Asbestos Exposure at American Standard Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky
(close-up of asbestos)
American Standard used asbestos in many of its products through the late 1970s and early 1980s. The company manufactured kitchen and bathroom fixtures, air conditioners, plumbing products, and automotive parts that frequently contained asbestos.
If you worked at American Standard in Louisville, KY, you were likely exposed to asbestos during the manufacturing process. Consumers may also have been exposed through American Standard products. Additionally, people who worked with these products, such as mechanics and plumbers, may have also been exposed.
If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or any other type of cancer due to your exposure, contact us to get help today. At Satterley & Kelley, PLLC, we have 30+ collective years helping clients win asbestos lawsuits, and we have represented clients from many different asbestos exposure sites in Kentucky.
History of the American Standard Company
The Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company was formed in 1875 by the merger of three large manufacturing companies and six plants. In 1929, the company changed its name to the American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation when it merged with the American Radiator Company. In 1967, the company shortened its name to American Standard.
The company made plumbing fixtures, automobile parts, and HVAC equipment. In 2007, American Standard broke up its three divisions. The automotive parts division became WABCO Vehicle Control Systems. The HVAC division took the name Trane, one of the company’s subsidies, and Ingersoll Rand purchased that company in 2008. Bain Capital bought the plumbing division and then, sold off the Asian and North American divisions. Bain retained the name Ideal Standard for the European and Latin American markets and Sun Capital kept the name American Standard for the North American market.
The Use of Asbestos at American Standard Inc. in Louisville, KY
For decades, American Standard and its numerous subsidiaries and parent companies made products that contained asbestos. This toxic material was used for its heat and fire resistance in products such as radiators, boilers, gaskets, sealants, plumbing products, and brake systems.
The American Standard company produced products under many different brand names. Additionally, as noted above, the company merged with and acquired several other companies during its long history. Thus, many products connected to American Standard have different brand names.
Here are a few examples:
- Kewanne-brand boilers with asbestos rope gaskets
- Trane-brand refrigeration products
- Ingersoll Rand-brand pump and compressor components
- Cobra-brand railroad brake linings
The Health Effects of Asbestos at American Standard Inc.
Exposure to asbestos at American Standard Inc. facilities in Louisville and other locations can and has led to severe health complications, including the following:
- Mesothelioma a rare cancer of the chest and abdomen lining
- Lung, ovarian, larynx, and gastrointestinal cancers
- Asbestosis, a disease that causes scarring in the lungs due to asbestos fibers
Workers at Risk for Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Workers employed by the company faced daily exposure for hours while handling and producing asbestos-containing products. Plus, workers in other industries who handled products supplied by American Standard were also exposed. The occupations with the highest risks of exposure include:
- Boiler workers
- Pipefitters
- Construction workers
- Plumbers
- HVAC workers
- Demolition workers
- Mechanics
- Railroad workers
- Maintenance and repair workers
Your Options for Justice
If you contracted mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure related to American Standard, filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties can help you obtain financial compensation and justice for the damages you have suffered. A lawyer can help you determine if this is the right course of action for your needs.
Unfortunately, if you worked for American Standard, Kentucky’s workers’ comp laws prevent you from filing a lawsuit against the company. In this case, you will need to take a different path — for instance, suing a company that supplied American Standard with asbestos.
If you contracted mesothelioma due to secondary exposure from an employee’s clothing, you can bring a lawsuit against American Standard. The rules are different for employees and their family members. Under Kentucky law, employers have a duty to protect their employees’ families from known harm, and the dangers of asbestos were well documented during the decades American Standard exposed its employees and their family members.
What to Do if You’re Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
If you have been exposed to asbestos at American Standard Inc. in Louisville, or have been exposed through the use of their products, it’s critical to take action to get justice. Here are the steps you should take:
- Find legal representation: Reach out to an experienced asbestos lawyer who can help evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. They can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
- Choose a legal team with the right experience: Satterley & Kelley is a trusted law firm specializing in asbestos-related cases. We have extensive experience representing people who were exposed at many sites in Kentucky as well as the surrounding area.
- Focus on your health: Obtaining legal help lets you focus on your health. You can work with your doctors and focus on your quality of life, while the lawyers help you get the justice you deserve.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your diagnosis. In Kentucky, you only have one year from the date of discovery to bring forward a lawsuit, and there is no leniency to this statute of limitations.
Contact Us for a Consultation Today
When you’re dealing with an asbestos injury lawsuit, the right legal team can make all the difference. At Satterly & Kelley, we have the expertise, compassion, and client dedication you need when dealing with this type of case.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that asbestos-related illnesses can have on you and your family, and we’re here to give you the support and guidance you need through the complex legal process.
To learn more, set up a free consultation today by reaching out online, or call us at 855-385-9532.