⚙️ Gardner Denver Inc. – Asbestos Exposure and Legal History
Gardner Denver Inc. manufactured pumps, compressors, and related industrial equipment containing asbestos gaskets and seals. Mechanics, maintenance personnel, and plant workers were exposed to hazardous asbestos fibers during installation, repair, and routine maintenance of this equipment.
🏢 Company Overview
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Founded: 1859
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Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Industry: Industrial equipment manufacturing
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Parent Company: Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc.
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Asbestos Use Period: 1930s–1980s
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Current Status: Continues operations; asbestos no longer used
Gardner Denver’s pumps and compressors were widely used across factories, refineries, power plants, and municipal facilities.
🧰 Asbestos Products and Exposure Points
Gardner Denver’s asbestos-containing components included:
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🔧 Gaskets and flange seals
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⚙️ Compressor and pump packing
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🛠 Shaft seals and valve gaskets
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🛡 Heat-resistant insulation parts
Exposure was common during equipment servicing, gasket replacement, and maintenance in confined mechanical spaces.
👷 Workers Most at Risk
Exposed workers included:
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🛠 Mechanics and maintenance technicians
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🏭 Industrial plant workers
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🔩 Equipment installers and repair crews
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🚧 Contractors working on plant maintenance
Exposure risks persisted due to handling of legacy equipment.
🏛 Military and Government Connections
Gardner Denver supplied equipment for:
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🏭 Government and military industrial plants
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🚢 Naval shipyards and maintenance facilities
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🏢 Municipal water and power utilities
Military and government workers involved in equipment upkeep faced exposure hazards.
⚠️ Health Risks from Exposure
Asbestos exposure linked to:
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🎗 Mesothelioma (lung and abdominal)
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🫁 Lung cancer
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🩺 Asbestosis and chronic respiratory conditions
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🦠 Pleural diseases
Symptoms often manifest decades after initial exposure.
⚖️ Lawsuits and Litigation
Gardner Denver has faced asbestos-related lawsuits alleging:
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❌ Failure to warn about asbestos risks in equipment
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📦 Distribution of asbestos-containing gaskets and seals
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🔄 Exposure during equipment maintenance and repair
Plaintiffs typically include mechanics and plant workers.
💰 Notable Settlements
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💵 Multiple settlements awarded to asbestos victims
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🤝 Participation in multi-defendant asbestos trust funds
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⚖️ Ongoing litigation for legacy exposure claims
📅 Chronological Timeline of Asbestos Use
| Period | Company Activity | Asbestos Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s–1950s | Expansion of pump and compressor production | Use of asbestos gaskets and seals in equipment |
| 1960s–1970s | Peak use in industrial applications | High exposure during maintenance and repair |
| 1980s | Regulatory changes reduce asbestos use | Shift to safer materials |
| 1990s–2000s | Surge in asbestos-related lawsuits | Named in claims by exposed workers |
| Present | Continues operations; no asbestos use | Trust funds manage legacy claims |
📊 Exposure Estimates
Workers Exposed at Gardner Denver Facilities:
| Role | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| 🛠 Mechanics and technicians | 15,000 |
| 🏭 Plant maintenance workers | 10,000 |
| 🔩 Equipment installers | 5,000 |
| 🚧 Contractors | 3,000 |
Total Direct Exposure Estimate: ~33,000 workers
People Exposed Through Products (Non-Employees):
| Category | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| 🛠 Independent repair shops | 6,000 |
| 📦 Warehouse and shipping staff | 2,500 |
Total Product-Related Exposure Estimate: ~8,500 people
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I file a lawsuit against Gardner Denver Inc.?
✅ Yes. If diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease after exposure to Gardner Denver equipment, you may qualify for legal claims.
What documents do I need?
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📝 Proof of work involving Gardner Denver equipment
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🩺 Medical diagnosis of asbestos illness
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👥 Employment or repair records
Is there an asbestos trust fund?
💼 Gardner Denver participates in asbestos trust funds compensating victims.
🏢 Company Status Today
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✔️ Active industrial equipment manufacturer
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❌ No longer uses asbestos materials
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⚖️ Involved in ongoing asbestos litigation
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💼 Established asbestos trust funds
📌 Summary Snapshot – Gardner Denver Inc.
| Founded | 1859 |
|---|---|
| Industry | Industrial equipment manufacturing |
| Asbestos Use | Gaskets, seals, packing materials |
| At-Risk Workers | Mechanics, maintenance staff, installers |
| Lawsuits Filed | Yes – active |
| Trust Fund? | Yes |
⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
Lawyers can assist by:
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🔎 Confirming exposure to Gardner Denver asbestos products
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📂 Researching work and repair histories
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📄 Filing claims or lawsuits
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⏰ Managing deadlines and legal processes
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🤝 Representing exposed workers and families
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💰 Working on contingency with no upfront fees
📞 Free Legal Help for Gardner Denver Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos from Gardner Denver 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