Quigley Asbestos Trust

In the 1940s, Quigley began manufacturing two insulation products that contained asbestos. They were called Insulag and Panelag. In 1959, the Aetna health-insurance company conducted a study on behalf of Quigley and determined that Insulag products presented a serious risk of asbestos exposure. The company chose to continue to produce asbestos products, however, until 1973 and even advertised them as ‘non-injurious.’ Quigley’s asbestos was lined on boilers, pipes and furnaces. Thus, many workers, such as laborers, pipefitters, insulators, boilermakers and masons were placed in serious danger of contracting asbestos-related diseases.

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, Quigley 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. Quigley’s victims might live for decades without knowing of the deadly injury they sustained.

Quigley eventually entered bankruptcy protection and an asbestos trust has been proposed to compensate the victims of asbestos exposure. The trust would be funded by a $430 million payment from Quigley’s parent corporation, Pfizer. If you or a loved one has been injured by Quigley, it is important that you contact The Gori Law Firm immediately for more information on your rights.