Garlock Packing Company Asbestos Trust

Garlock Packing Company was established by Olin J. Garlock in 1887 in Palmyra, New York. Mr. Garlock had developed a seal for the pistons of steam engines that was superior to other seals at the time. His company grew by providing seals and gaskets to industrial companies all around the United States. Because of the high temperatures of steam engines, Garlock used asbestos in its gaskets to make the products resistant to intense heat.

Garlock used asbestos from 1907 until 1980, which was long after it was confirmed that asbestos was directly linked to deadly cancers. As early as the 1920s, physicians recognized that exposure to asbestos caused severe sickness when asbestosis was identified by British medical journals.

At the same time, insurance companies in the United States and Canada stopped selling life insurance to asbestos workers. Moreover, safer substitutes for most asbestos uses were known as early as the 1930s. Nevertheless, Garlock chose to protect its substantial profit margins rather than discontinue use of the mineral.

Additionally, the asbestos fibers remain in a person’s lungs for years and symptoms may not develop for decades. Garlock’s victims might live for decades without knowing about the deadly injury they sustained. Thus, thousands developed severe illnesses because of Garlock.

The products that Garlock sold with asbestos were used by a variety of industries exposing thousands of workers to asbestos. Some of these businesses include the following: mining, power companies, paper mills, steel mills, electronic manufacturing, shipyards and pharmaceutical manufacturers. If you or a loved one has been injured by Garlock, it is important that you contact The Gori Law Firm immediately for more information on your rights.