Babcock & Wilcox, an American energy technology and service provider, was named in thousands of asbestos lawsuits. The company eventually went bankrupt and established a trust fund to compensate victims.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and developed a life-threatening condition like mesothelioma, you can take legal action against the responsible company. This guide explains Babcock & Wilcox’s history with asbestos and how victims can seek compensation.
Babcock & Wilcox’s History With Asbestos
In 1867, Stephen Wilcox and George Babcock joined hands to manufacture a water-tube boiler, designed to bring innovation. In 1881, the company installed the world’s first utility boiler at the Pearl Street Power Station in New York City. They went on to power New York’s first subway station.
Babcock & Wilcox even made components for the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus.
That said, many of these innovations occurred when asbestos usage was at its peak in the manufacturing and automotive industries. Following traditional standards, Babcock & Wilcox used asbestos in many components to insulate and protect against fire.
How Did Babcock & Wilcox Use Asbestos
It is important to keep in mind that Babcock & Wilcox didn’t make asbestos products. Rather, they used asbestos components (made by other companies) in their boilers and other products.
They used asbestos insulation, seals, packing, and gaskets to make their boilers fire risk-free. Asbestos components were also used in products like:
- Gauges
- Furnace boilers
- Steam boiler parts
- Insulating fire bricks
- Water-tube marine boilers
Who Was Exposed
Babcock & Wilcox asbestos exposure effects were more far-reaching than anyone could imagine.
In addition to the company’s employees, many other workers risked exposure to asbestos. This includes:
- Shipbuilders
- Pipefitters
- Plumbars
- Electricians
- Ship maintenance workers
Establishment of Trust Fund
In the late 1970s, Babcock & Wilcox received its first compensation claim, which led to a lawsuit. By 2000, the company had faced nearly 340,000 asbestos claims, costing it nearly $1.6 billion in awards and court fees. Given the financial stress, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the same year.
The Babcock & Wilcox Asbestos Trust Fund was established in 2006. The trust was funded with $1.85 billion to process due claims.
Did Babcock & Wilcox Know About the Risks of Asbestos Exposure?
The risks of asbestos exposure became gradually known, with warning signs becoming apparent in the 1890s. Over the years, Babcock & Wilcox has been accused of knowing the health risks of asbestos products. They faced scrutiny, investigation, and legal action for knowingly putting people at risk.
Moreover, some reports indicate that the company deliberately violated asbestos exposure limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
What Can Victims Do?
If you have been exposed to asbestos fibers through Babcock & Wilcox, you have the right to file a claim. Follow these steps:
Hire a lawyer
Consulting with an asbestos attorney will help ensure your eligibility and streamline the process. A reputable law firm like ELSM Law will gather necessary evidence and file a claim on your behalf.
Meet the statute of limitations
Claims must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is often a few years after diagnosis.
File a trust fund claim
The trust’s claim form requires detailed information about the exposure and the injury.
