For decades there were many companies that manufactured and used asbestos products despite knowing the health risks associated with breathing in asbestos fibers. Asbestos was seemingly an ideal material for many companies, as it was relatively cheap compared to other products, heat resistant, flexible, and had high tensile strength. The downside of using this material is that it is a carcinogen. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause various types of cancers and asbestos-related diseases. Many companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products and used asbestos throughout the company have been held accountable for negligently exposing their employees to asbestos.
It is important to note that if someone is exposed to asbestos, they do not typically experience symptoms of an asbestos-related disease until decades later, this is often referred to as a latency period. Recognizing the symptoms associated with an asbestos-related disease allows those who are experiencing these symptoms obtain a diagnosis earlier, usually allowing for more treatment options. Common symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Known Companies That Manufactured Asbestos Products
The most common source of asbestos exposure is occupational exposure often related to working daily with asbestos contaminated materials. Breathing in asbestos is cause for concern and can lead to developing an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma later in life.
Some of the known companies that manufactured asbestos products include:
- Johns Manville Corporation
- Foster Wheeler
- Aurora Pump Company
- Borg-Warner Inc.
- Owens Corning
Those who were at very high risk of being exposed to asbestos during the workday include:
- Construction Workers
- Electricians
- Power plant workers
- Shipyard workers
- Boiler workers
- Navy veterans
Negligently Exposing Employees to Asbestos
Many of the companies that manufactured asbestos products and negligently exposed employees to asbestos have faced retaliation for their actions. To avoid being sued countless times by those who were exposed to their products who later developed an asbestos-related disease, many of these manufacturers set money aside in an asbestos trust fund. These trust funds allow victims of asbestos-related diseases to file claims with the trust and receive compensation without filing a lawsuit and without any chance of going to court. There is currently $30 billion available in these trust funds for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to note that you have 2 years after your asbestos-related diagnosis to file a lawsuit.
Our experienced team is very knowledgeable about the companies that manufactured asbestos products and how these companies exposed workers to this hazardous material. We have helped hundreds of people who have been affected by the negligence of these companies receive their rightful compensation. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease, let us help you. We offer a multitude of free resources for those who have been affected by asbestos in Pennsylvania. For more information call us at (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or utilize our chat feature.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1742940/pdf/v080p00072.pdf
