Close

Viking Pump

Founded in 1911, Viking Pump manufactured and sold a variety of pumps. Many of these pumps contained asbestos until the mid-1980s. The company’s asbestos-containing products were responsible for thousands of people being exposed to the mineral. Consequently, many former workers and Navy veterans filed claims against the company. Viking currently operates as part of IDEX Corporation and continues to be named in asbestos claims.

The History of Viking Pump Incorporated

Viking Pump was established in 1911 by a pump engineer and his three partners. The company was created after its founder invented a rotary internal gear pump several years before. The company’s pumps were a success and Viking sold 50 pumps in its first year of business.

After its establishment in 1911, Viking utilized asbestos in various pumps. Parts like gaskets as well as packing material were routinely produced with asbestos due to the material’s durable nature. These parts are still used in Viking Pump products decades later.

The company expanded in size in the 1920s and 1930s when it began manufacturing and selling asbestos-containing pumps to be used in the oil industry. Viking also entered into contracts with the United States military around the time of World War II. The company manufactured pumps that were used in naval ships as well as submarines and tanks.

Following World War II, Viking Pump increased its distribution and grew its product line in the 1950s. Viking Pump already placed asbestos in its pumps, which includes gaskets as well as packing material. As the company increased its product offerings, a larger number of asbestos-containing products were used.

In 1986, the company discontinued the use of asbestos in its pumps. Several years later, Viking Pump was acquired by Idex corporation. Currently, Viking operates as a subsidiary of IDEX Corporation.

Some types of Viking workers who are known to have been exposed to asbestos include industrial workers, mechanics, pump operators, plumbers, and machine operators.

Asbestos Litigation Initiated Against Viking

Following 75 years of using asbestos in its products, Viking has been listed as either a defendant or codefendant in asbestos claims. Claimants are often mechanics or naval veterans who perform tasks around the company’s pumps.

In one case initiated against Viking, a worker exposed to Viking’s asbestos-containing products was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The man had served active duty in the Navy, after which the man was employed as a planning estimator until 1988 at a General Dynamics Electric Boat. Records reveal that Viking’s asbestos-containing products existed at both of these locations. Viking attempted to dismiss the case, but the court denied this decision and the trial moved forward.

Another case involved a man who had served in the Navy and was stationed above the USS Surfbird for one year as well as the USS Hector for two years. The man replaced gaskets and packing materials on pumps. The man later developed asbestos-related lung cancer due to working around asbestos products supplied by various companies. The man later filed a claim against the responsible companies. Viking tried to dismiss the charge based on insufficient specific information about the exposure. The man’s family, however, was given a chance to pursue compensation.

Contact an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney

If you or your loved one are exposed to asbestos-containing products manufactured by Viking and end up facing mesothelioma or an associated illness, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact the Throneberry Law Group today for assistance.


Practice Areas
Client Reviews
★★★★★
You are the reason my mother was able to cope with losing a loved one. You and your staff are always helpful and go above and beyond to help. You have been great to my family and especially my mother. My mother would always come out of your office with a peace of mind. R.S.
★★★★★
We are so appreciative of the results Michael Throneberry got for us! Michael Throneberry and the attorneys we worked with were focused on our peace of mind and seemed to care for my family and me as if we were family. They truly get it. We were thrilled with the result and would recommend this firm to anyone. M.S.
★★★★★
During one of my family's darkest and trying times, Michael Throneberry was there to provide help. His personal experience with mesothelioma made certain that he advised us like family. Thank you, you are wonderful. Do yourself a favor and let him help you during this trying time. He is a true 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. T.S.
★★★★★
Michael Throneberry gave me a whole new outlook on attorneys'! A very caring person who was more concerned with my health than a case. Truly unexpected! He explained possible conditions in english and even found the right doctors in my area. Prepared me for the right questions to ask the doctors so that I can understand my illness better. A great person and a great human being! Thank you. Greg
Contact Us
Live Chat