Babcock, Wilcox & Company

Babcock, Wilcox & Company (B&W) used asbestos in various products for many years. This caused exposure and illness in many workers, some of whom filed mesothelioma lawsuits against the company. B&W eventually filed for bankruptcy and set up an asbestos trust fund.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you might be entitled to substantial compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

History of B&W

B&W was founded in 1867 as a water-tube boiler manufacturer. Within a little over ten years, the company installed its first utility boiler. By 1902, it began manufacturing boilers that helped power the first subway built in New York City.

Shortly after, B&W began manufacturing boilers for projects funded by the U.S. government, including a fleet of Navy battleships.

In addition, B&W manufactured nuclear submarine components,  fabricated components, and a coal-fired broiler for Nimitz airline carriers.

Although the company didn’t manufacture asbestos, B&W used asbestos in the boilers.

Many workers who built or repaired the boilers developed deadly diseases, including malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer. As a result, over 300,000 lawsuits were filed against the company.

B&W Lawsuits and Asbestos Trust Fund

B&W’s first asbestos-related lawsuit began in 1982. By the year 2000, asbestos claims had risen to 340,000. With the costs of settlement and trial awards and court-related costs, B&W paid out a total of $1.6 billion.

Yet, there were still over 45,000 claims against them, which forced B&W into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2006. B&W’s trust paid out millions in compensation to workers affected by laboring around asbestos in the company’s boilers.

A 1996 lawsuit proceeded the trust fund and demonstrated the damage caused by B&W’s asbestos use. According to court documents, Martin McPadden was a fireman striker who worked handled various products that contained asbestos, including the boilers manufactured by B&W.

McPadden passed away after a battle with malignant mesothelioma, but his loved ones pursued justice on his behalf. B&W, along with several other companies named in the lawsuit, settled with the family for a little over $1.6 million.

Occupations Affected By B&W

Since B&W boilers were used in a variety of settings, numerous types of workers were exposed to asbestos and affected. The following are among just a few of over 2,000 occupations that were affected by asbestos via B&W products:

• Vessel builders
• Vessel repairers
• Welders
• Firefighters
• Plumbers
• Pipefitters
• Maintenance workers
• Submarine workers

B&W products with asbestos include:

• Decking boards
• Asbestos blocks
• Gaskets
• Heat seals
• Insulation

B&W Today

B&W emerged from bankruptcy and is still in business today. The company no longer uses asbestos in any products and remains headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Currently, the company works with the research and development of alternative energy sources, as well as with several departments of the United States Department of Energy National Laboratories.

If you suffered asbestos exposure and illness from B&W products, contact a lawyer to help you seek compensation.

Resources for Asbestos Victims

Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. For additional assistance or questions, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.