Hyster-Yale and Asbestos Exposure
Lawsuits have identified asbestos-containing Hyster-Yale equipment and parts as possible sources of exposure. If you have mesothelioma and worked with Hyster-Yale machinery, you may have rights to compensation. Learn more about asbestos risks, mesothelioma lawsuits and potential legal options.
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Asbestos Exposure at Hyster-Yale
Hyster-Yale is a manufacturer of materials handling equipment, with roots dating back to the 1920s. NACCO Industries purchased Hyster Company in 1989 and created NACCO Materials Handling Group to manage the Hyster and Yale brands. In 2012, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling became an independent public company. Since a 2024 name change, Hyster-Yale, Inc. has served as the parent company, with Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. as its operating company.
For decades, these companies were known for selling heavy-duty industrial machinery and goods. During this period, some Hyster and Yale forklifts contained asbestos components, including brakes.
- Hyster-Yale is a manufacturer of forklifts and other industrial equipment.
- Some older Hyster and Yale forklifts and replacement parts contained asbestos.
- Lawsuits have alleged asbestos exposure from Hyster-Yale equipment and work performed at Hyster facilities.
Workers who handled or repaired asbestos-containing equipment, or worked nearby, may have inhaled harmful fibers. Repairing, sanding or cleaning asbestos-containing brakes could release asbestos dust. Brief asbestos exposure has been linked to asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, which may develop decades after exposure.
High-Risk Occupations at Hyster-Yale
Various occupations may have faced asbestos exposure while working with older Hyster-Yale equipment or asbestos-containing components. Potentially affected workers include mechanics, equipment operators and factory workers involved in manufacturing or servicing equipment or components.
Workers who may have faced asbestos risks from Hyster-Yale include:
- Electricians
- Equipment repairers
- Factory workers
- Foundry workers
- Furnace operators
- Industrial machinery erectors
- Industrial workers
- Insulators
- Laborers
- Machine operators
- Maintenance staff
- Mold makers
- Pipefitters
- Welders
Family members may also have experienced secondary asbestos exposure. This could occur if workers unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes or equipment.
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Asbestos Products Manufactured at Hyster-Yale
Older industrial equipment often incorporated asbestos because it resisted heat, friction and wear. Hyster-Yale equipment and replacement parts may have included asbestos-containing components that exposed workers during installation, maintenance or repair.
Materials used by Hyster-Yale that may be linked to asbestos exposure include:
- Brakes
- Clutches
- Gaskets
- Industrial equipment insulation
- Other replacement friction components
Repairing or disturbing these materials could release asbestos fibers into the air. Workers who inhaled these fibers may develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases years later.
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Compensation for Hyster-Yale Employees With Mesothelioma
People diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure involving Hyster-Yale’s products may be able to file asbestos lawsuits. You don’t need to know all of these details to start the legal process. Mesothelioma lawyers can review clients’ work history and identify which companies may be responsible.
Successful cases have resulted in compensation for patients and their loved ones. This can make a meaningful difference in medical costs and other expenses.
Asbestos Lawsuits
Hyster-Yale has been named in mesothelioma lawsuits alleging exposure through its equipment and facilities. Some cases have resulted in substantial jury verdicts for victims.
- In 2022, a California jury awarded $52.1 million to a woman with mesothelioma in a case against Avon and Hyster-Yale. Her lawsuit alleged asbestos exposure from several sources, including her husband’s work with asbestos-containing brakes, clutches and gaskets at a Hyster facility. She experienced secondary exposure while washing his work clothes. The jury found Hyster-Yale partly responsible for her asbestos exposure.
Anyone considering legal action can speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney. They can explain potential filing options, review case details and manage many aspects of the legal process.
Common Questions About Asbestos Exposure at Hyster-Yale
What health risks are associated with Hyster-Yale asbestos exposure?
Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer. Symptoms of asbestos-related conditions often do not appear until decades after exposure. It’s important for former workers to share any potential history of asbestos exposure with their doctors. They can help monitor for early signs of disease and start testing if needed.
Can family members of Hyster-Yale workers file claims for secondary exposure?
In some cases, family members may be able to take legal action against Hyster-Yale. This includes family members who experienced secondary exposure. Family members may also have legal rights if they lost a loved one to mesothelioma. Eligibility varies depending on the circumstances of the exposure and certain state laws. Mesothelioma lawyers can provide context for all options and considerations.
What jobs at Hyster-Yale were most at risk of asbestos exposure?
Workers who repaired or maintained older Hyster and Yale equipment may have faced asbestos exposure. Examples include forklift mechanics, parts workers, equipment operators and workers near repair areas.
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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.