Combustion Engineering, Inc. Asbestos Trust
Exploring – Combustion Engineering Bankruptcy & Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Combustion Engineering, Inc. was a major manufacturer of industrial boilers, furnaces, and related high-temperature equipment throughout the 20th century. To insulate and fireproof its products, the company used asbestos extensively—especially in boiler insulation, cement, gaskets, and refractory linings. As a result, workers across industries such as power generation, shipbuilding, and chemical processing were regularly exposed to dangerous airborne asbestos fibers during manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and demolition.
To resolve the thousands of lawsuits filed by victims of asbestos-related diseases, Combustion Engineering filed for bankruptcy, leading to the creation of a trust fund to compensate those who were harmed.
Why Combustion Engineering Faced Bankruptcy & Legal Action
Product design:
Their high-temperature industrial products were heavily insulated with asbestos, especially from the 1940s to 1980s.
Worker exposure:
Installers, repair crews, insulators, pipefitters, and maintenance teams faced repeated exposure to friable asbestos materials—particularly when working in confined, unventilated boiler rooms.
Bankruptcy and trust creation:
In 2003, Combustion Engineering filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A court-approved asbestos trust fund was established in 2006 to pay compensation to current and future claimants.
Combustion Engineering Asbestos Trust Overview
| Trust Name | Year Established | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Combustion Engineering 524(g) Trust | 2006 | ✅ Active |
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Covered Illnesses: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening
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Claim Types: Expedited (fixed payment) or Individual Review (based on evidence)
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Claimants: Living victims or surviving family members (wrongful death claims allowed)
🔥 Combustion Engineering Asbestos Products
| Product | Exposure Context | At-Risk Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Boilers | Internal and external asbestos insulation | Boilermakers, utility workers |
| Asbestos Block Insulation | High-temp protection for boilers and tanks | Maintenance crews, power plant workers |
| Refractory Cement | Used in combustion chambers and furnace walls | Furnace operators, refractory specialists |
| Pipe Insulation | Steam, condensate, and process lines | Pipefitters, HVAC techs |
| Asbestos Gaskets | Boiler manholes, pumps, and turbines | Fitters, plant workers |
| Firebrick & Castables | Furnace and boiler linings | Foundry workers, steel mill staff |
| Asbestos Rope & Tape | Heat seals and door gasketing | Repair techs, welders |
| Spray-On Insulation | Applied in plant walls and ceilings | Insulators, laborers |
| Adhesives and Sealants | Used during equipment assembly | Construction teams, installers |
| Air Duct Liners | HVAC and ventilation systems | Sheet metal workers, mechanics |
| Turbine Insulation | Wrapped around energy-generation turbines | Powerhouse staff |
| Combustion Chambers | High-heat linings made with asbestos cement | Boiler crews, engineers |
| Exhaust System Insulation | Industrial exhaust and flue systems | Fabricators, pipe mechanics |
| Boiler Door Gaskets | High-friction sealing materials | Stationary engineers |
| Asbestos-Cement Panels | Mounted in walls, boilers, and furnaces | Industrial construction crews |
🏭 Industries & Job Sites with Combustion Engineering Exposure
| Industry / Facility | Asbestos Use |
|---|---|
| Power Generation Facilities | Boilers, turbines, piping, control rooms |
| Oil Refineries | Process heaters, steam generation systems |
| Chemical Processing Plants | High-temp reactors, boiler units |
| Shipyards & Naval Bases | Boiler rooms and steam systems in ships |
| Steel & Aluminum Mills | Furnace linings and refractory installations |
| Paper Mills | Heat-reliant drying and processing machinery |
| Military Installations | Heating and power plants on Army, Navy, Air Force bases |
| Universities & Hospitals | Central heating and hot water plants |
| Industrial Manufacturing Plants | Foundries, presses, and high-heat machinery |
| Waste-to-Energy Plants | Boiler maintenance and refractory relining |
| Cement Production Facilities | Kilns and heat chamber insulation |
| Mining Operations | Equipment and furnace insulation |
| District Heating Systems | Centralized heat generation with asbestos-lined units |
| Utility Companies | Widespread use of CE boilers and insulation |
| Commercial High-Rise Buildings | Mechanical rooms and boiler installations |
💵 Example Settlement Amounts – Combustion Engineering Trust
| Disease | Average Compensation Range |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Lung Cancer | $35,000 – $55,000 |
| Asbestosis | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Pleural Plaques | $2,000 – $10,000 |
Final payout depends on disease severity, exposure strength, and review process.
📋 Steps to Filing an Asbestos Trust Fund Claim
How to File a Claim with the Combustion Engineering Trust
✅ Step 1: Medical Diagnosis
Secure documentation confirming a qualifying illness like mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer.
🧾 Step 2: Exposure & Work History
Gather employment records or affidavits showing that you worked with Combustion Engineering equipment or at known CE work sites. Our legal team can help uncover this history.
📝 Step 3: File the Claim
Your legal representative will submit your completed claim, supporting evidence, and exposure records to the trust.
⏳ Step 4: Await Review
Once reviewed and approved, you may receive payment in as little as 3 to 8 months, depending on the claim type.
❓ Combustion Engineering Asbestos Claim FAQ
Can I qualify if I never worked for CE directly?
Yes. Many were exposed through CE products on third-party job sites like power plants or refineries.
Can I file if I’ve already received other trust fund payouts?
Yes. Multiple trust claims are allowed if exposure occurred through multiple companies.
Is there a deadline to file?
Yes—each state sets its statute of limitations, typically 2–3 years after a diagnosis or death.
Can family members file on behalf of deceased loved ones?
Yes. Surviving spouses or children can file wrongful death claims through the trust.
⚖️ 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 Combustion Engineering 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