Weirton Steel
Founded in 1909, Weirton Steel is now part of the ArcelorMittal family of companies. The founder of Weirton Steel, Ernest Weir, had been an employee of U.S. Steel before branching out on his own, buying a tin mill in Clarksburg, West Virginia with his business partner, James Phillips. Later relocating to Holiday's Cove, WV, Weir was soon operating 50 hot mills in three locations, and in 1915, the Weirton Steel Company name was born.
Weirton merged with two other steel companies in 1929 to form National Steel Company. Operations continued to expand for the next several decades and the company took its place among some of the country's top steel producers. Despite its strength, however, when foreign steel entered the picture in the '70s and '80s, offering lower prices, National Steel suffered. In 1982, National decided not to invest any more capital in the Weirton division. As a result, employees decided to purchase the company themselves. Taking a major pay cut, the employees assumed ownership and the company thrived for the next 15 years or so.
However, foreign competition was still strong and the company was forced to declare bankruptcy in the early years of the new millennium. Weirton's assets were sold to the International Steel Group which later completed a merger with Mittal Steel. Similarly, Mittal later merged with Arcelor to form the current owner of the former Weirton Steel.
Weirton Steel and Asbestos
Despite changes in the steel industry throughout the years, Weirton steel thrived for nearly a century, employing thousands of individuals at its facilities. Employees became a tight-knit community and were proud of their work. What most didn't realize, however, was that the job they did every day may have been making them sick.
Jobs in the steel industry can be quite dangerous. High temperature equipment can prompt fires or explosions. Employees are constantly in danger of suffering burns. That's why most steel mills once made abundant use of asbestos as a thermal insulator. Asbestos was an excellent heat-resistant material, was extremely durable, and was inexpensive as well. That made it the ideal insulator. Unfortunately, however, it was also toxic, and many mill owners knew it was causing pulmonary problems in the employees who encountered it daily. But they never shared that information with those in danger. As a result, many employees eventually developed asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Weirton Steel and Asbestos Litigation
When information was finally released that verified the connection between asbestos and mesothelioma, Weirton employees were astounded by the fact that this important health data had been withheld. Those who had already been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, including cancer, began to realize that someone else was indeed to blame for their illness. As such, the filing of lawsuits against Weirton Steel and other companies that used or manufactured asbestos materials began.
Weirton was eventually named in a large number of asbestos lawsuits. As a matter of fact, it wasn't unusual for large groups of workers to join together to file class action suits against the company as well. While these individuals may have worked in a variety of different jobs within the mill, they all had one thing in common...cancer.
In addition, some suits were filed by family members because mesothelioma had already claimed the lives of their loved ones and they were seeking help with medical bills and other financial problems caused by loss of income.
Resources for Metal Workers
If you were one of many steel workers who toiled in a mill during the era of asbestos use, you probably worry constantly about developing an asbestos disease. The best way to ensure your ongoing good health is to monitor it on a regular basis and inform your doctor about your past asbestos exposure.
If you need assistance in finding a suitable place for testing or treatment, contact our Patient Advocate department at (800) 615-2270 or take a moment to request further information by completing the form on this page.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
