⚙️ Griscom-Russell Company (Viad Corporation) – Asbestos Exposure and Legal History
Griscom-Russell Company, a division of Viad Corporation, supplied heat exchangers and industrial equipment lined with asbestos. Workers in chemical plants, refineries, and industrial facilities were exposed to hazardous asbestos fibers during installation, maintenance, and repair of this equipment, resulting in significant health risks.
🏢 Company Overview
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Founded: Early 20th century
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Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois (Viad Corporation headquarters)
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Industry: Industrial equipment and heat exchanger manufacturing
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Parent Company: Viad Corporation
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Asbestos Use Period: 1930s–1980s
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Current Status: Viad Corporation active; asbestos no longer used in products
Griscom-Russell’s asbestos-lined equipment was critical for thermal management in industrial processes.
🧰 Asbestos Products and Exposure Points
Griscom-Russell’s asbestos-containing components included:
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🔥 Heat exchangers with asbestos insulation
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🛠 Pipe and vessel insulation
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⚙️ Industrial equipment lined with asbestos materials
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🔧 Gaskets and sealing components
Exposure occurred during equipment installation, inspection, and repair.
👷 Workers Most at Risk
Exposed workers included:
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🏭 Chemical plant operators
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🛠 Maintenance and repair technicians
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🔩 Refinery workers
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👷 Contractors and insulation installers
Exposure risk was heightened in confined, high-temperature environments.
🏛 Military and Government Connections
Griscom-Russell supplied equipment for:
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🏢 Government-run industrial plants
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🏗 Military industrial projects
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🏭 Federally regulated refineries and chemical facilities
Government and military personnel working on these projects faced asbestos exposure.
⚠️ Health Risks from Exposure
Asbestos exposure linked to:
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🎗 Mesothelioma (pleural and peritoneal)
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🫁 Lung cancer
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🩺 Asbestosis and chronic respiratory diseases
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🦠 Pleural thickening and fibrosis
Symptoms often appear decades after exposure.
⚖️ Lawsuits and Litigation
Griscom-Russell Company has been named in numerous asbestos lawsuits involving:
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❌ Failure to warn about asbestos hazards
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📦 Distribution of asbestos-lined heat exchangers and equipment
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🔄 Exposure during installation and maintenance
Plaintiffs include plant workers, refinery employees, and contractors.
💰 Notable Settlements
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💵 Several multi-million dollar settlements awarded
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🤝 Participation in multi-defendant asbestos trust funds
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⚖️ Ongoing claims related to historic asbestos exposure
📅 Chronological Timeline of Asbestos Use
| Period | Company Activity | Asbestos Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s–1950s | Expansion in heat exchanger manufacturing | Widespread asbestos insulation in equipment |
| 1960s–1970s | Peak use in chemical plants and refineries | High exposure risk during maintenance and repair |
| 1980s | Regulatory changes reduce asbestos use | Shift to safer insulation materials |
| 1990s–2000s | Increase in asbestos-related lawsuits | Named in claims by former workers |
| Present | Viad Corporation continues operations; no asbestos use | Trust funds handle legacy claims |
📊 Exposure Estimates
Workers Exposed at Griscom-Russell Facilities:
| Role | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| 🏭 Chemical plant operators | 14,000 |
| 🛠 Maintenance technicians | 9,000 |
| 🔩 Refinery workers | 6,000 |
| 👷 Contractors and installers | 4,000 |
Total Direct Exposure Estimate: ~33,000 workers
People Exposed Through Products (Non-Employees):
| Category | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| 🛠 Independent repair contractors | 3,500 |
| 📦 Warehouse and shipping staff | 1,500 |
Total Product-Related Exposure Estimate: ~5,000 people
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I file a lawsuit against Griscom-Russell Company?
✅ Yes. If diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness from exposure to Griscom-Russell asbestos-lined equipment, you may qualify for legal claims.
What documents do I need?
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📝 Proof of work or exposure at sites with Griscom-Russell equipment
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🩺 Medical diagnosis confirming asbestos-related disease
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👥 Employment or maintenance records
Is there an asbestos trust fund?
💼 Griscom-Russell is included in asbestos trust funds established for victim compensation.
🏢 Company Status Today
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✔️ Operates under Viad Corporation
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❌ No longer uses asbestos in manufacturing
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⚖️ Active in asbestos litigation and trust fund claims
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💼 Trust funds available for legacy claims
📌 Summary Snapshot – Griscom-Russell Company (Viad Corporation)
| Founded | Early 1900s |
|---|---|
| Industry | Industrial equipment manufacturing |
| Asbestos Use | Asbestos-lined heat exchangers and insulation |
| At-Risk Workers | Chemical plant operators, refinery workers, maintenance crews |
| Lawsuits Filed | Yes – active |
| Trust Fund? | Yes |
⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
Lawyers can assist by:
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🔎 Identifying exposure to Griscom-Russell asbestos products
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📂 Researching work and repair histories
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📄 Filing lawsuits or trust fund claims
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⏰ Managing legal deadlines
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🤝 Representing workers and families
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💰 Working on contingency with no upfront fees
📞 Free Legal Help for Griscom-Russell Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos from Griscom-Russell equipment and later diagnosed with mesothelioma or related diseases, compensation may be available.
Call Now: 800.291.0963
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💬 Free consultation
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💸 No fees unless we win
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🧑🔧 Help identifying exposure
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👨👩👧 Support for workers and families
Or request help online 24/7