What Is the Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Trust?
Armstrong World Industries manufactured a variety of asbestos-containing building products, including flooring, ceiling materials, insulation products, and adhesives used in homes, schools, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities.
Facing 173,000 asbestos lawsuits, Armstrong World Industries filed for bankruptcy in 2000 and established the Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust in 2007 to pay those harmed by their asbestos-containing products.
About the Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Trust
- Founded in 1860, Armstrong World Industries grew into one of the largest manufacturers of building materials in the United States.
- From 1932 to 1983, Armstrong asbestos-containing products included floor tiles, ceiling tiles, insulation materials, and adhesives commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Construction workers, floor installers, electricians, plumbers, maintenance workers, shipyard workers, and other tradespeople were among those most commonly exposed to Armstrong asbestos products.
- The Armstrong World Industries asbestos trust was initially funded with $2.06 Billion for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, as well as eligible family members.
- Armstrong asbestos trust fund compensation may help cover medical expenses, lost wages, caregiving costs, and other costs related to asbestos-related illnesses.
On average, mesothelioma victims recover more than $1 Million from asbestos claims. Because many workers were exposed to asbestos products from multiple manufacturers over their careers, they may qualify for compensation from multiple asbestos trusts.
At Sokolove Law, our clients often begin receiving asbestos claim payouts in as few as 90 days after contacting our team. We can investigate your exposure, identify all sources of compensation, and fight to maximize the amount of money you receive.
Since 1979, Sokolove Law has secured over $5.5 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma victims and their families.
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Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Products
Founded in Pennsylvania in 1860, Armstrong World Industries began when Thomas Armstrong and John D. Glass opened a shop in Pittsburgh making hand-carved bottle stoppers from cork. By 1890, the company had grown into the world's largest cork supplier.
In 1909, Armstrong introduced linoleum flooring and eventually became one of the nation's leading manufacturers of flooring, ceilings, and cabinets. As Armstrong expanded, asbestos became a common component in many of their products.
While Armstrong is best known for flooring and ceiling products, the company was also involved in insulation contracting. Their insulation operations expanded during World War II and were later transferred to AC&S, a subsidiary that handled asbestos insulation work until it was sold in 1969.
Armstrong World Industries asbestos products include:
- Armaspray insulation
- Armatemp insulation
- Armstrong asbestos ceiling tiles
- Armstrong asbestos floor tiles
- Armstrong asbestos vinyl sheet flooring
- Armstrong asphalt tile
- Armstrong Corlon® vinyl sheet flooring
- Armstrong Excelon® tile with asbestos
- Armstrong LT cork covering
- Armstrong rubber tile
- Floor tile adhesive
Armstrong Excelon vinyl asbestos tile, which the company sold between 1954 and 1981, contained up to 25% to 35% chrysotile asbestos. Some samples of Armstrong #5352 contain 40% chrysotile asbestos, while Armstrong Solarian has tested positive for 65% chrysotile asbestos.
Like many manufacturers, Armstrong relied on asbestos because it was durable, affordable, and fireproof. However, when these products were cut, drilled, or removed, they could release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air.
Asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer often take 20 to 50 years to develop. By filing asbestos claims, victims can fight back and pursue compensation and accountability for the harm caused by Armstrong products.
Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Lawsuit News
Prior to declaring bankruptcy, Armstrong had been hit by 173,000 asbestos personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits brought by those harmed by the company's products, as well as surviving family members.
While there are over 3,000 Armstrong World Industries asbestos exposure sites across the country, no state was hit harder than Georgia. Georgia had 351 Armstrong asbestos exposure sites, followed by New York with 313, California with 287, and Florida with 216.
Armstrong asbestos products have also been identified at approximately:
- 446 schools, hospitals, and colleges
- 287 power plants and electric utility facilities
- 111 U.S. military or government sites, such as U.S. Air Force bases
- 111 ships, including U.S. Navy ships
Feeling the overwhelming financial pressure of tens of thousands of asbestos lawsuits, the company filed for bankruptcy protection and set aside billions of dollars in the Armstrong World Industries asbestos settlement trust to pay those harmed.
Armstrong World Industries Mesothelioma Verdict
Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corp. is one of the most important asbestos cases in U.S. history because it established that manufacturers can be held accountable for failing to warn workers about the dangers of asbestos.
This case involved claims against multiple asbestos companies, including Armstrong Cork Corporation, the predecessor to Armstrong World Industries.
Clarence Borel alleged that decades of exposure to asbestos products caused his asbestosis and mesothelioma. After Borel died from mesothelioma, his widow continued the lawsuit on behalf of his estate.
A jury awarded the family over $79,000, and the 5th Circuit upheld the mesothelioma verdict. The court noted that scientific evidence linking asbestos to serious diseases had been available to companies for decades.
The decision helped establish the legal foundation for modern asbestos litigation and paved the way for thousands of future claims against Armstrong and other asbestos product manufacturers.
Insulator Can Pursue Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Lawsuit
In Miller v. Armstrong World Industries, a former insulator who worked with Armstrong asbestos products between 1946 and 1951 sued after developing asbestos-related diseases decades later.
Armstrong argued that the deadline to file had expired because the worker had previously been diagnosed with pleural thickening, a noncancerous asbestos-related condition.
The Colorado Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the earlier diagnosis did not prevent the worker from pursuing a later claim for asbestosis. The court held that separate asbestos-related diseases may give rise to separate legal claims, even when they stem from the same exposure history.
Who Can File an Armstrong World Asbestos Trust Claim?
The Armstrong World asbestos trust provides compensation to victims who developed asbestos-related diseases after exposure to Armstrong asbestos products. In some cases, family members and estate representatives may also be able to file a claim.
You may qualify to file an Armstrong World Industries asbestos trust claim if:
- You worked with or around Armstrong asbestos-containing products
- You were diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related illness
- A loved one was diagnosed with or died from an asbestos-related disease linked to Armstrong asbestos exposure
- You are the executor or personal representative of an asbestos victim's estate
At Sokolove Law, our mesothelioma lawyers offer free case reviews, so families can figure out if they may be eligible for Armstrong trust compensation without any financial risk.
Our team can also review your work history and personal information to identify additional asbestos trust funds and legal claims that you may qualify for. Pursuing multiple sources of compensation may help maximize potential payouts.
Since 1979, Sokolove Law has secured over $5.5 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma victims and their families.
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John & Dee Sokolove Law ClientsHigh-Risk Armstrong Asbestos Exposure Jobs
While 3,092 Armstrong asbestos work sites have been documented, some workers were more likely to come in contact with high concentrations of asbestos fibers than others.
Armstrong asbestos products were used at 19 E.I. DuPont de Nemours work sites, more than double any other company. Scott Paper Company used Armstrong asbestos products at 9 sites, followed by Allied Chemical with 8 sites, and B.F. Goodrich, Monsanto, and Shell Oil with 6 sites.
High-risk Armstrong asbestos exposure industries include:
- Shipyard construction and repair
- Iron and steel
- Chemical
- Petrochemical
- Utilities
- Construction
- Asbestos products manufacturing
- Maritime
- Insulation
Key occupations for Armstrong asbestos exposure include floor tile and linoleum layers, ceiling tile installers, pipefitters, and insulators. The trust also approves claims involving exposure through home remodeling.
Boilermakers, boiler-related trades, and burners each appear across all 20 eligible Armstrong asbestos exposure industries, meaning those workers had potential exposure regardless of what sector they worked in.
How to File an Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Settlement Trust Claim
The Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust has established procedures for reviewing and paying claims. While the process can seem complicated, the mesothelioma attorneys at Sokolove Law can handle every step, allowing you to focus on your treatment.
When filing an Armstrong asbestos trust claim, our team can help:
- Document your exposure: We can gather medical records, employment records, military service records, union records, and other evidence linking your asbestos exposure to Armstrong products.
- Prepare and submit your claim: Our attorneys can file your claim with the Armstrong asbestos trust and identify additional trust funds that may be available based on your information.
- Evaluate your claim options: The Armstrong trust offers different review processes depending on the circumstances of your case. We can explain your options and pursue the approach that may result in the best outcome.
- Obtain compensation: Once your claim is approved, the trust will issue a payment according to their established procedures and payment guidelines.
- Seek compensation from other sources: Many mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos products made by multiple companies. We can investigate all potential exposures and pursue compensation from every available trust fund, lawsuit, or VA benefit program.
"The results have made a difference because it's taken away the monetary concerns that are associated with cancer, which is treatment and transportation and meeting your everyday bills."
– David Rosedale, Farmer with Mesothelioma & Firm Client
Asbestos trust fund claims are subject to filing deadlines known as statutes of limitations. Waiting too long could affect your ability to recover compensation, which is why it's important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an asbestos-related diagnosis.
Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Trust Payment Amounts
Payments from the Armstrong World Industries asbestos trust compensate those who were sickened by the company's products.
Individual Armstrong trust payout amounts may vary based on factors like a victim's disease, age, employment status, and pain and suffering.
| Disease | Scheduled Value | Average Value | Maximum Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $110,000 | $130,500 | $400,000 |
| Lung Cancer | $0 to $42,500 | $15,000 to $43,800 | $50,000 to $150,000 |
| Other Cancer | $21,500 | $21,800 | $75,000 |
| Severe Asbestosis | $42,500 | $44,300 | $140,000 |
The current Armstrong World Industries asbestos trust payment percentage is 10.8%, but it is subject to change as claims are processed and paid out.
When payments from additional asbestos claims are factored in, families are often able to secure over $1 Million total in financial assistance with the help of our team.
“Today, billions of dollars are potentially available across dozens of trusts. Our asbestos attorneys can determine if you’re eligible for trust fund compensation and file claims on your behalf while also pursuing money from lawsuits if you’re eligible."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney of Sokolove Law
Get Help Filing an Armstrong World Asbestos Trust Claim
A diagnosis of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease can create significant financial and emotional challenges for families. Between medical expenses, lost income, travel costs, and ongoing treatment, the burden can become overwhelming.
As a national asbestos law firm, Sokolove Law helps victims and their families seek compensation from the Armstrong asbestos trust, other mesothelioma trust funds, and additional legal claims.
Over the past 45+ years, we've secured more than $5.5 Billion total for patients and families harmed by asbestos exposure. Our team can review your work history, pinpoint the companies responsible for your exposure, and manage every step of the process on your behalf.
Call (800) 647-3434 right now or fill out our form to find out if you may be eligible for a payout from the Armstrong asbestos trust fund.
Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Trust Fund FAQs
When did Armstrong stop using asbestos?
Armstrong stopped using asbestos in their products in 1983. However, Armstrong asbestos ceiling tiles and other Armstrong products manufactured before that time contained asbestos and may still be found in older buildings.
Those who've been injured may be eligible for compensation from the Armstrong asbestos trust. See if you may qualify for a payout.
How much does the Armstrong World Industries asbestos settlement trust pay?
Armstrong World Industries asbestos settlement trust payments typically vary based on factors like the claimant's diagnosis, the trust’s current payment percentage, and the type of payout method chosen.
However, the average payout for mesothelioma is over $1 Million for victims and families, with payments typically coming from multiple trust funds and claims brought against asbestos-related companies.
What's the Armstrong World Industries asbestos trust payment percentage?
As of this date, the Armstrong World Industries asbestos trust payment percentage is 10.8% of a claim's scheduled value. The trust is meant to provide compensation to current and future claimants, so the percentage may change over time to preserve funds.
What Armstrong World Industries products contained asbestos?
Armstrong World Industries used asbestos in a variety of building materials from 1932 to 1983. Some of the company's most well-known asbestos-containing products were used in flooring and ceiling systems in homes, schools, and industrial facilities across the U.S.
Examples of Armstrong asbestos products include:
- Armstrong asbestos ceiling tiles
- Armstrong sheet flooring asbestos
- Armstrong asbestos tile
- Armstrong vinyl flooring asbestos
- Armstrong linoleum asbestos
The asbestos content often varied by product line and manufacturing date. For example, Armstrong Excelon vinyl asbestos tile, sold until 1981, contained as much as 35% chrysotile asbestos. When these materials are cut or disturbed, they may release asbestos fibers into the air.
If you worked with older Armstrong products and later developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible for a payout from the Armstrong World asbestos trust.
Do Armstrong ceiling tiles contain asbestos?
Yes, some Armstrong ceiling tiles contain asbestos, particularly products manufactured and installed before the 1980s. The use of asbestos in Armstrong ceiling tiles helped improve fire resistance, durability, and sound insulation in commercial and residential buildings.
Armstrong produced many different ceiling products over the years, and asbestos content varied by product line and manufacturing date. In general, ceiling tiles installed before the 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos than newer products.
Asbestos-containing ceiling tiles are often considered low risk when left undisturbed and in good condition. Problems can arise when asbestos in Armstrong ceiling tiles is disturbed during renovation, demolition, maintenance, or repair work.
How long does it take to get an Armstrong asbestos trust payout?
The timeline for accessing compensation from the Armstrong asbestos trust depends on the specific details of your claim and the trust's review process.
Many asbestos trust fund claims are processed more quickly than lawsuits, allowing victims and their families to secure compensation without appearing in court. However, each case is unique, and exact payout timelines can vary.
At Sokolove Law, many of our clients begin receiving asbestos claim payments in as few as 90 days. Contact us to see if you may qualify for compensation from the Armstrong asbestos trust and other sources.
