The Flexitallic Group, formerly known as Flexitallic Gasket Company, manufactures gaskets, fiber sheets, and other static sealing materials. Flexitallic used asbestos in its gaskets in the past, exposing workers to asbestos and putting them at risk for mesothelioma. Flexitallic reorganized in bankruptcy and set up an asbestos trust fund.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more.
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Did Flexitallic Use Asbestos?
Flexitallic is known for its innovative gaskets, components used as seals in numerous industries. It invented the spiral wound gasket, which contained asbestos for much of the company’s history. Flexitallic used asbestos in gaskets through the early 1990s.
Flexitallic History
Henry Bohmer, a German immigrant, founded Flexitallic Gasket Company in Camden, New Jersey, in 1912.
- Flexitallic invented and manufactured the spiral wound gasket in response to the industrial need for effective seals.
- During World War II, Flexitallic supplied the U.S. Navy with gaskets. The gaskets helped reduce the steam loss that limited power on vessels.
- Turner & Newall Ltd., a United Kingdom-based asbestos and construction products company, bought Flexitallic in the 1960s. Flexitallic relocated to Connecticut and was renamed Flexitallic, Inc. The name changed again a few years later to Gasket Holdings, Inc.
- In 1997, Turner & Newall sold the company to Dan-Loc Bolt and Gasket. The company’s name was changed to its final name, The Flexitallic Group.
- Although Turner & Newell sold the company, it promised to protect the new owners, Dan-Loc Bolt and Gasket, from asbestos claims and lawsuits. Since Flexitallic used asbestos in its products, it expected future lawsuits.
- Federal-Mogul acquired Turner & Newall in the 1990s, taking on its asbestos liabilities, including those associated with Flexitallic. The Federal-Mogul asbestos trust fund includes a subfund for Turner & Newall and Flexitallic asbestos claims.
How Did Flexitallic Use Asbestos?
Flexitallic manufactured gaskets. Many industries use gaskets to create a tight seal between parts, such as in machinery or pipes. Asbestos in gaskets provided insulation to reduce heat loss.
Flexitallic made gaskets with asbestos for several decades through the early 1990s. Many other companies used the company’s gaskets in various industries.
Although other companies used asbestos to make gaskets, Flexitallic’s trademark spiral wound gasket contained more asbestos than many similar products.
Who Was at Risk of Exposure to Asbestos in Flexitallic Products?
Since Flexitallic’s asbestos-containing products were distributed to numerous companies, people were affected in many different occupations and industries.
The following are the most common occupations affected by asbestos and at risk for developing malignant mesothelioma and other illnesses:
- Flexitallic product manufacture workers
- Refinery workers
- Boiler workers
- Shipyard workers
- Pipefitters
The most typical product made by Flexitallic that affected workers the most was the spiral-wound industrial gasket, which was filled with asbestos.
In addition to civilian workers, U.S. Navy service members risked exposure to asbestos in Flexitallic gaskets. Flexitallic supplied the Navy with gaskets for use throughout ships. Navy veterans now have high rates of mesothelioma because of heavy asbestos use in ships.
Flexitallic Asbestos Lawsuits
Flexitallic and its parent companies faced numerous asbestos lawsuits brought by workers exposed through their products. Turner & Newall and then Federal-Mogul were responsible for handling these lawsuits until the latter filed for bankruptcy.
These are a few examples of lawsuits related to Flexitallic asbestos products:
- Earlon Nunez worked on boilers during his time in the U.S. Navy. He died from mesothelioma at the age of 49. His widow sued several companies for damages. A jury found Flexitallic 10% liable for Nunez’s damages because he handled its asbestos gaskets used in boilers. His widow received a total of $1.2 million in damages.
- Twenty-two oil refinery workers at Texaco in Port Arthur, Texas, sued several companies in 2001. They developed asbestosis and other illnesses after working with asbestos parts supplied by Flexitallic and others. The jury award amounted to $35.2 million and $1.6 million to each plaintiff.
- Calvin R. Lane, a Navy veteran, worked with Flexitallic gaskets as a boiler worker on U.S. Navy ships. He developed mesothelioma as a result of his work. He sued Flexitallic and was awarded $4.2 million by a jury in California.
Bankruptcy and Asbestos Trust Fund
By 2001, Federal-Mogul filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As part of the reorganization plan, it created an asbestos trust fund to compensate claimants.
The Turner & Newall Subfund of the Federal-Mogul US Asbestos Personal Injury Trust handles Flexitallic asbestos claims. Established in 2007, the fund is still active and accepting claims. The payment percentage was set at 5.9% in 2022.
For more information on the Federal-Mogul asbestos trust fund, refer to our article, Federal-Mogul Corporation.
Flexitallic Today
The Flexitallic Group is still operating, with its headquarters in Houston, Texas. The company focuses on manufacturing numerous types of gaskets and numerous static sealing products.
How to Seek Compensation After Asbestos Exposure
If you worked with Flexitallic products that contained asbestos, contact a mesothelioma law firm to help you get compensation. They can help you make a successful claim with the Turner & Newall subfund or find other sources of compensation, such as lawsuits and other asbestos trusts.
Additional Resources and Legal Information for Asbestos Victims
If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area.
