J.H. France Refractories Co., now known as Snowshoe Refractories Inc., was a refractory materials manufacturer with a long history of asbestos use. Although Snowshoe no longer uses asbestos, J.H. France’s long association left workers with life-threatening illnesses such as lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
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Did J.H. France Refractories Use Asbestos?
Refractory products are materials designed to withstand very high temperatures, such as those in foundries or steel mills. J.H. France used asbestos in its refractory products for many years. Asbestos was once used heavily in many industries for its ability to insulate and protect against fire.
J.H. France Refractories Co. History
- J.H. France began in the early 1900s as a refractory brick manufacturing company. J.H. France used asbestos early on for its affordability, ease of use, and resistance to heat and fire.
- The company began its operations in Long Island, New York, but quickly expanded and added on subsidiaries, including the Van Brunt Company.
- The Van Brunt Co. sold asbestos in products, including cement. Franco-Therm cement, in particular, was known to contain high amounts of asbestos.
- J.H. France continued to use asbestos until the 1970s, when the risks became more widely known.
- By then, however, numerous workers had already been exposed to the company’s asbestos products for prolonged periods, leading to life-threatening illnesses, such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.
- In addition to asbestos, J.H. Frances also used silica in its products, a colorless compound that, similar to asbestos, poses significant health danger when workers inhale it.
J.H. France Refractories Products That Contained Asbestos
Essentially, all of J.H. France’s products contained asbestos at one point in time. Refractory materials were once made with asbestos to help them withstand very high temperatures without breaking. Examples of J.H. France products with asbestos include:
- Cement
- Firebricks
- Molded refractory products
- Textiles
J.H. France stopped using asbestos in its refractory materials in the early 1970s.
Who Was Affected By J.H. France Asbestos Products?
J.H. France employees who manufactured asbestos products faced high risks of exposure. Handling asbestos materials often releases fibers, which anyone in the area can inhale.
Also at risk were workers in all the industries that used J.H. France Refractories asbestos products. Examples of workers who might have handled J.H. France products and been at risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Smelter Operators
- Maintenance Workers
- Construction Workers
- Boiler workers
- Foundry workers
- Steel mill workers
- Masons
J.H. France Refractories Co. Lawsuits
Most asbestos-related lawsuits against J.H. France Refractories were from former foundry employees and contractors. The following cases are among a few of the numerous asbestos-related lawsuits that the company faced.
Roscoe H. Peters
Roscoe H. Peters, a former electrician with Weirton Steel, filed an asbestos-related lawsuit against J.H. France and numerous other asbestos manufacturers in 2012, after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
According to court documents, Peters worked at Weirton Steel from 1950 until 1983, where he was exposed to J.H. France’s asbestos-containing products.
Charles Klingensmith
In another 2012 lawsuit, a 59-year-old Pennsylvania man, Charles Klingensmith, filed an asbestos-related lawsuit against J.H. France and numerous other businesses after he developed mesothelioma.
Court documents indicate that from 1971 until 1988, Klingensmith worked as a brick cutter, a metal fabricator, and a welder.
During this time, Klingensmith was exposed to asbestos-containing products regularly, including products manufactured by J.H. France Refractories Co.
Although J.H. France faced mounting asbestos-related lawsuits, the company never filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy nor set up an asbestos trust fund to help compensate the claimants.
Insurance Lawsuits
In addition to lawsuits brought by exposure victims, J.H. France faced legal issues related to its insurers. Allstate and United National Insurance Companies both tried to avoid defending J.H. France in these expensive lawsuits.
They began lawsuits against J.H. France, claiming the company misrepresented the number and costs of claims before accepting the terms of insurance policies. They claimed no liability for these claims as a result.
J.H. France Refractories Co. Today
In 2007, J.H. France Refractories Co. changed its name to Snow Shoe Refractories. The company supplies refractory bricks to consumers and businesses of all sizes and no longer uses asbestos in its products.
If you worked with J.H. France products in the past, you might be at risk for asbestos illnesses. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer to learn about your legal options.
Additional Information and Resources for Asbestos Victims
If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form for your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
