UNARCO Asbestos Trust Fund
Exploring – Asbestos Exposure from Construction Materials Made by UNARCO
UNARCO (United Asbestos and Rubber Company) was a significant manufacturer of asbestos-containing construction materials widely used throughout the mid-20th century. Their product line included insulation, roofing felts, and cement components that relied on asbestos for its strength, heat resistance, and affordability. Unfortunately, these same products posed serious health risks to workers who handled them during manufacturing, installation, renovation, and demolition processes.
As lawsuits from exposed workers and their families mounted, UNARCO faced severe legal and financial challenges, eventually leading to the creation of a dedicated asbestos trust fund to compensate victims.
⚖️ Why the UNARCO Asbestos Trust Was Created
Widespread Asbestos Use
UNARCO’s asbestos-containing products were used in a broad range of applications:
-
High-temperature insulation in industrial facilities
-
Roofing and siding in commercial and residential buildings
-
Pipe insulation and joint materials in HVAC systems
These materials released dangerous asbestos fibers when cut, sanded, installed, or disturbed, especially in older buildings and during renovations.
Bankruptcy & Trust Formation
Facing thousands of lawsuits for occupational and secondary exposure, UNARCO filed for bankruptcy. As part of their reorganization, the UNARCO Asbestos Trust Fund was established to compensate those harmed by their products.
🗂️ Trust Overview
| Trust Name | Established | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UNARCO Asbestos Trust Fund | 2006 | ✅ Active |
-
Eligible Conditions: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural disease
-
Claim Types: Expedited review or individual review
-
Eligible Parties: Workers, bystanders, family members (via secondary exposure)
🧱 UNARCO Products That Contained Asbestos
| Product | Exposure Context | At-Risk Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe Insulation | Used in steam and water systems | HVAC technicians, plant workers |
| Roofing Felt | Applied in commercial and residential roofs | Roofers, construction crews |
| Asbestos Cement Sheets | Exterior siding and wall coverings | General contractors, insulators |
| Sprayed-On Insulation | Fireproofing beams and structural steel | Painters, fireproofing applicators |
| Block Insulation | Installed around boilers and ductwork | Boiler workers, utility workers |
| Roofing Adhesives | Sealed and bonded roofing systems | Roofers, laborers |
| Joint Compounds | Used in drywall and masonry work | Drywall installers, renovators |
| Asbestos Textiles | Fire blankets and industrial wraps | Mill workers, machinists |
| HVAC Insulation Board | Installed in duct systems | HVAC installers, mechanical engineers |
| Gasket Materials | Used in plumbing and mechanical systems | Pipefitters, refinery workers |
| Siding Shingles | Exterior home siding | Homebuilders, remodelers |
| Furnace Insulation Panels | Lined high-heat industrial equipment | Furnace operators, steelworkers |
| Tank & Vessel Insulation | Wrapped around tanks for thermal control | Chemical plant workers, engineers |
| Fire-Resistant Ceiling Tiles | Commercial buildings and auditoriums | Electricians, ceiling installers |
| Boiler Coatings | Applied to industrial boilers | Maintenance crews, power plant staff |
🏭 Industries Commonly Affected by UNARCO Asbestos Products
| Industry | Exposure Locations |
|---|---|
| Commercial Roofing | Felts, sealants, and adhesives |
| Residential Construction | Siding, flooring, roofing, pipe insulation |
| HVAC Installation | Duct and furnace insulation, gaskets |
| Power Generation | Boilers, turbines, thermal insulation |
| Manufacturing Plants | Equipment linings, wall and ceiling panels |
| Shipbuilding | Fireproofing, engine room insulation |
| Military Facilities | Barracks, mechanical rooms, asbestos panels |
| Chemical Processing | Tank insulation, pump systems |
| Paper Mills | Pipe wrap and insulation around steam lines |
| Oil Refineries | Insulation, valves, gaskets, and roofing |
| Public Schools | Ceiling tiles, furnace linings, wall board |
| Rail Transportation | Brake linings, HVAC components |
| Pulp & Paper | Boilers, dryer felts, steam piping |
| Cement Manufacturing | Panel production and furnace insulation |
| Mining Facilities | Exhaust systems, mineral processing insulation |
💵 Estimated Compensation from the UNARCO Asbestos Trust Fund
| Diagnosis | Estimated Payout Range |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| Lung Cancer | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| Asbestosis | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Other Asbestos Diseases | $3,000 – $10,000 |
Final payout depends on documentation, exposure proof, and type of claim (expedited vs. individual).
📝 Steps to File a Claim with the UNARCO Asbestos Trust
✅ Step 1: Confirm Medical Diagnosis
-
Collect and submit certified medical records confirming an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
📂 Step 2: Document Work and Exposure History
-
Provide a detailed history of job sites, roles, and dates where UNARCO asbestos products were used. Witness affidavits may also support your claim.
🧾 Step 3: File the Claim Form
-
Complete the UNARCO Asbestos Trust claim form with all required documentation.
💰 Step 4: Wait for Claim Review and Compensation
-
Most claims are processed in 4 to 8 months, depending on the claim type and evidence.
⚖️ 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 UNARCO 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