In operation for over 125 years, the Garlock company manufactures high-performance fluid sealing and pipeline options. Due to its heat-resistant and durable nature, asbestos was used in various Garlock products until the dangers associated with asbestos were better understood. The Garlock trust fund contains over $500 million to compensate workers and their loved ones who face mesothelioma and other hardships as a result of the company’s asbestos usage.
The History of the Garlock Company
A subsidiary of EnPro Industries, Garlock currently operates 14 facilities in twelve countries. Founded in 1887, Garlock was named after Olin J. Garlock, who created a new method to seal piston rods in steam engines. In 1976, the company was taken over by Colt Industries.
Products manufactured by Garlock have been distributed throughout various industries including chemical processing, electronics, power generation, and pulp and paper. The United States Navy also used Garlock products on its vessels.
Garlock filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010 due to the large number of claims initiated by people who had suffered adverse health complications as a result of exposure to asbestos. Garlock later received bankruptcy approval in 2017.
The Establishment of the Garlock Trust Fund
The GST Settlement Facility trust began to accept asbestos claims in 2018. The trust contains approximately $480 million to compensate individuals who incur asbestos-related illnesses as a result of exposure to the company’s products. The trust covers 85% of the value of claims for victims with mesothelioma, 10% of claims for victims with lung cancer, and 5% of claims for victims with other asbestos-related cancers.
Notable Court Cases Involving Asbestos and Garlock
Some of the most noteworthy cases involving asbestos and the Garlock company include:
- In 2010, a Texas jury awarded $3 million in both past and future damages to a man who had been diagnosed with asbestos-associated cancer. In the late 1970s, the man worked at a Union Carbide plant in Texas, where he interacted on a repeat basis with Garlock products containing asbestos. The jury in this case assigned 45% of fault to Union Carbide, 45% fault to Garlock, and 10% fault to Brown & Root. While $1 million of the damages compensated for past damages, the other $2 million compensated for future damages.
- In 2008, a former worker with mesothelioma and his family resolved a lawsuit against Garlock. The former worker had been diagnosed with mesothelioma after decades working as a boiler mechanic at a paper mill. The mill’s boilers were covered in asbestos cement as well as asbestos gaskets. The worker received an undisclosed amount of compensation from Garlock.
Speak With an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer
At the Throneberry Law Group, we understand many of the challenges that commonly arise following an asbestos-related medical condition. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another illness caused by asbestos as the result of an employer who used asbestos in its products, you should not hesitate to contact us today. You can reach us by calling (888) 506-1131 or complete an online form.
