United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Trust Fund, Exposure & Compensation

United Gilsonite Laboratories (UGL) manufactured joint cement, roofing treatment, and waterproof sealant products. Some of these products contained asbestos fibers for durability and heat resistance.

After facing significant asbestos lawsuits, UGL filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and created the United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust to compensate victims exposed to UGL asbestos products.

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If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma or another asbestos disease after exposure to UGL products, an asbestos attorney at Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen (ELSM) can help you file a UGL asbestos trust claim.

United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Trust At a Glance

• The United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was established in 2014 and has funds remaining to pay eligible claimants.
• To file a UGL asbestos trust claim, the victim must be diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos disease and prove UGL is responsible for the exposure.
• UGL asbestos exposure may have occurred through use of UGL joint cement or other UGL asbestos products on the job or during home renovations.
• ELSM Law asbestos lawyers will review your case to determine your eligibility and file a UGL asbestos claim on your behalf.

Understanding the United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust Fund

On March 23, 2011, United Gilsonite Laboratories filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania to address pending and future asbestos personal injury claims.

The United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was officially established on December 31, 2014, to process and pay valid asbestos personal injury claims in accordance with the Trust Distribution Procedures. Under the plan of reorganization, UGL funded the Trust with approximately $17 million in cash, consisting of $11 million from the company and approximately $6 million from shareholders; promissory notes totaling approximately $7.6 million; and insurance rights valued at approximately $10.4 million. The asbestos trust fund also received an additional $300,000 from UGL in 2019.

The Trust began accepting claims on March 17, 2016, and has paid more than 1,180 claims since the Trust’s inception. The Claims Processing Facility, Inc. (CPF) continues to process UGL asbestos claims today.

In 2024, the United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust:

• Paid approximately 116 claims.
• Received over 460 personal injury claims.
• Paid approximately $849,170 to asbestos victims in claim settlements.
• Reported approximately $13.74 million in total assets.

United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust Payment Percentage

The United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust will compensate asbestos victims exposed to UGL asbestos products based on the payment percentage system that is designed to preserve money for future claims. The current UGL Asbestos Trust payment percentage is 3.35%. At a payment percentage of 3.35%, a UGL mesothelioma claim filed under the expedited review process can be expected to receive the standard scheduled value payment of $6,700.

Determining Review Process for United Gilsonite Laboratories Claims

When filing a UGL asbestos claim, an experienced asbestos lawyer reviews the injured party’s exposure, medical, and personal records to determine the proper review process and help maximize the claimant’s compensation.

Two claim review options are:

• Expedited Review (ER): An ER claim is assessed under the standardized review process to confirm that it meets all requirements established in the Trust Distribution Procedures to qualify for the standard value payment percentage.
• Individual Review (IR): An IR claim receives a comprehensive assessment of the claimant’s records to determine the individual liquidated value that may exceed the standard value. Certain exposure and medical conditions require the IR process.

An asbestos attorney at Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen will evaluate the claimant’s information to carefully prepare and file a mesothelioma claim. The amount of compensation may vary based on factors including the claimant’s age, diagnosis, asbestos exposure, and the firm’s prior settlement history.

United Gilsonite Laboratories’ Role in Asbestos Exposure

United Gilsonite Laboratories was founded in 1932, initially manufacturing furnace cement and later focusing primarily on asphalt-based products for patching, sealing, and waterproofing. Over time, the company expanded its product line to include polyurethane wood finishes, joint cement, asphalt roofing materials, and waterproof sealants. Some of UGL’s products, including joint cement and certain roofing materials, contained asbestos.

As awareness of asbestos-related illnesses increased, United Gilsonite Laboratories became a defendant in asbestos personal injury litigation. UGL and its insurers paid more than $25 million in asbestos case settlements and defense costs. The mounting asbestos liabilities ultimately led to Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and the creation of an asbestos Trust to compensate individuals alleging injuries from exposure to UGL asbestos products. Following the confirmation of the reorganization plan, most asbestos-related claims against UGL were channeled to the Trust.

Key events in United Gilsonite Laboratories’ asbestos history include:

• 1940s: UGL began manufacturing certain products with asbestos.
• 1954: UGL introduced the asbestos-containing joint cement product that was widely used in drywall finishing and repairs.
• Late 1970s: United Gilsonite Laboratories discontinued manufacturing its products with asbestos.
• 1983: The first asbestos-related lawsuits were filed against UGL, alleging exposure to its asbestos-containing products.
• Early 2000s: UGL was named in hundreds of pending mesothelioma lawsuits and other asbestos-related personal injury and wrongful death claims.
• 2011: UGL filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to the volume of asbestos claims filed against the company.
• 2014: The United Gilsonite Laboratories Personal Injury Trust was established to process UGL asbestos-related personal injury claims.

United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Products

Between the 1950s and the late 1970s, United Gilsonite Laboratories manufactured and sold a variety of asbestos-containing products, including joint cement and roofing materials, for use in commercial and residential construction projects. Asbestos fibers were incorporated into these materials to enhance fire resistance, improve insulation, and increase durability. Skilled tradesmen and homeowners were routinely exposed to asbestos while working with these UGL products.

UGL manufactured and sold asbestos products, including:

• Joint cement: A sealing and finishing compound formulated to fill, smooth, and reinforce seams and joints between wallboard panels, as well as conceal cracks and surface imperfections prior to finishing.
• Roof cement: A waterproofing and sealing compound applied over seams, cracks, and joints to repair and protect roofs, gutters, chimneys, and pipes.
• Roof coating: Liquid roofing compound applied to seal leaks, reinforce surfaces, provide durability, and resist weather and heat.

The following United Gilsonite Laboratories products contained asbestos during certain periods of manufacture:

Who Was Most At-Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

Individuals who worked directly with asbestos-containing UGL joint cement, roof coating, and other asbestos-containing products were at increased risk of developing various types of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Family members of these workers also faced the risk of secondary asbestos exposure.

Occupational Exposure

United Gilsonite Laboratories employees who handled UGL asbestos products and other tradesmen who worked with or around UGL products at commercial and residential construction jobsites may have had regular exposure to asbestos.

Despite mounting evidence linking asbestos exposure to serious health risks, tradesmen handling UGL asbestos products were not provided with sufficient warnings or appropriate protective measures.

Occupations at greater risk of UGL asbestos exposure include:

Home Renovation Exposure

Homeowners and other construction laborers who performed residential remodeling projects were frequently exposed to UGL asbestos joint cement and asbestos-containing roofing products. Mixing, applying, and sanding these products released asbestos fibers into the air, which could be inhaled by workers.

Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Individuals who worked directly with UGL asbestos products may have unknowingly put their family members at risk of secondary asbestos exposure when carrying asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes, and hair. This exposure occurred through physical contact with an individual covered in asbestos particles or while shaking out, handling, and washing contaminated clothing.

If you believe your mesothelioma diagnosis is related to secondary exposure, you may be eligible to file a United Gilsonite asbestos trust claim.

Understanding Your Legal Right to Compensation

Filing a UGL asbestos claim with the United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust requires specific documentation that complies with the Trust Distribution Procedures and filing deadlines.

An asbestos lawyer at ELSM will:

• Review your medical records to assess your UGL asbestos claim eligibility.
• Collect your employment history to identify UGL asbestos product use.
• Connect your exposure to known UGL asbestos work or obtain written testimony confirming UGL asbestos product exposure.
• File your UGL asbestos claim correctly with the required documentation.
• Monitor UGL asbestos claim status and contact the Trust administrators to ensure timely progress.

With decades of experience handling asbestos trust claims, ELSM Law provides guidance throughout the claim filing process to help victims secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a UGL asbestos claim through the United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust?

An ELSM Law asbestos lawyer will evaluate your case and guide you through the mesothelioma claim filing process. They will prepare and submit the claim form with all the necessary documentation to the United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust.

Can a family member file a United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos claim?

Yes, family members are able to file mesothelioma claims after death on behalf of a loved one who had exposure to UGL asbestos products. Family members who have experienced secondary asbestos exposure and were diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer may qualify to file a UGL asbestos claim.

How much compensation can I receive through the United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Trust?

An ELSM Law asbestos lawyer will review your case to determine the appropriate review process to file a UGL asbestos claim. A mesothelioma claim could receive a settlement between $6,700 and $13,400 based on the current UGL asbestos trust payment percentage.

How long do I have to file a claim with the United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Trust?

The deadline to file a UGL asbestos claim is set by the United Gilsonite Laboratories Asbestos Personal Injury Trust Distribution Procedures (TDP) and the applicable state statute of limitations. In general, claimants who were diagnosed on or after March 23, 2011, must file within three years of diagnosis or by June 17, 2019, whichever is later. Claimants diagnosed prior to March 23, 2011 were required to file by the June 17, 2019 deadline, provided the claim was not otherwise barred by state law. An ELSM Law asbestos attorney will evaluate your case to ensure your claim is filed on time.