Lincoln Electric is a worldwide manufacturer of welding equipment, gear, and tools. Lincoln Electric used asbestos in its welding rods in the past. This caused exposure in many workers, illnesses like mesothelioma, and asbestos-related claims and lawsuits.
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Did Lincoln Electric Use Asbestos?
Lincoln Electric used asbestos in welding products until 1981. Welding is a high-heat process that requires efficient insulating and protective materials. For many years, asbestos was the material of choice.
Lincoln Electric History
Lincoln Electric was established in 1895 when John C. Lincoln invested $200 to create the company. Lincoln used his own design of electric motors as the primary product when the company opened.
- Within ten years, Lincoln’s younger brother, James F. Lincoln, began working as a salesman for the company. The company added more products to its line during this time, including battery chargers and welding sets.
- By 1914, Lincoln Electric had grown substantially, leading to a Canada-based operation and the Lincoln Electric Welding School, where more than 100,000 students were trained.
- During the next 20 years, its growth continued to expand, and its welding production surpassed its motor production. In turn, welding became the primary focus of Lincoln Electric.
- One of Lincoln Electric’s important innovations was the first portable welding machine in the industry. Just one person could operate it.
- The company also created the Fleetweld® 5 coated electrode, known for producing welds with 100% greater flexibility when compared to welds with bare electrodes.
- During World War II, Lincoln Electric began welding ship hulls, which led to an entirely new market for this type of welding. The company contributed more welding equipment to the war effort than any other.
- By the 1990s, Lincoln Electric reached global heights and opened an electrode plant in Shanghai, China. The company also acquired several different companies and brands, including Essen, Germany’s Uhrhan & Schwill, and a 50% stake in the Turkish-based company ASKaynak.
- By the end of the 1990s, Lincoln Electric added at least 23 new products and services to the market and opened up a distribution center in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Although the company won many asbestos-related lawsuits, the losses resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts for plaintiffs who developed asbestos illnesses due to Lincoln Electric products. Lincoln Electric never filed for bankruptcy or set up an asbestos trust. It continues to fight asbestos claims today.
Lincoln Electric Products Made with Asbestos
Welding equipment has to withstand high temperatures, so for many years, manufacturers like Lincoln Electric used asbestos. Asbestos is an efficient insulator that also makes materials stronger and protects against fire.
Lincoln Electric used asbestos in its welding rods until the early 1980s. The rods contained as much as 15% asbestos.
Who Was Affected by Lincoln Electric Asbestos Products?
Anyone who works with or around asbestos can be exposed. Asbestos materials may shed fibers, which enter the air and can be inhaled. When workers inhale asbestos fibers, they are at risk for illnesses later, including mesotelioma, asbestosis, and cáncer de pulmón.
Also at high risk for exposure were welders who used Lincoln Electric welding rods. Welders in many industries used Lincoln Electric products:
- Civilian and Navy shipyards
- Ferrocarriles
- Factories
- Centrales eléctricas
- refinerías de petróleo
- Steel mills
Welders faced the highest risks of asbestos exposure from using Lincoln Electric welding rods, but other workers faced risks, too. Anyone working around these welders could also have been exposed.
Lincoln Electric Asbestos Lawsuits
In 2008, a Lincoln Electric representative stated that most of the asbestos-related cases against the company were dismissed.
However, the statement failed to report a 2003 trial against the company that ended in an over $6 million verdict for the plaintiffs.
Per court documents, two former Lincoln Electric employees, Angel Gomez, and Daniel Tucker, worked for numerous years around the company’s welding rod, which contained 5% to 15% asbestos.
Both Gomez and Tucker developed mesothelioma and filed a lawsuit against Lincoln Electric, as well as Hobart Brothers Company, a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
Although Lincoln Electric argued that it was impossible to develop mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease from their welding rods, a New York State jury disagreed.
Gomez was awarded $3.19 million, and Tucker was awarded $3.5 million. Unfortunately, neither plaintiff survived long enough to hear of their victories, as they both passed away from mesothelioma complications during the trial.
Another major case against Lincoln Electric took place in 2009. James Nelson worked in steel plants using and working near Lincoln Electric welding rods. He died from mesothelioma. A jury awarded his estate $14.5 million in damages paid by several companies.
Seeking Compensation After Exposure to Lincoln Electric Products
A mesothelioma lawyer can explain your legal options if you have an asbestos illness. They can investigate your work history and determine which companies could be held liable.
If you were exposed to Lincoln Electric asbestos products, you can still file a lawsuit. The company is not protected by bankruptcy and never set up an asbestos trust fund.
Additional Resources and Information for Asbestos Victims
Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
