⚙️ Gould’s Pumps Inc. – Asbestos Exposure and Legal History
Gould’s Pumps Inc. manufactured industrial pumps incorporating asbestos components such as gaskets and insulation. Plant operators, repair technicians, and maintenance workers were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers during pump installation, operation, and repairs, leading to significant health risks.
🏢 Company Overview
-
Founded: Early 1900s
-
Headquarters: Seneca Falls, New York
-
Industry: Industrial pump manufacturing
-
Parent Company: Goulds Pumps (now part of Xylem Inc.)
-
Asbestos Use Period: 1930s–1980s
-
Current Status: Operates under Xylem Inc.; no longer uses asbestos
Gould’s pumps were widely used in power plants, water treatment facilities, refineries, and manufacturing plants.
🧰 Asbestos Products and Exposure Points
Gould’s asbestos-containing parts included:
-
🔧 Gaskets and flange seals
-
⚙️ Packing materials for pump shafts
-
🛠 Insulating components within pump housings
-
🛡 Heat-resistant sealing materials
Exposure occurred during pump maintenance, gasket replacement, and repair work.
👷 Workers Most at Risk
Those most exposed included:
-
🏭 Plant operators and equipment technicians
-
🛠 Maintenance and repair crews
-
🔩 Pump installers and assemblers
-
🚧 Industrial contractors working on pump systems
Exposure risk was highest in confined mechanical areas with limited ventilation.
🏛 Military and Government Connections
Gould’s Pumps supplied equipment for:
-
🏢 Government water and utility facilities
-
🏭 Military industrial plants
-
🏗 Federally funded infrastructure projects
Government and military maintenance personnel faced asbestos exposure during pump servicing.
⚠️ Health Risks from Exposure
Asbestos exposure linked to:
-
🎗 Mesothelioma (pleural and peritoneal)
-
🫁 Lung cancer
-
🩺 Asbestosis and other chronic respiratory diseases
-
🦠 Pleural thickening and fibrosis
Symptoms often appear decades after exposure.
⚖️ Lawsuits and Litigation
Gould’s Pumps has been named in numerous asbestos lawsuits due to:
-
❌ Failure to warn about asbestos hazards
-
📦 Distribution of asbestos-containing pump components
-
🔄 Exposure during maintenance and repairs
Plaintiffs typically include plant operators, repair technicians, and maintenance workers.
💰 Notable Settlements
-
💵 Multiple settlements awarded to asbestos victims
-
🤝 Participation in multi-defendant asbestos trust funds
-
⚖️ Ongoing litigation concerning legacy asbestos claims
📅 Chronological Timeline of Asbestos Use
| Period | Company Activity | Asbestos Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s–1950s | Expansion of pump manufacturing | Extensive use of asbestos gaskets and packing |
| 1960s–1970s | Peak asbestos use in industrial pumps | High exposure risk during maintenance and repairs |
| 1980s | Reduction in asbestos use amid regulations | Transition to asbestos-free components |
| 1990s–2000s | Increase in asbestos-related lawsuits | Named in claims by exposed workers |
| Present | Active under Xylem; no asbestos use | Trust funds manage legacy claims |
📊 Exposure Estimates
Workers Exposed at Gould’s Pumps Facilities:
| Role | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| 🏭 Plant operators | 12,000 |
| 🛠 Maintenance technicians | 8,000 |
| 🔩 Repair and assembly workers | 5,000 |
| 🚧 Industrial contractors | 3,000 |
Total Direct Exposure Estimate: ~28,000 workers
People Exposed Through Products (Non-Employees):
| Category | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| 🛠 Independent repair technicians | 4,000 |
| 📦 Warehouse and shipping staff | 1,500 |
Total Product-Related Exposure Estimate: ~5,500 people
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I file a lawsuit against Gould’s Pumps Inc.?
✅ Yes. If diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness from exposure to Gould’s Pumps asbestos parts, you may qualify for legal claims.
What documents do I need?
-
📝 Proof of work with Gould’s Pumps equipment
-
🩺 Medical diagnosis confirming asbestos-related disease
-
👥 Employment or repair records
Is there an asbestos trust fund?
💼 Gould’s Pumps is included in asbestos trust funds for victim compensation.
🏢 Company Status Today
-
✔️ Operates under Xylem Inc.
-
❌ No longer uses asbestos in products
-
⚖️ Active in asbestos litigation and trust fund claims
-
💼 Trust funds available for legacy claims
📌 Summary Snapshot – Gould’s Pumps Inc.
| Founded | Early 1900s |
|---|---|
| Industry | Industrial pump manufacturing |
| Asbestos Use | Gaskets, packing, insulation components |
| At-Risk Workers | Plant operators, maintenance staff, technicians |
| Lawsuits Filed | Yes – active |
| Trust Fund? | Yes |
⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
Lawyers can assist by:
-
🔎 Identifying exposure to Gould’s Pumps asbestos components
-
📂 Researching work and repair histories
-
📄 Filing claims or lawsuits
-
⏰ Managing legal deadlines
-
🤝 Representing exposed workers and families
-
💰 Working on contingency with no upfront fees
📞 Free Legal Help for Gould’s Pumps Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos from Gould’s Pumps products and later diagnosed with mesothelioma or related diseases, compensation may be available.
Call Now: 800.291.0963
-
💬 Free consultation
-
💸 No fees unless we win
-
🧑🔧 Help identifying exposure
-
👨👩👧 Support for workers and families
Or request help online 24/7