothelioma Settlement: For a carpenter that developed malignant Mesothelioma at age 68.
- $7.5 Million Mesothelioma Verdict: For a woman that developed peritoneal Mesothelioma from laundering her husband s work clothes.
TO GET HELP – Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline Number is 888.640.0914
Settlement Averages for Mesothelioma Lawsuits
The average verdict in a mesothelioma lawsuit is about $2.4 million, and the average settlement is between $1 million and $1.4 million according to Mealey’s Litigation Report.
Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma is rare form of cancer that affects lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, and major organs in the body. Mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum). There are about 3,000 new malignant Mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year in the U. S. If you are experiencing any Mesothelioma symptoms you should contact a doctor immediately.
Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with malignant Mesothelioma you are going to have a lot of questions about living with Mesothelioma and what legal options you have against asbestos manufacturers and asbestos companies for your asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a seriously deadly disease. According to the American Cancer Society with the average survival time for people with Mesothelioma is 4-18 months.
Mesothelioma Personal Injury Lawsuit
Can be filed by anyone after being diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer.
Can be Filed against companies responsible for a victim’s asbestos exposure.
A Mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit allows victim’s to receive compensation for pain, and suffering, lost wages, costly treatment, travel, and other and related costs.
Call TOLL FREE 888.640.0914 right now to talk with a live Mesothelioma Counselor that can answer many of your questions and give you the peace of mind that you need.
Family Member Died From Mesothelioma?
If you have a family member that has died from Mesothelioma cancer you should immediately consult with an experienced Mesothelioma diagnosis lawyer about what compensation may be available to you from asbestos trust funds that total more than 30 billion dollars.
Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Can be filed by surviving family members after the death of a loved one from mesothelioma cancer.
Can be Filed against asbestos companies responsible for a victim’s asbestos exposure causing death.
A Mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit allows victims to receive compensation for burial and funeral expenses, lost wages, loss of companionship, and other and related costs.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you file your Mesothelioma claim within your states Statute of Limitations.
We have seen many families lose their right to file a lawsuit because their Statute of Limitations had expired while they were grieving. We know it is a tough time to grieve the loss of a loved one, but please do not let your Statute of Limitations expire for filing your Mesothelioma lawsuit. In most states the Statute of Limitations is 2-3 years. Some states have 6-year Statute of Limitations.
Mesothelioma Latency Period
Mesothelioma has a long latency period of 10-50 years. Many Veterans, Shipyard Workers, Construction Workers, Power Plant Workers, Mill Workers, Steel Workers, Railroad Workers, Pipefitters, Insulators, Electricians, Carpenters, Welders, Auto Mechanics, Veterans, Factory Workers, and laborers are living in the early stages of a variety of asbestos related diseases. Many Mesothelioma lawyers will not accept asbestosis, asbestos lung cancer, pleural plaques, pleural thickening, colon cancer and esophageal cancer cases.
There is More Than 30 Billion Dollars Set Aside for Mesothelioma and Asbestos Victims in Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts
Need a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or an asbestos related disease, we can help you start a Mesothelioma lawsuit against asbestos companies responsible for your injuries. Our experienced nationwide Mesothelioma lawyers will come to you.
Call our Mesothelioma Toll Free Helpline at 888.640.0914 and get help today!
24 Hour Live Chat Available >>> See Chat button on right side of page.
We can usually tell within a few minutes whether we can help you, and if we cannot maybe direct you to someone who can. We are always accessible by phone, email and online chat.
We are always available to answer your questions with a phone call and will always keep you informed. We will do everything we can to ensure that you receive the highest compensation for your injuries.
If you have a legal question about a Mesothelioma lawsuit, you don t have to come into our office. Call us, and you will speak directly to a lawyer, and if a lawyer is not available, your call will be returned as quickly as possible.
Workers and Asbestos Containing Products
People that worked in shipyards, refineries, power plants, mills, factories, plants, salvage yards, engine rooms, installing brakes, gaskets, insulation, valves and pipes have a higher risk of developing an asbestos related disease in their lifetime.
How Second-Hand Asbestos Exposure Occurs
When asbestos is disturbed, broken apart, cut, decayed, or damaged, it releases tiny asbestos microscopic fibrous particles that can cling to hair and clothing. These asbestos fibers are easily transferred to others where they can accumulate in the lining of lungs that cause mesothelioma lung
Top 225+ Most Mentioned Asbestos Products in Lawsuits
24 Hour Call Back Guarantee!
Mesothelioma Settlement Lawsuits
Mesothelioma Settlement Attorneys
Fill out our free Mesothelioma case evaluation form and an experienced Mesothelioma lawyer will call you to immediately start processing your claim at no cost to you.