⚙️ Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company – Asbestos Exposure and Legal History
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company manufactured automotive parts and gaskets containing asbestos. Factory workers, brake technicians, and tire shop mechanics were exposed to hazardous asbestos fibers during manufacturing, installation, and repair, resulting in serious long-term health risks.
🏢 Company Overview
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Founded: 1898
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Headquarters: Akron, Ohio
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Industry: Tire and automotive parts manufacturing
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Parent Company: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
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Asbestos Use Period: 1930s–1980s
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Current Status: Active company; no longer uses asbestos in products
Goodyear was a leading supplier of tires and automotive components incorporating asbestos materials.
🧰 Asbestos Products and Exposure Points
Goodyear’s asbestos-containing products included:
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🚗 Automotive gaskets and seals with asbestos fibers
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🛞 Brake linings and pads containing asbestos
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🏭 Replacement parts for vehicles
Exposure occurred during product manufacturing, automotive repair, and tire servicing.
👷 Workers Most at Risk
Exposed workers included:
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🏭 Factory production employees
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🔧 Brake technicians and tire shop mechanics
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🛠 Automotive parts installers and repair personnel
Exposure risk was highest during brake part manufacturing and vehicle repairs.
🏛 Military and Government Connections
Goodyear supplied asbestos-containing parts to:
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🚙 Military vehicles and equipment manufacturers
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🏢 Government automotive and transportation contracts
Personnel involved faced exposure during production and servicing.
⚠️ 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 other respiratory diseases
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🦠 Pleural thickening and fibrosis
Symptoms often develop years after exposure.
⚖️ Lawsuits and Litigation
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has faced numerous asbestos lawsuits due to:
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❌ Manufacture and sale of asbestos-containing automotive gaskets and brake parts
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📦 Failure to warn workers and consumers of asbestos hazards
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🔄 Exposure during manufacturing and vehicle repair
Plaintiffs include factory workers, brake technicians, and tire mechanics.
💰 Notable Settlements
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💵 Settlements awarded to asbestos victims
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🤝 Participation in multi-defendant asbestos trust funds
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⚖️ Ongoing litigation related to legacy asbestos exposure
📅 Chronological Timeline of Asbestos Use
| Period | Company Activity | Asbestos Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s–1950s | Production of asbestos-containing gaskets and brake parts | Extensive use in automotive manufacturing |
| 1960s–1970s | Peak asbestos use during part manufacturing | High exposure risk during production and repair |
| 1980s | Regulatory restrictions reduce asbestos use | Shift to asbestos-free automotive components |
| 1990s–Present | Rise in asbestos-related lawsuits | Named in claims by exposed workers |
📊 Exposure Estimates
Workers Exposed to Goodyear Asbestos Products:
| Role | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| 🏭 Factory production employees | 14,000 |
| 🔧 Brake technicians | 11,000 |
| 🛠 Tire shop mechanics | 9,000 |
Total Direct Exposure Estimate: ~34,000 workers
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I file a lawsuit against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company?
✅ Yes. If diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness due to exposure to Goodyear asbestos-containing products, you may qualify for legal claims.
What documents do I need?
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📝 Proof of work or exposure involving Goodyear products
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🩺 Medical diagnosis confirming asbestos-related disease
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👥 Employment or exposure records
Is there an asbestos trust fund?
💼 Goodyear participates in asbestos trust funds compensating victims.
🏢 Company Status Today
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✔️ Active tire and automotive parts manufacturer
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❌ No longer uses asbestos in products
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⚖️ Active in asbestos litigation and trust fund claims
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💼 Trust funds available for legacy claims
📌 Summary Snapshot – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
| Founded | 1898 |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tire and automotive parts manufacturing |
| Asbestos Use | Automotive gaskets and brake parts containing asbestos |
| At-Risk Workers | Factory workers, brake technicians, tire mechanics |
| Lawsuits Filed | Yes – active |
| Trust Fund? | Yes |
⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
Lawyers can assist by:
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🔎 Identifying exposure to Goodyear asbestos products
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📂 Researching employment and exposure histories
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📄 Filing claims or lawsuits
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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 Goodyear Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos from Goodyear products 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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🧑🔧 Assistance with exposure documentation
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👨👩👧 Support for workers and families
Or request help online 24/7