Mobil Oil relied on asbestos to insulate equipment that drilled as well as harvested and refined both oil and petroleum products. Many workers filed lawsuits alleging that they developed asbestos-associated diseases following work at Mobil Oil.
The History of Mobil Oil
Mobil Oil started in 1882 as the Standard Oil Company as part of the Standard Oil Trust. Later, in 1911, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the company should relinquish the power of its 33 subsidiaries. This led to the creation of the Standard Oil Company of New York (Socony). The “Mobiloil” trademark was not established until 1920, though.
In 1931, Socony formed two new companies that merged to create Socony Vacuum, a company that sold Mobilgas. This merger also led to the creation of Pegasus Icon, which later became a symbol of Mobil Oil.
In the 1950s, the company changed its name to Mobil Oil. During this period, the company also began experiencing overseas success with its gas stations, plants, and refineries.
The company continued to experience success until the 1980s when oil prices changed. To avoid financial difficulties, Mobil’s chairman made substantial budget cuts to Mobil’s gas stations and refineries that made the company smaller but more efficient.
In the 1990s, Mobil continued to face difficulty. During this time, the American economy underwent hardships and gas and oil prices lowered. In 1994, however, natural gas prices began increasing again and the company began earning a profit again.
Currently known as Exxon, the company still provides gas and oil throughout the world. The company has 38 refineries in 21 countries.
Mobile Oil and Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits
Unlike other companies that faced substantial asbestos exposure litigation, Mobil is yet to file for bankruptcy. Instead, the company continues to fight asbestos claims.
In 2005, the company was involved in a lawsuit claiming that the use of asbestos at the company caused a man to develop lung cancer and later pass away. The man was exposed to asbestos during his time working for the company from 1966 to 1973. This man was ultimately awarded $850,000 in compensation.
In another case, a man was awarded $25 million in 2011. The man was a ship repairman who developed mesothelioma after he worked on oil tankers.
Another case was initiated by the widow of a worker who had functioned as a plumber and pipefitter. The worker developed mesothelioma and later passed away. While several companies were initially listed, the court ultimately dismissed these claims and determined that Mobil was liable.
Another lawsuit involved a worker who developed asbestosis as well as cancer following years of work for the company. The trial determined that the worker was exposed to asbestos while on the job which led to his diagnosis. The worker later received $1 million from the company.
Contact an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer
If you or a loved one worked for Mobil Oil or was exposed to asbestos-containing products manufactured by Mobil Oil in any other way, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Do not hesitate to contact Throneberry Law Group today to schedule a free case evaluation.
