Dana Corporation
Dana Corporation is an auto parts manufacturer with a history of making and selling asbestos products. People who made and used the company’s products faced asbestos exposure risks. Anyone who develops mesothelioma after using Dana products may file lawsuits against the company.
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Dana Corporation History of Asbestos Use
Dana Corporation has a history of making asbestos-containing auto parts, like gaskets and brake linings. The company sold these parts for use on trains, earth-moving machinery, 18-wheel rigs and many other vehicles. Many people in the automotive industry and consumers used Dana products.
Clarence Spicer founded the Spicer Manufacturing Corporation in 1904. The company changed its name to Dana Corporation in 1946. A few years later, it had 3,500 employees.
Dana Corporation saw great success when asbestos use was common in the automobile industry. For example, in 1966, the company acquired Victor Gasket Manufacturing Company. Victor Gasket made gaskets that contained asbestos. The company also sold other auto parts that contained asbestos, like brake linings and valve covers.
By the 1970s, Dana had a large global footprint, exporting products to more than 120 countries. In 1987, the company exceeded $4 billion in annual sales. But in 2006, it filed for bankruptcy, citing an economic downturn, among other stressors.
The company emerged from bankruptcy in 2008 and continues to operate today.
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Dana Corporation Asbestos Products
Dana Corporation made asbestos auto products during the 20th century. Before the dangers of asbestos became widely known to the public, it made gaskets, fireproofing spray, brake linings and sheet gaskets that contained asbestos.
Dana also acquired several brands over the years. Some of these brands, such as Victor Gaskets, also made asbestos products. Workers used these products in cars and other vehicles.
| Product Name | Start Year | End Year |
|---|---|---|
| Dana Corporation Brake Linings | ||
| Dana Corporation Gaskets | 1946 | 1969 |
| Dana Corporation Sheet Gaskets | ||
| Dana Corporation Spraycraft Fireproofing | 1964 | 1969 |
Many companies used asbestos in their products during the 20th century. Some also knew the mineral could cause asbestos-related illnesses. Still, they continued to sell dangerous products until regulations and increased public awareness pressured them to stop. By the 1980s, many industries had stopped producing asbestos materials.
Did You Know?
Mesothelioma victims may be eligible for compensation from more than one asbestos trust fund.
Filing a claim with one trust does not impact your eligibility for compensation from another trust fund.
Dana Corporation and Occupational Exposure
People who used Dana Corporation asbestos products on the job faced occupational exposure risks. Asbestos can become airborne if workers cut, sand or pull apart products. Normal wear and tear can also release fibers. Inhaling asbestos can cause mesothelioma to develop.
Dana Corporation employees also faced exposure risks. The company had several manufacturing plants and employed thousands of people during the time it made asbestos products.
Workers may have unknowingly brought the mineral home on their clothes or in their hair. As a result, family members of employees faced secondary exposure risks.
Undisturbed, Dana Corporation’s products likely create minimal exposure risks for drivers. But even small or short-term exposures can lead to asbestos cancer and other diseases.
- Auto engineers
- Auto mechanics
- Auto parts store workers
- Boiler workers
- Brake mechanics
- Electric power linemen
- Electricians
- Engine room workers
- Home mechanics
- Machine operators
- Maintenance workers
- Metal workers
- Pipefitters
- Plant workers
- Railroad workers
- Road workers
- Steamfitters
- Toll collectors
Asbestos Litigation Against Dana Corporation
Because of its history as an asbestos company, many people have filed lawsuits against Dana Corporation. In the lead-up to declaring bankruptcy, the company faced tens of thousands of new asbestos lawsuits every year.
People affected by Dana Corporation’s asbestos products continue to sue the company today. Mesothelioma lawsuits may result in settlement agreements or jury verdicts.
In 2006, Dana Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As part of a Chapter 11 restructuring plan, many asbestos companies set up trust funds to handle current and future claims.
In this case, the structuring plan approved by the bankruptcy court did not create an asbestos trust fund. This means that people who develop asbestos diseases from Dana products do not need to file a trust fund claim. They can file lawsuits, which often result in much larger payouts.
But the company has set aside some money for former employees who were union members. It contributed about $700 million in 2007 to a voluntary employee beneficiary association (VEBA). VEBA funds may be available for retirees with asbestos-related medical costs.
In 2009, a jury awarded the estate of a man $5 million in a personal injury lawsuit against Dana Corporation and John Crane Inc. The man worked in construction for over 40 years. Some of his work involved cutting gaskets to fit flanges. The jury found that asbestos from gaskets made by Dana Corporation caused the man’s mesothelioma.
People who develop asbestos diseases can find dedicated mesothelioma law firms. These firm’s lawyers have the resources to identify asbestos exposure sources. They can also file and litigate lawsuits on behalf of their clients.
Sources
The Blade. Dana, Toledo’s largest company, emerges from bankruptcy.
Business Insurance. Retiree health VEBAs may be start of trend.
Dana. History.
Forbes. After A Decade of Debacles, Auto Parts Supplier Dana Is Back In Gear.
Superior Court of Pennsylvania. ESTATE OF HICKS v. DANA COMPANIES LLC (2009).
United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. ORDER CONFIRMING THIRD AMENDED JOINT PLAN OF REORGANIZATION OF DEBTORS AND DEBTORS IN POSSESSION.
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Tara Strand specializes in writing content about mesothelioma and asbestos. She focuses on topics like mesothelioma awareness, research, treatment, asbestos trust funds and other advocacy efforts.
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Jennifer Lucarelli
Mesothelioma Lawyer and Legal Advisor
For more than two decades, Jennifer Lucarelli has served as Legal Advisor at Mesothelioma.com. She has advocated for more than 1,000 asbestos victims, securing millions in settlements and helping them access quality medical care.
