The Rock Wool Manufacturing Company produces insulation for construction and maritime industries. Although the company no longer uses asbestos in any of its products, a long history of asbestos use has led to many lawsuits. It eventually filed for bankruptcy, reorganized, and set up a trust fund for victims.
If you suffer from mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. 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.
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 Rock Wool Manufacturing Use Asbestos?
Rock wool is a type of insulation, and most insulation products contained asbestos in the middle of the 20th century. Rock Wool Manufacturing used asbestos in its insulating products until the 1970s. Its modern products do not contain asbestos.
Rock Wool Manufacturing Company History
Rock Wool Manufacturing Company started in 1943 as a residential blowing wool insulation manufacturing company. It was founded in Leeds, Alabama, by Edward Cusick, Sr.
By the 1950s, the company expanded considerably and started manufacturing mineral wool boards and insulating cement for the industrial market.
The company continued to grow throughout several decades, adding numerous construction-related products to its line, such as insulating cement made with asbestos.
By 1980, Rock Wool stopped using asbestos in its products, but many people had already been affected by the company’s products by that time. Rock Wool faced numerous asbestos-related lawsuits and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 1996.
Rock Wool Manufacturing Company Lawsuits
Rock Wool began facing asbestos lawsuits over exposure and illness in workers who made or worked with their products.
In one case, seven shipyard workers sued Rock Wool and other asbestos companies in 1994. They worked with numerous asbestos products, especially insulation, that went into ships and developed lung cancer and asbestosis. They won their case with part of the liability assigned to Rock Wool Manufacturing.
Samuel Jackson and his wife filed a lawsuit in 1995. They sued Rock Wool and other companies over his mesothelioma. Jackson worked in a power plant and handled and worked with and near asbestos insulation. They won compensation from several defendants, including Rock Wool.
Bankruptcy and Asbestos Trust Fund
By 1996, the amount of asbestos-related cases against Rock Wool was so high that the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Part of the conditions of filing bankruptcy was to set up an asbestos trust fund once the company emerged from bankruptcy.
Consequently, once Rock Wool emerged, it created the Asbestos Resolution Trust to pay for all current and future asbestos and mesothelioma claims against the company. The trust was founded along with Rutland Fire Clay Company and M.H. Detrick.
The trust fund was intended for both personal injury and property damage asbestos claims. It last accepted claims in 2011. It is not currently active.
Occupations Affected By Rock Wool Manufacturing Company
Workers in Rock Wool manufacturing facilities faced high risks of asbestos exposure. They handled or worked near asbestos, likely releasing fibers into the air.
Without appropriate protective gear, workers could easily inhale asbestos fibers. This exposure led to illnesses in some workers, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Rock Wool distributed its products to different residential and industrial buildings. Not only were former Rock Wool employees affected, but several workers in other occupations risked exposure and illness by working around the company’s products, including:
- Navy service members
- Shipyard workers
- Construction workers
- Power plant workers
- Electricians
- Manufacturers
- Warehouse workers
- Technicians
- Painters
Also at risk of exposure were family members of these workers. Workers often brought asbestos fibers into the home on their clothing, unaware of the potential risks. Secondhand asbestos exposure has caused illness in some people.
Rock Wool Asbestos Products
Rock Wool used asbestos in a variety of its products for numerous years, including the following:
- One Shot Insulating Cement
- High Temp Insulating Cement
- Thermal Pipe Insulation
- High Temp Master Cement
- AF Cement
Rock Wool Manufacturing Company Today
Rock Wool is still in business, and its headquarters remain in Leeds, Alabama.
Most of the company’s products are under the brand name Delta and include insulation, mesh blankets, fibreboard, and more. Rock Wool no longer uses asbestos in any of its products.
If You Were Exposed to Rock Wool Manufacturing Asbestos Products
If you worked with or around Rock Wool products in the past, you could be at risk for an asbestos illness. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you seek compensation if you receive a diagnosis.
Unfortunately, the Rock Wool Trust is not currently active. This doesn’t mean you can’t get compensation, though. An experienced asbestos attorney can review your work history and find other companies that can be held liable. You might qualify for additional trust funds or to file a lawsuit against one or more asbestos companies.
Additional Information and Resources 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 for our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area.
