Burns and Roe Group History of Asbestos Use
Burns and Roe was an engineering and design company responsible for many projects. The company was also known as Burns and Roe Enterprises Inc. and Burns and Roe Group Inc. Like similar companies, Burns and Roe used asbestos in some of its applications.
The company designed and built power plants, military installations and other large projects. Many of these projects used asbestos, putting workers in danger of exposure. For example, power plants often used asbestos in high-heat areas to reduce the risk of fires. Asbestos products in power plants included boilers, pipe insulation, turbines and more.
Asbestos injury claims filed against Burns and Roe put a heavy strain on the company’s finances. By 2000, the company faced more than 12,000 asbestos-related claims. The company declared bankruptcy, which was approved in 2009. Burns and Roe established an asbestos trust fund to compensate people affected by its asbestos use. In 2014, POWER Engineers Inc. acquired Burns and Roe.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Burns and Roe Group Asbestos Trust Fund
Asbestos companies that declare bankruptcy often establish asbestos trust funds. These trust funds compensate those affected by the company’s asbestos use. Burns and Roe filed for bankruptcy in 2000. The Burns and Roe Personal Injury Settlement Trust was established in 2009. It was initially funded with more than $162 million. The trust first started accepting claims in October 2010.
Each trust sets a payment percentage to help preserve funds for future claimants. Trustees use this percentage to calculate how much compensation a claimant will receive based on the value of their claim. The final payout amount can vary depending on several factors, including the claimant’s age, asbestos exposure history, type of asbestos disease and their law firm’s settlement track record.
Current Burns and Roe Group Asbestos Trust Payment Percentage
The current payment percentage is 36.87% for the Burns and Roe Trust, which was last updated in March of 2024. The current payout on a Burns and Roe mesothelioma claim is about $22,000.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will be familiar with the latest updates from the Burns and Roe Trust. They will also understand the trust’s specific medical and exposure requirements and can file a claim on your behalf.
Burns and Roe Group Asbestos Products
Burns and Roe did not manufacture asbestos products for other companies. But it used asbestos-containing materials in its projects. Large-scale construction projects used asbestos-containing materials to improve durability. They also helped with heat resistance and fireproofing. For power plants, these properties were critical. Some asbestos products used in Burns and Roe construction products included:
- Adhesives
- Boilers
- Cement
- Gaskets
- Insulation
- Packing materials
- Pipe insulation
- Pipes
- Pumps
- Textiles
- Turbines
Burns and Roe Group and Occupational Exposure
Many products in the construction industry contain asbestos because it is durable, resists heat and is relatively inexpensive. Burns and Roe used asbestos in boilers and insulation when building power plants.
Burns and Roe employees who worked with asbestos-containing materials may have experienced exposure. Boilermakers and steamfitters, along with others, may be at risk for asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Also, people who work in structures built with asbestos products may be at risk. This exposure risk continues today as buildings with aging asbestos undergo wear and tear, renovation or demolition.
Some occupations that have been impacted by Burns and Roe’s asbestos use are:
- Bricklayers
- Carpenters
- Cement layers
- Construction workers
- Contractors
- Demolition workers
- Electric power linemen
- Electricians
- HVAC installers and repairers
- Insulators
- Machine operators
- Maintenance workers
- Painters
- Pipefitters
- Roofers
- Steamfitters
- Stonemasons
- Veterans
Asbestos Lawsuits Against Burns and Roe Group
Many former employees have filed asbestos lawsuits against Burns and Roe. Records show the first lawsuit was filed in 1984, and roughly 150 claims were filed by 1990. Anyone affected by asbestos exposure may have options to seek compensation.
An attorney with experience in mesothelioma and asbestos cases can explain the available options. These specialized law firms handle many types of asbestos cases. They have the resources to research and put together a comprehensive case against the asbestos manufacturers. They file mesothelioma lawsuits, litigate and negotiate on behalf of their clients. Mesothelioma lawyers can also file a claim against an asbestos trust fund if one exists.
