General Motors

General Motors’ Connection to Asbestos

General Motors used asbestos in a wide variety of its automotive and consumer products like household appliances under brands such as Frigidaire and Delco-Heat. The toxic mineral can handle heat, is a good insulator and can help control friction in moving parts. However, this widespread use of asbestos put workers and consumers at risk of mesothelioma cancer, which primarily develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled. 

General Motors’ Top Asbestos-Containing Products

• Adhesives
• Brake parts, including discs, drums, linings and shoes
• Clutch linings
• Delco-Heat boilers and appliances
• Frigidaire appliances
• Gaskets
• Heat barriers
• Heat seals
• Hood liners
• Transmissions

The company’s asbestos products included brakes, clutches and insulation panels. Workers were exposed to asbestos when handling adhesives, appliances and automotive parts at GM factories. Consumers could also be exposed when parts wore over time or when doing DIY repairs or maintenance work.

GM began phasing out asbestos from its products in the 1970s. But because mesothelioma can take 20 to 60 years to develop symptoms after initial asbestos exposure, those exposed in the past may develop the disease in the future. Legacy asbestos in vintage car parts and appliances can also still pose a risk of exposure.

Who Was at Risk of Asbestos Exposure from General Motors?

People working directly with GM’s asbestos products, like those who worked on assembly lines, salespeople and technicians were especially at risk. People who performed maintenance or repairs in GM factories, like fixing buildings, pipes, electrical systems or heating and cooling equipment, were also often exposed to asbestos.

Some automotive disc and drum brakes were made with up to 65% asbestos, putting GM workers and auto mechanics at risk. A study published in Epidemiology: Open Access showed activities like blowing off dust or changing asbestos brakes could cause the amount of asbestos in the air to exceed safe limits for workers.

High-Risk Jobs for Asbestos Exposure at General Motors

• Appliance technicians
• Assembly line workers 
• Auto mechanics
• Boiler and furnace operators
• Brake and clutch repair workers 
• Electricians
• Insulators
• Machinists
• Maintenance workers
• Pipefitters
• Railway workers
• Warehouse employees

Workers with primary exposure could accidentally bring home fibers on their clothes, putting their family members at risk of secondary asbestos exposure. Consumers were also at risk when using home appliances or repairing their cars. Even today, restoring classic cars can pose a risk.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. The risk of an asbestos-related disease can depend on how much and how long a person was exposed. A study in the Annals of Occupational Hygiene found 4.9% of auto mechanics developed pleural plaques, a sign of asbestos exposure. 

Mesothelioma Lawsuits Involving General Motors

Many former GM workers filed mesothelioma lawsuits seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages and related expenses. A lot of these cases were related to GM brake and clutch parts. In one case, expert witness Dr. Richard A. Lemen said in court that even working with asbestos products like brakes and clutches can lead to mesothelioma.

Most asbestos litigation ends in settlements negotiated between mesothelioma lawyers for the plaintiffs and the defendants’ attorneys. Some GM lawsuits that went to trial ended in verdicts with significant damages awarded.

Notable General Motors Asbestos Legal Cases

• $40.6 million: A jury awarded damages to the family of Larry Knecht for illnesses related to asbestos exposure. GM was found 20% at fault.
• $30 million: A jury awarded damages to the family of GM warehouse worker Mark Buttitta after finding primary and secondary exposure caused his mesothelioma.
• $6.9 million: GM settled with a former Flint, Michigan, plant worker exposed to asbestos at several plants.
• $2 million: A jury awarded damages to a former mechanic, Roland Leo Grenier, finding GM 70% responsible for his mesothelioma.

As GM faced financial losses including mesothelioma claims resulting in negotiated settlements and verdicts awarding damages to plaintiffs, the company declared bankruptcy in 2009. During Chapter 11 proceedings, an asbestos trust fund was established to handle existing and future asbestos claims.

General Motors Asbestos Trust Funds

GM created the Motors Liquidation Company Asbestos PI Trust with an initial amount of $625 million in 2011. In its annual report entered into court records on April 29, 2022 for the fiscal year 2021, $152 million remained in the trust. The purpose of asbestos trust funds is to set aside money for future asbestos claims from those who were exposed and developed mesothelioma or other eligible asbestos-related diseases.

Key GM Asbestos Trust Developments

• 2024: Trustees announced on the trust’s website that a new review of payment percentages took place on August 29, 2024.
• 2023: CRMC, which manages a number of different asbestos trust funds, became the processor for the MLC Asbestos PI Trust. It began accepting electronic claims on February 15, 2023.
• 2012: The trust began accepting claims on April 30, 2012. 
• 2011: GM formed the Motors Liquidation Company Asbestos PI Trust as part of its bankruptcy settlement with an initial balance of $625 million.

People who develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases from GM products can file a claim with GM’s MLC Asbestos PI Trust. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you navigate the claims process.

Legal Help for People Exposed to GM’s Asbestos

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help people with a mesothelioma diagnosis who were exposed to asbestos in GM’s products or facilities. Your lawyer can answer all of your questions about asbestos trust funds, determine if you qualify to file a claim and ensure your claim is filed properly. They can manage the process so you can focus on your health.

Patient Advocates at The Mesothelioma Center are available daily to help connect you with resources like experienced legal experts and financial aid. They can also help you file VA claims, navigate insurance and connect you with resources like top mesothelioma specialists and support groups. 

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