ABB Lummus Global, Inc. used asbestos to manufacture industrial and electrical equipment for decades. This resulted in harmful asbestos exposure in countless workers. ABB faced many lawsuits because of exposure and asbestos illnesses, and eventually, it created an asbestos trust fund.
There is currently more than $30 billion available in asbestos trust funds. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your HIGHEST COMPENSATION
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Did ABB Lummus Global Use Asbestos?
ABB Lummus Global once used asbestos in many of its products. Asbestos was used in many industries to provide insulation. ABB used asbestos in gaskets, valves, wire insulation, turbines, switch gears, electrical systems, and more.
ABB Lummus Global, Inc. History
ABB Lummus Global, Inc., part of ABB Ltd., started as a high-capacity transformers and electrical systems manufacturer. Its history begins in 1883.
- ASEA, a Swedish electrical company, formed in 1883. BBC, Boveri & Cie formed in Switzerland around the same time.
- ASEA made transformers, cables, and electrical systems. BBC made locomotives, switch gears, and steam turbines.
- In 1988, BBC and ASEA merged. Under the name ABB, it established its headquarters in Switzerland and focused on manufacturing automation and petrochemical equipment and machinery.
- ABB Global Engineering and ABB Lummus Crest merged to form ABB Lummus Global in 1995. CB&I bought the company in 2007.
- ABB Lummus Global faced lawsuits over asbestos use and exposure. It was forced to reorganize and create an asbestos trust fund.
McDermott International acquired CB&I in 2018. The new company was called Lummus Technology. The current company does not use asbestos in any products.
How Did ABB Lummus Global Use Asbestos in Products?
Many industries used asbestos for its ability to insulate. ABB Lummus Global relied on asbestos in the materials and products it used to build plants. For many years, ABB used many asbestos-containing products, including:
- Gaskets
- Valves
- Reactors
- Insulation
- Generators
- Wire insulation
- Electrical systems
- Transformers
- AC cables
- Steam turbines
- Switch gears
Who Was at Risk of Asbestos Exposure Through ABB Lummus Products?
People at risk of exposure to asbestos from ABB include the company’s own workers who handled asbestos products. Workers in plants that ABB built were also at risk. Employees and contractors placed at risk for asbestos exposure at ABB included:
- Factory workers
- Engineers
- Metal workers
- Machine mechanics
- Machinists
ABB Asbestos Lawsuits
By 2006, the number of mesothelioma lawsuits against ABB was so large that the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The company reorganized. It also could pay out future asbestos claims without facing additional lawsuits.
ABB placed around $1.5 billion into an asbestos trust fund under its chapter 11 bankruptcy to help compensate former employees and their families diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Not only does this help future plaintiffs, but the claims are also processed more efficiently.
Over 100,000 people have filed against ABB for asbestos injuries in the U.S. alone, including former employees and contractors.
In 2007, in an attempt to further remove the asbestos claims from the company, ABB was sold to CB&I, a Texas-based engineering company, for $950 million.
Compensation for Workers Exposed to ABB Asbestos Products
If you were affected by ABB asbestos products, ensure your doctor knows you could have been exposed to asbestos. You might also want to talk to an asbestos law firm to find out how to access the trust fund.
The ABB Lummus Global Inc. 524(g) Asbestos PI Trust handles claims associated with ABB Lummus Global and Combustion Engineering, an ABB subsidiary.
ABB began its trust by funding it with $33 million. It paid $2 million in claims in 2017. By the end of 2020, the trust still contained over $18 million to settle claims. The payment percentage is 11.7%.
Legal Resources and Additional Information
If you or a loved one are suffering from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a substantial amount of compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. For additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
Paul Danziger
Reviewer and EditorPaul Danziger grew up in Houston, Texas and earned a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. For over 25 years years he has focused on representing mesothelioma cancer victims and others hurt by asbestos exposure. Paul and his law firm have represented thousands of people diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, recovering significant compensation for injured clients. Every client is extremely important to Paul and he will take every call from clients who want to speak with him. Paul and his law firm handle mesothelioma cases throughout the United States.
References
- Dixon, L., McGovern, G. and Coombe, A. (2010). Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts. An Overview of Trust Structure and Activity with Detailed Reports on the Largest Trusts. Rand Institute for Civil Justice.
Retrieved from: http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/technical_reports/2010/RAND_TR872.pdf - Plevin, M.D., Kalish, P.W. and Cusick, K.R. (2007, February). Where Are They Now, Part Four: A Continuing History Of The Companies That Have Sought Bankruptcy Protection Due To Asbestos Claims. Mealey’s Asbestos Bankruptcy Report.
Retrieved from: https://www.crowell.com/a/web/BojkaiF34jmkJ2X3gPMiw/4TtkMy/docassocfktype_articles_592.pdf - ABB. (n.d.). History.
Retrieved from: https://global.abb/group/en/about/history - ABB Lummus Global Inc. (n.d.). ABB Lummus Global Inc. 524(g) Asbestos PI Trust.
Retrieved from: http://www.abblummustrust.org/