As part of our representation of clients suffering from asbestos disease, Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford files claims against a variety of bankrupt asbestos companies. Following is an update of recent activity in this area:
Armstrong World Industries – This company manufactured asbestos-containing pipe covering, block, insulating cement, acoustic cement and tiles. The Joint Plan of Reorganization was approved. A Proof of Claim form has been released by the Trust, and claims are currently being processed.
Babcock & Wilcox – This company manufactured steam-generating boilers and refractory products. Often, these systems were used in power plants and manufacturing facilities. The Joint Plan of Reorganization was approved by Judge Sarah Vance on January 17, 2006. A Proof of Claim form has been released by the Trust, and claims are currently being processed.
Combustion Engineering – This company manufactured and supplied boilers and boiler products and manufactured refractory cement. The Plan of Reorganization was approved by Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald on December 19, 2005. A Proof of Claim form has been released by the Trust, and claims are currently being processed.
Federal Mogul – This company distributed asbestos-containing fireproofing (Limpet) and manufactured asbestos- containing brakes. The 4th Amended Plan of Reorganization was proposed in Fall of 2006, and the Plan of Reorganization was approved by Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald on November 8, 2007. A Proof of Claim form should be released in early 2008.
Dresser Industries (Harbison-Walker/Halliburton) – Harbison-Walker manufactured a wide variety of refractory products and heat resistant materials found in and around industrial ovens, kilns, furnaces and boilers. The Joint Plan of Reorganization was approved. A Proof of Claim form has been released by the Trust, and claims are currently being processed.
Kaiser Aluminum – This company manufactured refractory products. The Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization was approved by Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald on February 6, 2006. A Proof of Claim form has been released by the Trust, and claims are currently being processed.
Owens Corning/Fibreboard – Owens Corning manufactured Kaylo pipe covering and block insulation. Fibreboard manufactured a variety of cements, pipecovering and block insulation. The 6th Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization was approved by Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald on November 2, 2006. A Proof of Claim form has been released by the Trust, and claims are currently being processed.
Pittsburgh Corning – This company manufactured an industrial thermal pipe insulation product known as Unibestos between 1962-1972. On December 21, 2006, Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald denied the Second Amended Plan of Reorganization. Until a Plan is accepted and approved by the Court, no Proof of Claim form will be released.
U.S. Gypsum/A.P. Green – U.S. Gypsum manufactured a number of construction products, including joint compound, ceiling tiles, roofing materials and decorative and acoustical plasters. A.P. Green manufactured refractory and insulation products, including firebricks. The Joint Plan of Reorganization was approved by Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald on July 28, 2006. A Proof of Claim form has been released by the Trust, and claims are currently being processed.
W.R. Grace – This company manufactured fireproofing and insulation compounds, including Monokote and Zonolite. Recently, claimants were required to file extensive Questionnaires detailing asbestos exposure, and Proof of Claim forms. The Trust is still in the process of determining how much money to allocate to each different claim level, and it is unclear when payment can be expected on W.R. Grace claims.