Kelly-Moore Paint Co

For more than a decade, Kelly-Moore used asbestos as a thickener, filler and fire retardant in its Paco Textures and other interior finishing products. These products have been found to contain 5 to 10 percent asbestos. Spackling and taping compounds manufactured by Kelly-Moore may also contain asbestos material.

Unaware of the dangers of asbestos, painters would often work without any respiratory protection while in close proximity of asbestos-containing materials and surfaces. These materials could release asbestos particles into the air, which could be inhaled by individuals nearby. Asbestos exposure can lead to a number of diseases such as mesothelioma, which may develop 20 to 50 years after exposure.

The International Association for Research on Cancer reported that the risk of cancer for painters working during the era while asbestos was being used was 20 percent higher than that of the general populace, and the risk of developing lung cancer was 40 percent higher.

Asbestos-containing paints were hazardous to other professions as well. Workers at construction sites, factories, ships and shipyards may have come into contact with asbestos-containing paints and finishes throughout the day, which increases the risk of asbestos-related diseases and other health complications.

Asbestos Litigation

To date, more than 48,000 lawsuits have been filed against Kelly-Moore seeking compensation for asbestos-related injuries, many of them initiated by painters and other laborers who now suffer from mesothelioma. Millions of dollars in settlement funds have been awarded.

Kelly-Moore filed a $4.1 billion lawsuit against Union Carbide in 2002, claiming that Union Carbide did not inform the company about asbestos hazards before selling Kelly-Moore its asbestos-containing products. In 2004, the case was tried in Texas and the jury found in favor of the lawsuit.

Currently, Kelly-Moore has not filed bankruptcy and is active in regular business functions.

Individuals who are former employees of Kelly-Moore or have used asbestos-containing products manufactured by the company and are suffering from asbestos-related conditions including mesothelioma should seek legal advice. A qualified Patient Advocate can help you discover your legal options.

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Company History

Kelly-Moore is one of the largest U.S. paint companies, producing 20 million gallons of paint a year and reporting $350 million in sales.

In 1946, the company was founded by William Moore and William Kelly. William Moore had previously worked for Glidden Paints as a lab technician and salesman before World War II. Teaming up with Kelly Moore, a retired Glidden superintendent, he opened the original store in San Carlos, California.

In 1952, Moore hired William Kelly as a business partner but kept the established name. By the time Moore retired in 1984, Kelly-Moore had grown into an enterprise with 80 stores and had grossed more than $136 million with over $11 million in profits.

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