Established in 1947, George V. Hamilton Inc. was a leading insulation contractor and distributor in the industrial sector. The company’s decades of distribution and installation of asbestos-containing materials led to it being named in thousands of personal injury lawsuits, and in 2015, it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As part of its reorganization agreement, the company established an asbestos trust to benefit those diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses after having been exposed to its products.
George V. Hamilton Inc. History and Asbestos
George V. Hamilton Inc. was founded in 1947 by George V. Hamilton in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. The company started off with a focus on commercial contracting, but gradually expanded into the steel industry, providing both materials and installation services to major industrial clients.[1]
Over the years, the company’s operations expanded across multiple states, with facilities in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Canton, Ohio, and Parkersburg, West Virginia. George V. Hamilton Inc. grew into the region’s largest distributor and fabricator of piping and mechanical equipment insulation products, serving commercial, steel, oil and gas, power, and chemical industries.
From the late 1940s through the early 1970s, the insulation products that George V. Hamilton Inc. distributed and installed contained asbestos. While today we know that the mineral is highly carcinogenic, during that period, asbestos was highly valued as an ideal material for thermal and acoustic insulation applications due to its exceptional heat resistance and durability. It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that the material’s toxicity was made public, and by that point, thousands of people had suffered occupational and secondary exposure to the asbestos it contained.
As the industrial landscape evolved, so did George V. Hamilton. When shifting demand led many steel mills to cease operations, the company diversified into the chemical industry, securing contracts with several companies. The company’s growth continued as it entered the power generation sector, expanding its services to include specialized installation work.
Today, the company continues to specialize in industrial and commercial insulation, serving as a contractor, supplier,and manufacturer of pipeline and mechanical equipment insulation. Its temperature control and sound-dampening systems are used by the power generation, industrial processing, and manufacturing industries, as well as in commercial structures locally, nationally, and globally.
How Did George V. Hamilton Inc. Use Asbestos?
For much of the 20th century, asbestos-containing products were integral to George V. Hamilton, Inc.’s business operations. While the mineral was used by many industries and for many purposes, it was particularly valued in the insulation industry because of its natural fire- and heat-resistant properties and its exceptional thermal performance. These characteristics made it a natural choice for applications where temperature control and fire safety were critical concerns, and the company’s clients included power plants, chemical facilities, steel mills, and commercial buildings. Because the company had a reputation for expertise in thermal and acoustic insulation systems, they were a go-to contractor for major industrial projects throughout the region, and that meant that their asbestos-containing products impacted many people.
Workers at Risk of Asbestos Exposure from George V. Hamilton Inc. Operations & Products
The nature of George V. Hamilton Inc.’s business meant that workers across numerous industries faced potential asbestos exposure through their operations and products. Those at risk included both the company’s own installation crews, who directly handled and worked with asbestos-containing materials on job sites, and others who worked with the products that the company distributed.
The risk of occupational exposure was high for workers in many jobs and industries, including:
- Industrial maintenance personnel
- Plant operators and technicians
- Mechanical contractors
- Pipefitters and steamfitters
- Boilermakers
- Power plant employees
- Chemical plant workers
- Steel mill personnel
- Construction and renovation crews
These workers faced exposure in a variety of ways, including when transporting and installing the materials, as well as later performing maintenance, repairs, or modifications to insulation systems that had been installed by George V. Hamilton Inc. or by others. The disturbance of asbestos-containing materials during these types of activities, as well as through normal wear and tear or aging, could release dangerous fibers into the workplace environment.
In addition to the occupational exposure risk to these personnel, family members of exposed workers also faced secondary exposure risks. In many tragic cases, workers unknowingly carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair, and skin, potentially exposing spouses, children, and other household members to the harmful mineral.
Physical Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure can lead to severe and often fatal health consequences that may not begin to show symptoms until decades after the individual has had contact with its toxic fibers. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, microscopic fibers become airborne and can float in the air for hours. They can also fall onto food or other surfaces. These particles can then be inhaled or ingested.
Asbestos is a material that has an unusual physical structure. While its fibrous nature and flexibility were part of what made it such a versatile and popular material, when viewed under a microscope, it has extremely pointy, and sometimes hooklike ends.[2] Once these particles enter the body, they become embedded in the cells of the lungs or the organ that lines the pleural or peritoneal cavity, and are difficult for the body to expel. Over time, they can cause cell death, scarring, and mutations that lead to serious illnesses.
The most serious health conditions associated with asbestos exposure include:
Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, though it can also impact the cavities surrounding the abdomen, heart, and testicles. This disease is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and has an extremely poor prognosis, with most patients surviving only 12-21 months after diagnosis.
Asbestos-related Lung Cancer – Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. This is particularly true of those who are exposed to the material and who also smoke cigarettes. The combination of asbestos exposure and smoking creates a synergistic effect that dramatically elevates cancer risk.
Asbestosis – A progressive, non-cancerous lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue. As the scarring worsens over time, breathing becomes increasingly difficult, and the condition can eventually lead to respiratory failure.
Other Cancers – Research has linked asbestos exposure to increased risks of cancers affecting the larynx, ovaries, and gastrointestinal tract.
The latency period for asbestos-related diseases is unusually long. It typically ranges from 20 to 50 years. This means that symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure occurred. This delayed onset often makes it challenging for victims to connect their illness to past asbestos exposure, and this often creates delays between the onset of symptoms and a correct diagnosis. This is especially true because few general physicians have experience with asbestos-related diseases and are unlikely to identify them quickly unless they’ve been notified of a patient’s history of exposure.
If there’s a chance that you’ve experienced asbestos exposure, alerting your doctor to this history will help them monitor your condition and diagnose you more quickly so that you have more treatment options.
Asbestos Lawsuits Against George V. Hamilton Inc.
Following its years of distributing and installing asbestos-containing insulation products, George V. Hamilton Inc. found itself in the same position as hundreds of companies that manufactured or distributed asbestos-containing products. It was named in thousands of personal injury lawsuits filed by those seeking compensation for the harms they suffered as a result of the company’s negligent use of the carcinogenic materials.
The volume and costs associated with these lawsuits created such an overwhelming financial burden for the company that it filed a bankruptcy claim seeking protection from its creditors.
Bankruptcy and Reorganization
In 2015, George V. Hamilton Inc. filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The bankruptcy filing was specifically designed to address all existing and future personal injury and wrongful death claims related to asbestos exposure.[3]
As part of the reorganization plan, George V. Hamilton Inc. established the Geo. V Hamilton, Inc. Asbestos Trust, which began accepting claims in early 2019. As was true with the dozens of other funds set up by companies facing overwhelming asbestos liabilities, the trust was created to provide a fair and efficient mechanism for evaluating, processing, and compensating current and future asbestos-related claims against the company.
As of December 2, 2021, the trust was operating with a payment percentage of 7% which is subject to revision based on the trust’s distribution procedures. The trust offers different compensation levels based on disease severity, with mesothelioma claims eligible for the highest awards at $120,000 (before the payment percentage reduction).
Getting Help from an Asbestos Attorney
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you’re likely afraid, angry, grieving, and overwhelmed. Navigating the confusing world of asbestos litigation and trust claims is complicated. Not only does it add to the burdens you’re already facing, but it quickly becomes clear that pursuing compensation in an efficient and organized way requires specialized legal expertise that only an asbestos attorney can provide. These compassionate professionals have deep knowledge and experience in meeting the intricate requirements for establishing valid claims. Making an appointment with a mesothelioma lawyer can take much of the burden off of your to-do list and improve your likelihood of obtaining fair compensation.
The services that an asbestos attorney and law firm specializing in asbestos cases include:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation – An asbestos lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation that identifies all your potential sources of exposure, including George V. Hamilton Inc. and any others whose products may have been in your work environment. Most victims of occupational exposure to asbestos worked with or near the mineral that came from multiple sources, and an experienced attorney can identify all liable parties to maximize your opportunity for compensation.
Trust Claims Expertise – Filing claims with asbestos trusts involves specific procedures, documentation requirements, and deadlines. Though it’s not required that you work with a legal professional, asbestos attorneys specialize in this area and understand how to prepare compelling claims that meet all the necessary criteria and avoid common mistakes that could result in your claim being denied or the compensation you receive being reduced.
Medical Evidence Coordination – Successful asbestos claims require collecting extensive medical documentation that specifies the link between your illness and asbestos exposure. An experienced attorney will work with medical professionals to make sure that all the necessary evidence is properly prepared and presented to support your claim.
Maximizing Compensation – Asbestos attorneys understand the financial and emotional impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis. Their familiarity with all of the forms of compensation that are available and their knowledge of which you’re eligible for will prove invaluable. These resources include asbestos trust funds, filing lawsuits against solvent companies, and insurance settlements. They will develop a comprehensive strategy personalized to your situation so that you can pursue all available sources of compensation simultaneously.
Statute of Limitations Protection – Asbestos claims are subject to strict time limitations that vary by state. An asbestos attorney will inform you of the deadline that applies to your case and ensure that all claims are filed within the applicable deadlines. They will also advise you on the best timing strategies for optimal results.
Were You Exposed to George V. Hamilton Inc. Asbestos Products?
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, and your asbestos exposure may have included materials distributed or installed by George V. Hamilton Inc., you may be eligible to file claims with the company’s asbestos trust, as well as against a wide range of other companies. Given the trust’s 7% payment percentage and specific qualification requirements, working with an experienced asbestos attorney is essential for you to maximize your potential compensation.
An experienced lawyer can evaluate your exposure history, gather necessary medical and employment paperwork, and prepare a complete claim that addresses all of the required eligibility criteria. Additionally, they can investigate what other companies may also be responsible for your asbestos exposure. This crucial step has the potential for introducing additional companies from which you can pursue compensation, whether through other trusts or active litigation.
Most people who’ve been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases have been exposed through multiple sources over an extended period. A thorough legal evaluation may reveal opportunities for claims against multiple trusts or companies, significantly increasing the total compensation available to victims and their families.
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