American Biltrite 

American Biltrite and Asbestos Exposure 

Founded in 1908, American Biltrite has remained a family-run business for over a century. The company is still in operation today, manufacturing a range of construction products, including flooring materials.

Starting in the 1940s, American Biltrite produced flooring and rubber-based products that included asbestos, a material commonly used for its durability, insulation, and fire-resistant properties, especially in industrial and warehouse settings.

However, asbestos poses serious health risks. Asbestos fibers, if inhaled, can cause life-threatening illnesses. This can occur when the fibers become airborne due to disturbance during installation, damage, or wear over time.

Timeline of Asbestos Use at American Biltrite 

• 1940s to 1980s: Asbestos is widely used in American Biltrite’s vinyl tiles, adhesives, and rubber-based flooring due to its strength, insulation, and fire resistance.
• Mid-1980s: Following increased regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Biltrite begins phasing out asbestos from its products.
• Late 1980s: The majority of American Biltrite flooring products are manufactured without asbestos.

Dangers of Asbestos-Related Diseases 

While asbestos is known for its durability and fire resistance, it also poses serious risks to human health. According to the EPA, asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung-related diseases.

Common illnesses linked to asbestos exposure include:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis 
• Other cancer
• Pleural effusions
• Pleural plaques
• Pleural thickening

Of these, mesothelioma is the most severe. This rare and aggressive cancer develops in the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, or heart. Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment that guarantees a cure.

The more extensive your asbestos exposure, the higher your risk of developing health complications. Individuals with significant exposure, such as those who worked with or around American Biltrite products, may be eligible for compensation following an asbestos-related disease diagnosis.

Financial Compensation From American Biltrite 

While many companies linked to asbestos exposure have established trust funds to resolve claims, American Biltrite has not. Instead, the company continues to defend asbestos-related cases through the court system.

Compensation is typically pursued through either personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits:

• Personal injury lawsuit: Claims are filed by individuals who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
• Wrongful death lawsuit: Claims are brought by surviving family members on behalf of a loved one who passed away due to an asbestos-related disease.

In both cases, families may receive compensation through a court verdict or a private settlement with the company.

Victims may also qualify for other types of compensation, such as: 

• Benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Workers’ compensation
• Treatment grants

Asbestos Lawsuits Against American Biltrite 

Over the years, numerous lawsuits have been filed against American Biltrite by individuals and families affected by asbestos-related diseases. These cases highlight the serious health consequences of asbestos exposure and may offer insight and encouragement for others seeking justice and compensation.

Victoria Pistone

In a 2018 appeal, Victoria Pistone challenged a New York court’s decision to grant summary judgment in favor of American Biltrite. Pistone had developed cancer decades after assisting her father with flooring installations as a child and regularly hugging him when he came home covered in asbestos dust.

The initial ruling dismissed the case, claiming her illness wasn’t linked to flooring materials. However, Pistone’s legal team presented compelling evidence connecting her cancer to asbestos in the flooring. The appellate court agreed, allowing her case to proceed.

Charles Grunert

Filed in 2016 and decided in 2022, this case underscores the challenges of proving product-specific asbestos exposure and the need for strong legal representation.

Charles Grunert was diagnosed with lung cancer, which his family attributed to his work installing floor tiles. While his illness was undisputed, the court ultimately ruled that the family failed to show a direct connection to American Biltrite products versus other brands he may have used. As a result, an earlier award in favor of the family was overturned on appeal.

Multiple Plaintiffs

In one of the largest asbestos-related verdicts, multiple individuals who developed cancer due to asbestos exposure filed claims that were consolidated into a single case. American Biltrite was among the asbestos companies named.

The plaintiffs argued that the defendants failed to provide adequate warnings about asbestos, even though the risks had been known since the 1930s. The jury sided with the plaintiffs, finding that the companies had put workers’ lives at risk by withholding critical safety information.

The total award was $190 million, divided among the plaintiffs based on the details of their individual cases.

American Biltrite Products Containing Asbestos 

Older flooring products manufactured by American Biltrite, especially those produced before the 1990s, often contained asbestos. As a result, many individuals who worked with, installed, or were regularly around these materials may have been unknowingly exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers.

Products commonly associated with asbestos exposure include:

• Amtico vinyl asbestos floor tiles
• Amtico flooring adhesives
• Amtico sheet flooring
• Amtico commercial flooring

Occupations at Risk From American Biltrite Products 

While anyone can be exposed to asbestos through American Biltrite products, certain occupations face a significantly higher risk, particularly those involved in flooring and construction work.

Flooring installers and contractors are among the most at risk, as they often cut and install vinyl tiles and work with adhesives that may have contained asbestos.

Construction workers, especially those involved in renovations or demolition, are also vulnerable. They may have handled or removed old asbestos-containing materials or installed new products in contaminated environments.

Other high-risk occupations include:

• Building maintenance workers
• Carpet layers
• Electricians
• Factory workers
• HVAC technicians
• Plumbers
• Warehouse workers

Additionally, secondhand exposure was a serious risk for family members of workers. Asbestos fibers could cling to clothing, hair, or tools, unknowingly bringing the hazard into the home and putting loved ones at risk, especially children and spouses.

Get Help Today 

Asbestos exposure is extremely hazardous and has been linked to severe illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Treatments for these conditions can be costly, and unfortunately, they are not always successful.

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, you have the right to seek compensation. Despite knowing the dangers, many companies, including American Biltrite, continued to use asbestos, putting countless lives at risk. Now, you may be able to hold them accountable.

Our team of experienced asbestos lawyers is here to help you understand your options and, if you’re eligible, fight for justice on your behalf. Compensation can provide crucial financial support for you and your loved ones, helping you move forward with dignity and security.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and find out if you may be entitled to compensation related to American Biltrite asbestos exposure.

Written & Legally Reviewed By

Daniel Wasserberg, Esq. Attorney and On-Site Legal Advocate

Daniel Wasserberg was a New York metropolitan area “Super Lawyer Rising Star” from 2013 to 2018 (attorneys under age 40), and a Super Lawyer in 2019. In 2017, Daniel was named a “Top 100 Civil Litigator” by the National Trial Lawyers organization. This recognition is rarely awarded to attorneys under the age of 40. Daniel is proud to call himself a Trial Lawyer, and is often asked to speak at gatherings of the nation’s leading attorneys, from both sides of the bar.

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