Kaiser Aluminum

Kaiser Aluminum is a world leader in aluminum production and distribution. Because of past asbestos use, it has faced several mesothelioma lawsuits. The company filed for bankruptcy to compensate victims who developed illnesses after handling and working around its asbestos-containing products.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. 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. 

Kaiser Aluminum History

Kaiser Aluminum was founded in 1946 when Henry J. Kaiser bought three aluminum facilities from the U.S. government and began mining, processing, and manufacturing aluminum products.

Over several decades, the company grew substantially. It acquired bauxite mines and began transforming bauxite into both fabricated and semi-fabricated aluminum products.

As the company continued to expand, it began distributing asbestos-containing fireboard to the U.S. Navy for use aboard vessels. Many of Kaiser’s products were manufactured with asbestos due to its strong resistance to heat and fire.

From the 1950s until strict asbestos regulations created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the 1970s, Kaiser made an abundance of asbestos-containing products.

Due to Kaiser’s excessive asbestos use in many of its products, employees, contractors, and Veterans began developing toxic illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer. An onslaught of asbestos-related lawsuits and claims followed.

Kaiser Aluminum Lawsuits and Bankruptcy

By 2001, asbestos-related claims against Kaiser Aluminum had reached over 10,000. Rather than continue to fight the mounting claims, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002. Kaiser remained in bankruptcy until 2006.

After bankruptcy, the company established the Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation Asbestos Personal Injury Trust to compensate for all pending and future asbestos-related cases.

The trust was funded with $1.2 billion, and within two years of its establishment, it had already paid out over $100 million.

Occupations Affected by Kaiser Aluminum

Since Kaiser distributed asbestos-related products to numerous industries, a variety of different workers in multiple occupations were affected, including:

• Naval shipyard workers
• Aerospace workers
• Automotive mechanics
• Construction workers

Kaiser’s asbestos-containing products included:

• Cement
• Ore
• Insulation
• Unitab bricks
• Firebricks
• Finishing mud cement

Kaiser Aluminum Today

Kaiser is still in operations today. The company has 11 United States fabrication facilities, one facility in Canada, and several U.S. service centers.

The combined facilities ship over 500 million pounds of products each year worldwide. Kaiser no longer uses asbestos in any of its products, but asbestos-related claims from former workers and contractors continue to surface.

If you worked with or around Kaiser products, you could be at risk for an asbestos illness. Contact an asbestos law firm to find out what you can do about it.

Additional 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 to get 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.