Flexitallic (also known as Gasket Holdings Inc.) was a gasket company that operated from 1912 to 1992. It manufactured and distributed spiral-wound gaskets that contained asbestos. If you or a loved one is struggling with mesothelioma or another disease caused by asbestos exposure and believe Flexitallic is responsible, Bailey & Glasser, LLP’s team of asbestos attorneys can help. You may be eligible for a portion of the funds available in an active asbestos trust.
Diseases and Illnesses Related to Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is known for its carcinogenic properties. In 1987, the International Agency for Research on Cancer confirmed that all six types of asbestos can cause cancer. However, the adverse health effects connected to asbestos were documented much earlier by physicians. Despite this, many manufacturers used asbestos in their products for added heat and chemical resistance.
Exposure to asbestos has been known to cause the following serious illnesses:
Mesothelioma is the most serious potential consequence of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer with no known cure. While treatment options are available to improve a patient’s quality of life, the average life expectancy is an average of 12 to 21 months with treatment, according to the National Library of Medicine. A patient who is diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness will have to live with the symptoms and effects for the rest of his or her life.
What Is Flexitallic’s History of Using Asbestos?
When Flexitallic Gasket Company was founded, its primary business was as a manufacturer of rubber gaskets and static sealing products. It created the first spiral-wound gasket, which was at the time made from asbestos and metal. This gasket became widely used in many industries, but mainly in oil refinery operations. Flexitallic also developed multiple other gasket and valve seal products. It continued to use asbestos in its products until 1992.
Over the years, Flexitallic underwent several mergers, acquisitions and ownership changes. This includes being purchased by Turner & Newall (T&N) in 1970. In 1998, Turner & Newall was purchased by Federal-Mogul Corporation, a major manufacturer in the automotive industry. Federal-Mogul renamed the company “The Flexitallic Group.” Flexitallic remained under Federal-Mogul until the company went bankrupt in 2001 due to financial losses from asbestos litigation and mesothelioma lawsuits.
Who Is at Risk of Exposure to Asbestos From Flexitallic Products?
Asbestos-containing Flexitallic gaskets and sealants may release asbestos fibers into the air when in use. This can put anyone who works or lives with or around Flexitallic products at risk of dangerous asbestos exposure.
At-risk individuals from Flexitallic asbestos products include:
- Workers: people who work in high-risk occupations include factory and plant workers, auto mechanics, oil refinery workers, U.S. Navy members, shipyard workers, ship engine workers, boilermakers, steam equipment repairmen, insulators, construction workers, and laborers. Individuals who worked for Flexitallic may have also been exposed in manufacturing plants.
- Secondary exposure: workers who brought asbestos fibers home on their skin, hair or work clothes may have exposed others in their homes and vehicles to asbestos. This includes anyone who hugged or kissed the worker or laundered the worker’s clothes. The most common victims of secondary asbestos exposure are a worker’s spouse and children.
- Consumers: people who purchased, used or were around asbestos-containing products made by Flexitallic in their daily lives may be at risk. Asbestos products are commonly found in cars, homes, and schools and universities. When these products get worn down or damaged over time, they can release asbestos particles or dust into the air.
Asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma take a long time to develop. The average latency period, or amount of time between asbestos exposure and the development of a related illness, is 20-60+ years. Many victims do not realize they have been exposed to asbestos until many years later.
Flexitallic Has a Subfund Under the Federal-Mogul Asbestos PI Trust
Asbestos trust funds are protected sums of money that are reserved for people who were exposed to asbestos by a company that has since filed for bankruptcy. These trusts provide a means for victims to hold companies responsible even after they cease operations due to asbestos litigation. Flexitallic has funds available in the T&N Subfund under the Federal-Mogul Asbestos Personal Injury (PI) Trust.
The Federal-Mogul Trust was established in 2007 with $635 million in assets divided across four subfunds. The largest subfund is T&N, which is responsible for all Flexitallic asbestos claims. Any individual who has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease who can show proof of exposure to an asbestos product manufactured by Flexitallic may be eligible for a portion of this trust fund.
How to File a Claim With the Federal-Mogul Trust
If you believe you are entitled to compensation as a victim of a Flexitallic asbestos product, begin your claim by contacting a mesothelioma attorney at Bailey & Glasser, LLP. A lawyer will listen to your story and help you understand your legal options as an injured victim. If proceeding with an asbestos trust fund claim is in your best interests, your lawyer can help you with each step of the claims process.
Filing a claim with the Federal-Mogul Trust requires submitting a completed Claim Form and sending it – along with the requested supporting documentation – to the T&N Subfund. Your lawyer can help you properly fill out the Claim Form and gather supporting documents, which may include your medical records, diagnostic documents, occupational history and Flexitallic asbestos product exposure history.
There are two types of Federal-Mogul Trust claims: expedited review and individual review. Your attorney can choose the right option for you based on your unique case and goals. While an individual review takes longer than an expedited one, it could result in a higher payout. Once your documents are properly prepared, your lawyer can submit them electronically or mail a paper copy to the correct address to file your claim.
Contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP for a Free Consultation
Flexitallic is responsible for exposing thousands of people to asbestos. These victims are now struggling with life-changing illnesses, including mesothelioma. If you or a loved one was exposed to this toxic substance because of Flexitallic, you may be able to recover financial compensation through an asbestos trust fund claim. Discuss your case in detail with an attorney at Bailey & Glasser, LLP. Request a free consultation by calling (866) 871-7971 or contacting us online anytime.
