Georgia-Pacific Corporation was established in the 1920s as a wholesaler of hardwood lumber. The company manufactured asbestos-containing materials until the end of the 1970s. Even though the company no longer produces asbestos-containing materials, it still faces various lawsuits as a result of the asbestos exposure of those who manufactured and used its products.
The History of Georgia Pacific’s Asbestos Usage
Georgia-Pacific first functioned as a wholesaler of lumbers in the late 1920s. By the end of the 1940s, the company expanded its operations to the west coast where it operated plywood mills as sawmills throughout the country. Georgia-Pacific widened into the paper and pulp industry at the end of the 1950s and acquired various companies that relied on asbestos in their products for the material’s heat-resistant qualities.
These various acquisitions occurred as asbestos was coming close to its peak usage. As a result, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries manufactured various asbestos-containing products. Asbestos-containing products including wallboard, drywall adhesive and plaster were made by the company up until the 1970s. Joint compound was the most common type of material known to contain asbestos manufactured by Georgia-Pacific. The compound is routinely applied to drywall in layers and later sanded after drying to smooth its surface. As a result of the company’s use of the product, countless individuals were exposed to asbestos.
During the years of asbestos usage at Georgia-Pacific, the dangers of asbestos were not yet known by workers or consumers of the company. The company also faced legal notoriety following its use of asbestos products at the end of the 1970s. The company attempted to distort scientific studies with false claims about the dangers presented by asbestos exposure. In 2005, Georgia Pacific was accused of compensating 18 scientists over $6 million to recreate both joint compounds and perform studies to falsify the danger of products that contained asbestos. Even though the company attempted to disprove the danger of asbestos, they continued to face lawsuits regarding people’s exposure to their dangerous products.
Thousands of workers and consumers ended up developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-associated illnesses due to exposure to their products. Georgia-Pacific Corporation was established in the 1920s as a manufacturer of hardwood, the company continued to manufacture asbestos-containing products until the late 1970s. Even though the company no longer manufactures asbestos, it still faces various lawsuits as a result of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Litigation Involving Georgia Pacific
Georgia-Pacific has been involved in thousands of asbestos exposure lawsuits involving asbestos-containing products manufactured by the company. Georgia Pacific is reported to have faced as many as 300,000 lawsuits in 2003.
One case involved a football player and actor who brought a lawsuit against Georgia Pacific as well as other companies. The man was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2009 and argued that his illness was the result of asbestos exposure to drywall and other products while working at construction sites when he was younger. While the man died soon after, his case was settled for an undisclosed amount.
In 2017 Georgia-Pacific, its affiliate Bestwall LLC filed for bankruptcy. Bestwall LLC was formerly known as Bestwall Gypsum Company and was purchased by Georgia-Pacific in 1965. This became Bestwall LLC prior to the bankruptcy filing as part of Georgia-Pacific’s reorganization to absorb future asbestos legal exposure. Georgia-Pacific has pledged $1 billion to fund the asbestos trust for Bestwall LLC.
Do Not Hesitate to Contact an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact the Throneberry Law Group today to schedule a free case evaluation.
