Celotex Corporation

Celotex Corporation’s History of Asbestos Use

As a leading manufacturer of building materials and insulation, Celotex was a household name in the building and construction industry, spanning across the country through various subsidiaries, including an asbestos mine in Canada that operated until 1986. The Celotex Corporation was founded in 1920 in Chicago, Illinois, as a subsidiary of Philip Carey Manufacturing Company. Celotex manufactured fiberboard insulation that quickly gained popularity in construction, residential, and commercial projects.

Various Celotex products produced between the 1920s and the 1980s contained asbestos, a naturally occurring substance commonly used in insulation for its fireproofing and temperature-controlling properties. Asbestos exposure can cause various forms of mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that can remain dormant in your body for up to 50 years after initial exposure. In 1978, Celotex acquired the Philip Carey Manufacturing Company, further expanding its reach and continuing the production of asbestos-containing materials. Products like Celotex’s fiberboard insulation were widely used in residential attic spaces and commercial building walls, posing significant health risks.

If you worked with or around Celotex products made before 1990, you may be at risk of developing serious health problems due to asbestos exposure. You can take certain steps to monitor and protect your health, including consulting with an experienced pulmonologist specialist.

Celotex Corporation Products Linked to Asbestos

In the early 1980s, Celotex was a primary processor of asbestos commercial paper, used to provide insulation and corrosion resistance in a variety of insulation and other applications. The paper usually consisted of 95-98% asbestos fiber combined with water. The combination of raw materials was fed through a series of rollers. The rollers applied pressure and heat to produce paper. Workers would cut, roll, and package the asbestos paper to be used by the automotive, steel and aluminum, and glass and ceramic industries. Production and consumption of asbestos paper ceased by 1985 due to safety concerns.

Celotex also manufactured asbestos millboard, a heavy cardboard-like product containing 60-95% asbestos fibers, and pipeline wrapping, a felt-like product containing about 85% asbestos. Other products manufactured by Celotex Corporation (under the “Carey” name brand) were linked to different forms of asbestos, including:

• Roofing, Siding, Sheathing, and Baffles
• Corrugated Sheets
• Firefoil Board and Panel
• Marine Panel
• Cenesto Board
• Thermalite
• Careflex Board
• Insulating Brick Siding

Asbestos Exposure Hazards for Celotex Workers

Companies in the United States have an extended history of asbestos use. Insulation manufacturing was one of the most hazardous industries for asbestos exposure, where workers handled raw asbestos materials, mixed and applied asbestos-containing products, and breathed in asbestos fibers during the process. Leaders at companies like Celotex knew about the risks of asbestos exposure but failed to warn workers.

Both Celotex Corporation employees and consumers of Celotex products risked exposure. However, certain jobs that required repeated contact with asbestos in poorly ventilated and confined spaces were at an increased risk of experiencing mesothelioma symptoms. These jobs include:

• Boiler workers
• Contractors
• Asbestos mining workers
• Asbestos processor
• Boiler workers
• Cutters
• Construction workers
• Electricians
• Home remodelers
• Insulation installers
• Millboard machine operator
• Pipefitters
• Painters
• Paper machine operator
• Packaging and shipping personnel
• Repairmen
• Roofers
• Shipyard workers

Delaware Asbestos Litigation Cases and Settlements

Asbestos litigation cases against Delaware companies have imposed substantial financial burdens, leading to bankruptcies and trust fund establishments. The Delaware Asbestos Trust manages and pays claims for several companies, including W.R. Grace and Owens Corning.

The DuPont Chemical asbestos is a notable trust fund established after workers came into contact with asbestos and later developed health issues. Since the company’s executives knew about the risks associated with asbestos exposure and failed to protect workers or properly dispose of it, they were held liable and ordered to pay claimants by establishing a trust fund.

Celotex Corporation faced its own legal battles. The cumulative effect of asbestos-related lawsuits and claims led them to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1990. The company attempted to restructure and manage the overwhelming financial burden of the asbestos litigation by establishing a trust fund containing over $2 million in 1998.

Celotex Asbestos Trust Fund

The Celotex Asbestos Trust Fund was established as part of the company’s bankruptcy reorganization plan to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. This trust ensures that individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses, such as peritoneal mesothelioma, receive financial assistance for their medical and related expenses. Funded with millions of dollars, the trust pays out 7% of the gross settlement value to claimants. This means that for every dollar awarded in a settlement, the trust pays out $0.07 to the claimant.

To access these funds, claimants must provide thorough documentation of their illness and evidence of exposure to Celotex products. The trust employs a stringent review process to verify claims, ensuring that only legitimate cases receive compensation. Despite the reduced payout percentage, the trust remains a crucial resource for those affected by Celotex’s asbestos products, helping to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with their illnesses.

Filing a Claim Against Celotex Corporation

The Celotex Asbestos Settlement Trust exists to compensate victims of, often fatal, mesothelioma diagnoses. There are situations where filing an individual lawsuit against Celotex may be necessary or beneficial, including if the victim’s exposure was significantly severe. Asbestos lawsuits are legal claims filed by individuals and families seeking compensation for harm caused by asbestos exposure. These lawsuits are typically filed against companies across the U.S. that use to manufacture and distribute asbestos-containing products.

Legal action can provide financial support for different treatments or expenses that come up. This can include standard medical treatments or complementary treatments like medical marijuana. While medical marijuana is not a cure for asbestos-related diseases, it can improve your quality of life by providing symptom relief.

If you are considering filing a claim against Celotex Corporation or another company in Delaware, you can consult with a mesothelioma law firm specializing in asbestos cases to determine your eligibility. They have the expertise to guide and support you through the Delaware legal system, addressing any complications or obstacles that may arise. You do not have to face the legal system alone. We can help you pursue justice and fair compensation by connecting you to experienced lawyers in asbestos and mesothelioma litigation cases. Contact us today to learn more and get help in as easy as 3 steps..