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.
