What Is the W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust?
From 1945 to the 1970s, chemical company W.R. Grace manufactured products like insulation and plaster that contained asbestos. Thousands of American workers and consumers who developed asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma fought back by filing W.R. Grace asbestos lawsuits.
W.R. Grace was named as a defendant in more than 129,000 asbestos lawsuits, including 120 tied to the company's vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana. Ultimately, the company filed for bankruptcy and was court-ordered to establish an asbestos trust fund to compensate those who had been harmed.
About the W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust Fund
- In 2014, the W.R. Grace Asbestos Personal Injury Trust (WRG Asbestos PI Trust) was established after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2001.
- Boiler makers, brick layers, electricians, insulators, miners, plasterers, and many others may have worked with the company's asbestos-laden products daily.
- More than 4,000 sites across the U.S. used W.R. Grace asbestos-containing products, including hospitals, school buildings, department stores, and factories.
- Patients with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other qualifying asbestos-related diseases, as well as family members of W.R. Grace asbestos victims, may be eligible for compensation.
The W.R. Grace asbestos trust was funded with $3 Billion, and you may be owed a portion of this money to help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
At Sokolove Law, many of our clients begin receiving asbestos claim payouts in as few as 90 days of first contacting us. We’ll fight for the compensation and justice your family deserves as quickly as possible.
Since 1979, Sokolove Law has secured over $5.3 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma victims and their families.
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W.R. Grace Asbestos Products
In 1854, William Russell Grace launched W. R. Grace & Co., a shipping business that later evolved into a large manufacturer of chemical products and construction materials. Many W.R. Grace products contained asbestos due to the mineral's heat resistance and durability.
Much of the asbestos used in the manufacture of these products came from the company's vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana, which W.R. Grace operated from 1963 to 1990. The vermiculite ore was contaminated with asbestos fibers, according to the National Library of Medicine.
W.R. Grace asbestos products included:
- Econo-White acoustical plaster
- Hi-Sorb Acoustical Plaster
- Perl-Coustic acoustical finish coat
- Zono-Coustic acoustical plaster
- Zonolite Acoustical Plaster
- Zonolite Mono-Kote MK-1 fireproofing material
- Zonolite Mono-Kote MK-3 fireproofing material
- Zonolite Spra-Insulation MK-2 fireproofing material
Asbestos was used in plaster to strengthen it, as well as for fireproofing and soundproofing. However, anyone working with or near W.R. Grace asbestos products could have breathed in microscopic fibers that became airborne during installation or repair.
Workers or consumers who were exposed are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma 20-50 years later. By filing a mesothelioma claim, those harmed can hold W.R. Grace and other asbestos-related companies accountable.
W.R. Grace Asbestos Lawsuits & Liability
In 2001, W.R. Grace filed for bankruptcy after being hit with over 129,000 asbestos lawsuits. These complaints alleged that the company knew about the hazards tied to asbestos but failed to alert workers and the public.
W.R. Grace also faced extensive liability related to their vermiculite mine in Libby, which poisoned the miners who worked there as well as many in the community.
Ultimately, the Environmental Protection Agency declared the town a Public Health Emergency Area.
"Following extraction, the vermiculite was processed using a procedure that generated a substantial degree of airborne dust. It was subsequently determined that the milling process used at the Libby mine emitted up to 5,000 pounds of asbestos per day into the atmosphere."
– U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
Because of W.R. Grace's negligence, victims were able to file lawsuits against the company seeking compensation for their damages. When the financial pressure got too intense, W.R. Grace funded a mesothelioma trust to pay those who had been injured and had lost loved ones.
$18.5 Million W.R. Grace Asbestos Settlement
W.R. Grace agreed to pay $18.5 Million to the state of Montana to resolve environmental damage claims connected to their mining operations in Libby.
As of 2026, the Libby mine remains a Superfund site for asbestos. Years of mining vermiculite left the community and those who worked for W.R. Grace at risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses due to the dangerous dust that infiltrated the town.
The W.R. Grace asbestos settlement is intended to help restore and rehabilitate natural resources in Lincoln County, where asbestos contamination from the mine has led to widespread harm.
$36.5 Million W.R. Grace Lawsuit Verdict
A Montana jury awarded $36.5 Million to an Oregon man after finding his asbestosis was caused by asbestos exposure while working at the W. R. Grace & Co. vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana.
The miner worked for the company’s Zonolite Division from 1968 to 1969 and later developed the chronic lung disease. As a result, he required near-constant supplemental oxygen due to severe breathing problems, according to court testimony.
The W.R. Grace lawsuit verdict included $6.5 Million for the man's medical expenses and related losses and $30 Million in punitive damages to punish the company for their wrongdoing.
$250 Million W.R. Grace Asbestos Settlement
W.R. Grace & Co. agreed to pay $250 Million to the federal government to help clean up widespread contamination around their former vermiculite mining operations in Libby, Montana.
The W.R. Grace asbestos settlement was ordered under the federal Superfund program and remains one of the largest environmental cleanup payments tied to asbestos pollution in the United States.
The contamination in Libby is widely considered one of the worst environmental health disasters in U.S. history. Asbestos-contaminated vermiculite dust from the mine spread throughout the community, exposing workers, their families, and local residents.
"It wasn’t just those who worked at the mine or processed the ore who got sick, but because of the lack of safety equipment, coupled with the company’s cover-up, hundreds of people in the Libby area got sick from asbestosis and other lung diseases related [to] asbestos."
– Daily Montanan
Who Can File a W.R. Grace Bankruptcy Trust Claim?
The W.R. Grace bankruptcy trust reviews and pays claims filed by victims diagnosed with illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos linked to W.R. Grace products. Family members may also be able to file claims on behalf of loved ones who were harmed.
You may be able to file a W.R. Grace asbestos trust fund claim if:
- You were diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or a related disease
- A family member was diagnosed with or died from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness after being exposed
- You represent the victim's estate
At Sokolove Law, our experienced asbestos attorneys can review your case for free and determine whether you may qualify for compensation from the W.R. Grace asbestos trust as well as additional asbestos legal claims to maximize your results.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to find out if you may qualify for compensation. An estimated $30 Billion is available across all asbestos trust funds, and you may be owed money from multiple trusts.
Occupations Linked to W.R. Grace Asbestos Exposure
Workers at the Libby vermiculite mine and processing facilities faced some of the highest risks of asbestos exposure. However, exposure was not limited to miners and millers. Those working in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance also inhaled asbestos-contaminated dust from products tied to W.R. Grace.
W.R Grace has identified over 1,800 jobs that put workers at risk, including:
- Boiler mechanics
- Construction workers
- Equipment operators
- Laborers
- Maintenance workers
- Mechanics
- Mill workers
- Mine workers
- Railroad workers
- Truck drivers
- U.S. military veterans
- Warehouse workers
- Welders
This list is not exhaustive. In Libby and the surrounding communities, asbestos fibers from the mine also caused those who had never worked there to become sick.
Additionally, dust carried home on a worker's clothes or equipment could lead to secondary asbestos exposure, putting their loved ones at risk of serious illnesses too.
How to File a W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust Fund Claim
The W.R. Grace asbestos trust has specific requirements that claimants must follow to pursue compensation. The process can be complex, but the asbestos attorneys at Sokolove Law can guide you through every step and handle all the legal work on your behalf.
When you work with us to file a W.R. Grace trust claim, we can:
- Gather documentation: Our asbestos lawyers can collect medical records and evidence of exposure linked to W. R. Grace & Co.
- File your W.R. Grace asbestos claim: Your attorney will prepare and submit your claim to the W.R. Grace asbestos trust. They can also file claims with any other mesothelioma trusts that you may be eligible for to increase your potential payout.
- Claim review: The trust will evaluate your claim using either an expedited or individual review process. Your legal team can advise on which option may be best for your situation.
- Access compensation: Once your claim is approved and liquidated, the trust will issue a payment based on the established value of your asbestos-related disease.
Like other asbestos trust claims, filings must be made within the applicable statute of limitations, which typically begins when a person is diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease or passes away.
“Some $30 Billion in total has been set aside and is available for the victims of asbestos. Many of our clients qualify for more than one of these trusts. And when you add them all together, it can come to a substantial settlement for our clients."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney of Sokolove Law
WRG Asbestos Trust Payouts
Mesothelioma trusts like the one formed by W.R. Grace offer different payouts depending on factors like the victim's asbestos-related disease, exposure history, and the type of review used to evaluate the claim.
W.R. Grace trust payouts are paid according to a percentage system, which ensures that there’s money left for future claimants. This amount is subject to change over time.
W.R. Grace asbestos trust payouts include:
| Disease | Scheduled Value |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $180,000 |
| Asbestosis | $50,000 |
| Lung Cancer | $42,000 |
| Other Cancers | $20,000 |
At this time, the W.R. Grace asbestos trust payment percentage is 30.1% of the total case value for claims that undergo both individual and expedited review. The adjusted W.R. Grace payment schedule for mesothelioma would be $54,180.
Including payouts from other claims, many families end up getting an average of over $1 Million in total. Our team can help identify all compensation options available to your family.
"When the first check came in, I can remember how relieved I was, knowing that we didn't have to worry about the electricity being shut off. We didn't have to worry about accepting money from our youngest child to make sure we could pick up our medicines."
– Connie, Wife of Mesothelioma Survivor & Firm Client
File a W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust Claim
As a national asbestos law firm, Sokolove Law has the experience and resources needed to prove asbestos exposure and pursue W.R. Grace asbestos trust settlements and other potential payout sources.
Our mesothelioma attorneys can handle every step of the legal process, so you can focus on your health and spending time with loved ones.
For more than 45 years, we've recovered over $5.3 Billion total for patients and families affected by mesothelioma.
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our form to see if we can access money for your family. There are no upfront costs or hourly fees.
WRG Asbestos Lawsuit FAQs
What did W.R. Grace do?
W.R. Grace & Co. operated a vermiculite mine and processing facilities in Libby, Montana for decades. The vermiculite ore from the mine was contaminated with asbestos, a toxic mineral that can cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The company also processed the vermiculite into products distributed across the United States, including insulation and fireproofing materials sold under brand names like Zonolite and Mono-Kote.
The widespread exposure led to nearly 130,000 asbestos lawsuits, environmental cleanup efforts, and the creation of the W.R. Grace asbestos trust to compensate victims. See if you may be eligible for an asbestos payout from W.R. Grace.
What is the average payout for the W.R. Grace asbestos trust?
The average payout from the W.R. Grace asbestos trust depends on the claimant’s diagnosis, exposure history, the trust’s payment percentage, and more. Because asbestos-related diseases vary in severity, claims involving mesothelioma typically receive the highest compensation.
While payments from a single trust may vary, many mesothelioma patients qualify for compensation from multiple trusts and asbestos companies. When combined, the average total payout is over $1 Million.
What is the current W.R. Grace asbestos trust payment percentage?
At this time, the current W.R. Grace asbestos trust payment percentage is 30.1% of the scheduled value of approved claims. Asbestos trusts use payment percentages to preserve funds for future claimants. These percentages may be adjusted over time based on the number of claims filed and the trust’s available assets.
What illnesses qualify for a W.R. Grace trust claim?
To file a claim with the W.R. Grace Asbestos Personal Injury Trust, a person must have a medical diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease linked to exposure from products or operations associated with W. R. Grace & Co.
Qualifying illnesses usually include:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
- Other asbestos-related cancers
- Pleural disease
To pursue a claim, individuals typically need medical documentation of the diagnosis and evidence of asbestos exposure connected to W.R. Grace.
How long does a W.R. Grace trust fund claim take to pay out?
Timelines for claims through the W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust can vary depending on the type of review and your asbestos exposure history. Expedited review claims are often resolved faster, while individual review claims may take longer because they involve a more detailed analysis.
Our asbestos attorneys work to move claims forward as efficiently as possible. Many clients begin receiving payments from asbestos trust funds within 90 days of contacting us, with their claims continuing to pay out over the next 12-18 months, depending on the specifics of the case and each trust’s review process.
