United Gilsonite Asbestos Trust Fund
Exploring – Asbestos Exposure from Sealants and Adhesives Produced by United Gilsonite Laboratories
United Gilsonite Laboratories (UGL) was a known manufacturer of construction and home improvement products. For much of the 20th century, UGL relied on asbestos in products like sealants, adhesives, and protective coatings due to its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. Unfortunately, workers who handled these materials during manufacturing, application, renovation, or removal were often unknowingly exposed to hazardous asbestos fibers.
Over time, this exposure led to a wave of asbestos-related illnesses—including mesothelioma and lung cancer—prompting lawsuits and ultimately the creation of an asbestos trust fund to provide compensation for affected individuals and families.
⚖️ Why the United Gilsonite Asbestos Trust Was Created
Product Risks
United Gilsonite’s asbestos-containing products were used in:
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Roofing and siding applications
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Basement and masonry waterproofing
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Structural adhesives and patching compounds
These materials often released airborne asbestos fibers when applied, sanded, removed, or disturbed—placing both professional contractors and do-it-yourself home renovators at risk.
Bankruptcy & Trust Formation
Facing a growing number of asbestos claims, United Gilsonite Laboratories was forced into bankruptcy. As a result, the United Gilsonite Asbestos Trust Fund was established to handle settlements and ensure eligible victims receive financial support.
🗂️ Trust Overview
| Trust Name | Established | Status |
|---|---|---|
| United Gilsonite Asbestos Trust Fund | 2013 | ✅ Active |
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Eligible Diseases: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening
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Claim Options: Expedited review or individual review
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Eligible Claimants: Workers, family members with secondary exposure, and estate representatives
🧴 United Gilsonite Products That Contained Asbestos
| Product | Exposure Context | At-Risk Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Patch Compounds | Applied on shingles and tar roofs | Roofers, general contractors |
| Waterproofing Sealants | Used on basements, masonry, foundations | Masons, laborers, maintenance crews |
| Adhesive Mastics | Applied for tile and panel installations | Tile setters, flooring contractors |
| Crack Fillers & Patching Pastes | Spread into wall and foundation seams | Home remodelers, drywall installers |
| Paint & Coating Compounds | Applied to seal or finish surfaces | Painters, carpenters |
| Pipe Joint Sealants | Used in plumbing installations | Plumbers, HVAC workers |
| Chimney Seal Products | Used in high-heat applications | Chimney sweeps, masonry workers |
| Acoustic Ceiling Coatings | Sprayed on ceilings for sound dampening | Interior finishers, renovators |
| Asphalt-Based Adhesives | Used in roofing and siding work | Roofing teams, industrial builders |
| Panel Adhesives | Applied during drywall installation | Construction workers, insulation crews |
| Utility Coatings | Brushed or rolled on exterior walls | Building painters, general laborers |
| Gutter Sealants | Used to bond and seal drainage systems | Handymen, property maintenance workers |
| Wallboard Joint Compound | Sanded and smoothed for drywall finish | Drywallers, residential contractors |
| Masonry Water Repellents | Used for weatherproofing buildings | Bricklayers, commercial contractors |
| Caulking Compounds | Applied around windows, doors, and gaps | Window installers, finish carpenters |
🏗️ Industries Commonly Affected by UGL Asbestos Products
| Industry | Common Exposure Sites |
|---|---|
| Residential Construction | Roofing, basements, drywall applications |
| Commercial Contracting | Caulking, insulation, joint sealants |
| Plumbing & HVAC | Pipe sealants, joint compounds |
| Roofing | Adhesives, tar and roof-patching products |
| Masonry | Waterproofing sealants, patching materials |
| DIY/Home Renovation | Consumer-grade adhesives, coatings, and fillers |
| Schools and Institutions | Ceiling coatings, soundproof sealants |
| Industrial Facilities | Chimney linings, pipe joints, masonry coatings |
| Warehousing | Maintenance, floor tile adhesives |
| Shipyards (non-marine) | Utility coatings, panel adhesives |
| Retail Building Supply | Distribution of asbestos-containing materials |
| Government Facilities | Historical buildings with UGL insulation & coatings |
| Insurance Restoration | Demolition and repair of asbestos-containing materials |
| Real Estate Maintenance | Repairs involving asbestos sealants or caulks |
| Painting & Decorating | Coatings and texture finishes with asbestos content |
💵 Estimated Compensation from the UGL Asbestos Trust Fund
| Diagnosis | Estimated Payout Range |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Lung Cancer | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Asbestosis | $10,000 – $22,000 |
| Other Conditions | $2,500 – $8,000 |
Final payout depends on severity, proof of exposure, and claim type.
📝 Steps to File a Claim with the United Gilsonite Asbestos Trust
✅ Step 1: Confirm Diagnosis
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Provide certified medical documents diagnosing a recognized asbestos-related illness.
📁 Step 2: Document Exposure
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Gather detailed records of work history, job sites, and any use of UGL asbestos-containing products.
🧾 Step 3: Submit the Claim
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Complete the claim form and submit required evidence to the UGL Asbestos Trust.
💰 Step 4: Review & Compensation
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Claims are typically reviewed within 4–8 months. Expedited claims may be resolved faster depending on documentation.
⚖️ 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 United Gilsonite Asbestos 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