Shook and Fletcher

Shook and Fletcher is an insulation manufacturing company based in Decatur, Georgia. The company once used asbestos in its insulation, which led to illness in many workers. Lawsuits forced the company into bankruptcy, which resulted in the formation of a trust to handle claims.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you might be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

Shook and Fletcher Company History

Although Shook and Fletcher started as a steel production business in the early 1900s, the company became well-known when it began producing asbestos-containing insulation products during the 1940s.

This was not unusual at first, as most manufacturing companies relied on asbestos for its strong resistance to heat and fire.

Once experts established that asbestos causes life-threatening diseases such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer, most companies discontinued using it.

By that time, a multitude of people had already developed toxic illnesses.

Shook and Fletcher was one of the many companies that stopped using asbestos after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed regulations on its use in the late 1970s.

Although the company replaced asbestos with chemicals that provided the same benefits, it came after many people had already worked around with the company’s asbestos-containing products for numerous decades.

As a result, both former employees and workers in other industries exposed to Shook and Fletcher’s asbestos-containing products filed lawsuits against the company.

Shook and Fletcher Lawsuits and Bankruptcy

By 2002, Shook and Fletcher faced over 55,000 asbestos-related claims and lawsuits.

Rather than continue to engage in legal battles, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection under an agreement that it would establish an asbestos trust fund to pay off pending and future asbestos claims.

The Shook & Fletcher Asbestos Settlement Trust was established once the company emerged from bankruptcy. MFR Claims, Inc. handles the company’s asbestos-related claims.

Shook & Fletcher president and CEO Wayne Killion Jr., stated that although the company was financially “healthy,” the lawsuits that began shortly after the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) asbestos regulations led to lawsuits from all over the country.

“We’re a strong company with a healthy balance sheet, and we have a large amount of insurance coverage remaining. We’ve been sued from every area of the country.”

While a few of the previous asbestos-related lawsuits against Shook and Fletcher were eventually dismissed, most of the cases were settled out of court.

Before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company had already paid out over $400 million in mesothelioma lawsuits and other asbestos-related claims.

According to the company’s asbestos trust fund page, the current payment percentage is 76%.

Shook and Fletcher Asbestos Products

Shook and Fletcher created and distributed a string of asbestos-related products for many years.

With over 30 manufacturing companies nationwide, these products were produced in massive amounts, leading to many people developing toxic illnesses. The company’s asbestos-related products included:

• Cement
• Ceramic fiber
• Insulation
• Fiber piping and fiberglass
• Plastic jacketing
• Adhesives
• Tapes
• Ceramic fiber
• Foam

Along with Shook and Fletcher employees, numerous other workers in various occupations were also injured after working around the company’s asbestos-containing products.

Construction workers, in particular, were always at a heightened risk of getting sick as they handled multiple asbestos-containing products.

Even after Shook and Fletcher discontinued asbestos in products, workers were still in danger as the old products remained at many commercial and industrial locations.

Shook and Fletcher Today

Headquartered in Decatur, Georgia, the company remains in operations today, although it does not use any asbestos in any products anymore.

Shook and Fletcher continue to focus on commercial and industrial insulation. It has six distribution centers located throughout the Southeast.

If you worked with Shook and Fletcher insulation, contact a mesothelioma lawyer to determine if you are eligible for compensation through the trust.

Additional Help and Resources

Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, you may qualify for significant compensation. 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. If you need additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.