ARTRA Group, Inc. Asbestos Trust
Exploring – ARTRA Bankruptcy & Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
ARTRA Group, Inc. was involved in the production and distribution of construction materials, including insulation, cement, and thermal protection products that contained asbestos. These materials were widely used across commercial and industrial job sites from the 1950s through the 1980s. Workers were unknowingly exposed to harmful asbestos fibers during manufacturing, application, and removal processes. As lawsuits mounted from those diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, ARTRA filed for bankruptcy and established a trust to compensate victims.
Why ARTRA Filed for Bankruptcy
Legal pressure from asbestos victims:
As the connection between ARTRA’s asbestos products and occupational illness became clear, the company faced a flood of personal injury lawsuits from exposed workers. These included pipefitters, masons, insulation installers, and factory workers.
Bankruptcy and trust formation:
To manage the financial liability, ARTRA Group, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and created the ARTRA Asbestos Trust to handle claims from those harmed by its asbestos-containing products.
Establishment of the ARTRA Asbestos Trust
Trust purpose and structure:
The ARTRA Asbestos Trust was designed to process claims and issue compensation to eligible individuals who were exposed to ARTRA’s asbestos materials during their work or military service.
Key facts:
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Established: As part of ARTRA’s bankruptcy reorganization
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Trust Assets: Estimated in the hundreds of millions
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Covered Conditions: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening
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Eligible Exposure: From direct product use, installation, demolition, or nearby contamination
🧱 ARTRA Products That Contained Asbestos
ARTRA’s products were favored for their heat and fire resistance but posed serious health risks during use, especially when disturbed or damaged.
| Product | Exposure Context | At-Risk Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos Cement Mixes | Used in furnaces, pipes, and fireproofing | Masons, refractory workers |
| Pipe Insulation Wraps | Steam, hot water, and industrial pipes | Pipefitters, HVAC technicians |
| Cement Boards | Wall backing, fire barriers | Construction workers, drywall crews |
| Spray-Applied Fireproofing | Steel beams and high-rise structural systems | Fireproofing applicators, painters |
| Duct Insulation | Air handling systems and ductwork | Sheet metal workers, HVAC staff |
| Boiler Lagging | Heat protection for boiler surfaces | Boiler operators, utility workers |
| Asbestos Adhesives | For tile, panel, and mechanical insulation | Flooring crews, general contractors |
| Molded Cement Panels | Industrial oven and wall applications | Maintenance teams, facility techs |
| Valve & Flange Gaskets | Industrial pumps, turbines, piping | Mechanics, refinery workers |
| Troweled Cement Coatings | Applied to furnaces and heat tanks | Furnace crews, refractory specialists |
| Rope and Packing | Seals around doors, valves, and mechanical parts | Shipyard workers, industrial techs |
| Insulating Blocks | For kilns, furnaces, and boilers | Power plant staff, bricklayers |
| Thermal Linings | High-temp systems in plants and mills | Engineers, plant mechanics |
| Wall and Ceiling Panels | Insulated walls in commercial spaces | Renovation teams, interior finishers |
| Heat Shield Panels | Used behind furnaces or stoves | Appliance installers, homebuilders |
🏭 Industries Commonly Affected by ARTRA Products
ARTRA’s asbestos materials were distributed nationally, impacting workers in a wide range of fields across commercial and industrial construction.
| Industry | Exposure Sites |
|---|---|
| Commercial Construction | Wallboard, fireproofing, duct insulation |
| Industrial Manufacturing | Steam systems, processing equipment, pipe insulation |
| Power Generation | Boilers, turbines, cement panels |
| Oil & Gas Refineries | Pump rooms, heat exchangers, pipe systems |
| Shipbuilding & Repair | Engine rooms, insulation applications, sealing |
| Public Facilities | Hospitals, schools, and office buildings |
| Military Bases | Central heating systems, barracks insulation |
| Foundries and Steel Mills | Furnaces, kilns, refractory linings |
| Paper & Pulp Mills | Processing tanks, thermal systems |
| Chemical Plants | Piping, reactors, protective coatings |
| High-Rise Construction | Fireproof columns, acoustic panels |
| Rail Yards & Transport | Engine room insulation, maintenance buildings |
| Water Treatment Plants | Pump rooms, steam and filtration systems |
| Food Processing Facilities | Boilers, steam ovens, duct insulation |
| Residential High-Density | Apartments and condos with asbestos panels and tiles |
How Bankruptcy Changed the Legal Process
Direct lawsuits are no longer permitted:
ARTRA’s bankruptcy stopped all direct legal action against the company. However, asbestos victims can still file a claim with the ARTRA Asbestos Trust for compensation.
Advantages of trust claims:
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No trial or depositions required
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Efficient, structured review process
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Financial support available for living victims and surviving families
📊 Estimated Payouts from the ARTRA Asbestos Trust
| Condition | Estimated Payout Range |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $60,000 – $200,000+ |
| Lung Cancer | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Asbestosis | $12,000 – $35,000 |
| Pleural Disease | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Final payouts depend on work history, exposure details, review level, and diagnosis.
📄 Steps to Filing Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
How to File a Claim with the ARTRA Asbestos Trust
✅ Step 1: Confirm Your Diagnosis
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Medical records (e.g., pathology, imaging, or physician reports) showing asbestos-related illness
🧾 Step 2: Document Work and Product Exposure
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Employment history, site location, and roles involving ARTRA materials
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Union records, coworker affidavits, and job documentation are useful
📝 Step 3: Submit Your Claim to the Trust
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Your asbestos attorney will compile and file all documents directly with the ARTRA Trust
⏳ Step 4: Claim Review & Payment
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Claims typically reviewed within 4–8 months
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Payments issued upon approval via check or direct deposit
❓ ARTRA Asbestos Trust Fund FAQ
Can I file decades after exposure?
Yes. Latency periods for asbestos diseases can last 20–50 years.
Can surviving families file if the worker passed away?
Yes. Spouses and children can file wrongful death claims on behalf of loved ones.
Will I have to go to court?
No. The process is administrative—no in-person hearings required.
Do I need to pay anything up front?
No. Most asbestos attorneys work on contingency—you pay only if you win compensation.
⚖️ How an Experienced Asbestos Lawyer Can Help You with Trust Fund Claims
Navigating an asbestos trust fund claim can be complex. Deadlines, documentation requirements, and proving work-related exposure all play a role in securing compensation. That’s where an experienced mesothelioma lawyer becomes essential. Here’s how they can help:
🔍 Detailed Exposure Investigation
Lawyers have access to employment records, union databases, and asbestos product catalogs to help prove your exposure history—even from decades ago.
📂 Complete and Accurate Claim Filing
An experienced attorney ensures all forms are filled out correctly, reducing the risk of delays or denials from missing or incorrect information.
🧾 Evidence Collection and Documentation
Your legal team will gather medical records, affidavits, witness statements, and employment history to build a strong case.
💼 Maximize Your Compensation
Lawyers understand the value of your claim and can negotiate for full compensation—especially in cases involving multiple trust funds or additional legal action.
🕒 Timely Filing
Attorneys ensure your claims are filed before any legal deadlines (statutes of limitations), protecting your right to compensation.
🤝 Peace of Mind
With no upfront fees and payment only if they win, experienced lawyers let you focus on your health while they focus on your case.
📝 Free Case Review for A.B.B. Trust Fund Claims
📞 Call 800.291.0963 or fill out our secure online form
✅ Free consultation
✅ No fees unless we win
✅ We handle all claim filing and documentation