From the 1920s to the 1980s, the Celotex Corporation manufactured insulation and construction materials containing asbestos. The growing pressure of asbestos litigation, however, forced Celotex to file for bankruptcy in 1990.
Asbestos Use at Celotex Corporation
For many years, asbestos was used in countless products manufactured by Celotex corporation including corrugated sheets, firefoil board and panel, roofing, siding, and thermalite. Products containing asbestos that were manufactured by Celotex found usage in both commercial and industrial environments. At its height of operation, Celotex had 26 plants operating throughout the country.
Workers at Celotex who handled or installed asbestos-containing products are at an elevated risk of facing asbestos-associated medical conditions when compared to other workers. Some of the positions at Celotex known to have handled asbestos-filled materials include boiler workers, construction workers, electricians, painters, pipefitters, and roofers.
The Establishment of the Celotex Asbestos Settlement Trust
Celotex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1990. Several years later, in 1996, the company’s reorganization plan was approved by bankruptcy court. This plan included the creation of the Celotex Asbestos Settlement Trust. Celox was subsequently relieved of its current and future obligations. Celotex’s trust was ultimately founded in 1998. The Celotex trust pays 7.7 of the funds that are requested.
Asbestos Litigation
Celotex has been involved in countless lawsuits initiated by workers who were exposed to asbestos while on the job and later diagnosed with mesothelioma or associated asbestos-associated medical conditions. Some of the asbestos lawsuits in which Celotex has been involved include:
- In 1980, a widow sued fifteen asbestos distributors and manufacturers including Celotex based on the argument that the woman’s deceased husband who passed away in 1979 died as a result of exposure to asbestos. The federal district court found that the woman lacked evidence to show that she could prevail at trial on the basis of a preponderance of the evidence. The Supreme Court of the United States ultimately reviewed the case and held that a party moving for summary judgment needs to only show that the opposing party lacks evidence sufficient to support its case.
- In 1989, a jury awarded $588,000 to a deceased worker’s estate. For almost 50 years, the worker had operated as an asbestos insulation contractor and distributor. After the man passed away, his widow initiated legal action against Celotex.
- Two workers initiated legal action against Celotex and 12 other manufacturers based on the argument that the workers had been exposed to asbestos due to work with products manufactured by these companies. The court in this case found Celotex 30% responsible for the total damage and awarded the workers $125,000.
Contact an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer
If you are one of countless workers who the Celotex Corporation exposed to asbestos-containing products, you are at increased odds of facing an asbestos-related illness. Contact the Throneberry Law Group today so an experienced attorney can begin to help you pursue the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today by calling (888) 506-1131 or schedule a free case evaluation online.
