Buffalo Pumps, Inc.
Buffalo Pumps, Inc., manufactured asbestos-contaminated pump systems for industrial and maritime use until the 1980s, putting thousands of workers, U.S. Navy veterans, and consumers at risk.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness due to exposure from Buffalo Pumps, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
Key Information
- Compensation: If Buffalo Pumps asbestos products or activities have injured you or a loved one, you may be eligible for multiple forms of compensation.
- Products: Most known for its marine pump systems manufactured for military use, Buffalo Pumps also produced commercial asbestos pump systems, such as sewage pumps and paper stock pumps.
- Occupations: In addition to its employees, Buffalo Pumps exposed many individuals in related professions, such as paper mill workers, maintenance staff, boilermakers, and U.S. Navy Veterans, to dangerous amounts of asbestos.
- Get Help Today: Reach out to us to determine your eligibility for potential compensation against Buffalo Pumps and start your claim in minutes.
Highest-Risk Occupations
Buffalo Pumps used asbestos in its products for decades, endangering thousands of workers beyond its own factory employees.
When asbestos-containing parts are disturbed, damaged, or worn, they shed particles that, when inhaled or ingested, can cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Who is At Highest Risk for Exposure?
Many Buffalo Pumps asbestos-contaminated parts and systems required regular servicing, cleaning, replacement, and repair.
Those responsible for these duties, as well as those nearby when they were performed, all face a high risk of asbestos-related illnesses.
Factory Workers
Workers at Buffalo Pumps manufacturing facilities often encountered asbestos in components like insulation, gaskets, packing, and other parts used to make the company’s marine and industrial pumps.
Because asbestos fibers can remain airborne for hours in poorly ventilated areas, even workers without direct contact with asbestos parts may be at risk.
Boilermakers
Boiler makers and technicians who installed, serviced, or repaired Buffalo Pumps systems made before the 1980s frequently came into close contact with asbestos components.
Common work tasks, such as removing and replacing packing, cutting and changing gaskets, and handling insulation, often caused these components to release hazardous fibers.
U.S. Navy Veterans
Buffalo Pumps systems were often used in the engine and boiler rooms of naval vessels. Routine repair work on these systems often occurred in poorly ventilated spaces, increasing the risk of serious illness.
U.S. military veterans are disproportionately affected by mesothelioma, accounting for almost one-third of the new cases diagnosed each year.
Family Members Exposed Secondhand
The loved ones and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk from secondary, or take-home, asbestos exposure, which could occur during normal household chores like laundry.
These individuals may be eligible to file personal injury lawsuits, while surviving family members may be able to seek compensation through wrongful death lawsuits.
Buffalo Pumps, Inc. Asbestos Products
Buffalo Pumps’ marine and commercial pump systems needed to operate in high-stress, high-heat environments. The company used asbestos-containing components, such as gaskets, packing, valves, and insulation, to provide durability and heat resistance to vulnerable areas.
Although medical professionals linked asbestos contact with the development of lung and other cancers as early as the 1930s, Buffalo Pumps continued using it until the 1980s.
Top Asbestos-Containing Products
- Single Suction Full Ball Bearing Pumps: Class CH, CL, CM, CS, CO, and CSS
- Double Suction Full Ball Bearing Pumps: Class SA, S, SLH, SU, DSS, and SW
- Paper Stock Pumps: Class DS and DSH
- Sewage Pumps: Class E, RS, and RSL
- Multistage Pumps: Class RR-2 and RR-4
Fact
Buffalo Pumps primarily used chrysotile asbestos in its products. Many companies claim that this variety of asbestos is less hazardous than others. However, all types of asbestos can cause serious illnesses.
Source: Supremecourt.govSecuring Compensation From Buffalo Pumps, Inc.
Buffalo Pumps sold its pump systems for military and commercial use, creating a broad exposure footprint that affected people across numerous professions and industries.
If you or a loved one worked with Buffalo Pumps systems or products and you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation through lawsuits.
People who are eligible for compensation from this Buffalo Pumps are typically also eligible for compensation from other asbestos companies and trust funds, or other forms of compensation, such as VA benefits or workers’ compensation.
The Mesothelioma Fund can help you determine your eligibility for free. Contact us today to learn more about your claim.
Individuals with a documented history of Buffalo Pumps asbestos exposure may be able to seek compensation from companies like Chesterton, Garlock, and Coffin, which manufactured asbestos-contaminated replacement gaskets used in Buffalo Pumps systems.
– Daniel Wasserberg, Attorney
Filing a Lawsuit
Buffalo Pumps has never declared bankruptcy or established an asbestos trust fund. Instead, the company continues to litigate claims in court to this day. Most Buffalo Pumps asbestos exposure victims pursue legal compensation by filing an asbestos lawsuit.
There are two primary types of lawsuits that victims can use to seek compensation:
- Personal injury lawsuit: Allows living victims of asbestos exposure to seek compensation for their losses.
- Wrongful death lawsuit: Allows the dependents or family members of deceased asbestos exposure victims to recover damages for the loss of their loved one.
Many asbestos lawsuits never go to trial. Asbestos manufacturers frequently prefer to settle strong claims out of court, offering monetary compensation to their victims.
Settlements can be a good option for claimants who want to avoid the stress of a trial or who need compensation quickly.
Key Requirements to File
- Diagnosis: Claimants must have a diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness (such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis) OR proof of a wrongful death from an asbestos-related illness.
- Proof of exposure: Documentation linking the victim’s illness to asbestos exposure from Buffalo Pumps, Inc. through employment or use of their products.
- Statute of limitations: Potential claimants have a limited time to file a claim. Deadlines vary by state, with most averaging just 2 to 3 years, so it’s critical to move quickly.
Fact
NEED HELP FILING A LAWSUIT AGAINST Buffalo Pumps Inc.?
If you believe you qualify for compensation from Buffalo Pumps, don’t wait to file your claim. We can help you determine your eligibility and handle all the details of filing, at no up-front cost. We handle all the technicalities and legal proceedings to get you and your family the money you deserve without any hassle or out-of-pocket expenses. Help Me File
Notable Lawsuits Against Buffalo Pumps, Inc.
Buffalo Pumps and its parent company, the Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation, still face significant asbestos liabilities. According to internal documents, the company has accrued liabilities of $238.7 million, $24 million of which is current and $214.7 million of which is long-term.
Fact
Of the claims pending at the beginning of 2025, 627 received settlements. The company had 1,581 claims dismissed, and another 2,775 were subject to administrative closure, which occurs after five or more years have passed since the claim’s inception, as they are considered unlikely to result in liability for the company.”
Source: Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation 2025 Annual ReportThe company has a long history of seeking summary judgments to have cases dismissed or settling out of court for undisclosed amounts when this is not possible.
The Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation reported in its 2025 annual report that its gross settlement and defense costs totaled $27.7 million, with an average cost per claim of $12,570.
If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease due to exposure from Buffalo Pumps’ products, remember that help is available at no up-front cost. Contact us today to get a free case assessment to learn more about your claim options.
Major Verdicts
$39 Million
Talc Powder Use in MassachusettsA jury awarded more than $39 million to a Massachusetts couple from talc manufacturer Cimbar Performance Minerals after the husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma following a talc medical procedure.
$32 Million
Asbestos Exposure in South CarolinaA South Carolina jury awarded $32 million to a woman with mesothelioma following secondary asbestos exposure from Kraft Heinz Company and Metal Masters, where her husband and father worked.
$28.5 Million
New York Pipefitter in New YorkA former New York pipefitter exposed to asbestos materials during the original World Trade Center construction was awarded $28.5 million after he developed lung cancer and asbestosis.
$18 Million
Peritoneal Mesothelioma in CaliforniaA jury awarded $18 million to a California woman with peritoneal mesothelioma after lifelong talc powder use and secondhand asbestos exposure from her father and brother who worked grinding asbestos-containing brakes.
Buffalo Pumps, Inc.’s Involvement With Asbestos
Founded in 1887, Buffalo Pumps reportedly began incorporating asbestos components into its products early on. Known for its heat resistance and durability, the company’s widely used marine and commercial pump systems used asbestos in gaskets, insulation, valves, and packing.
Buffalo Pumps became a major supplier to the U.S. military during World War I. It continued supplying the military with marine pump systems during World War II, when Liberty model cargo ships and aircraft carriers used its products.
In 1979, the Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation acquired Buffalo Pumps. The company continued using asbestos components until the 1980s, endangering thousands of employees, veterans, and consumers. It is still in operation today.
Contact Us For a Free Case Assessment
Asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can bring significant financial, physical, and emotional challenges. The costs can be overwhelming for victims and their loved ones. If you or a member of your family has been affected by asbestos exposure, exploring your legal options can help you get financial relief.
Companies like Buffalo Pumps knew about the dangers of asbestos exposure and chose to keep using it, endangering thousands of innocent employees and consumers. Even now, many of these companies will do anything to avoid taking responsibility for their negligence.
Our partner law firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, is an expert at navigating the claims process and holding negligent asbestos companies accountable. They offer every client aggressive, experienced support, ensuring they secure the maximum possible compensation with minimal stress.
We can help you determine your eligibility and learn more about your case for free. Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation and get the support you deserve.
Section Summary
Buffalo pumps used asbestos components in the pump systems it manufactured and sold for military and commercial use. Anyone who worked on or around these pumps was likely exposed to airborne asbestos fibers, putting them at risk for developing asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma. Injured workers and their family members may be eligible to file lawsuits to recover compensation.
Buffalo Pumps Inc. manufactured pump systems for military and commercial use. Until the 1980s, many of these pump systems used asbestos-containing components.
Workers encountered asbestos during the manufacture, installation, maintenance, and repair of Buffalo Pumps products. When workers handle asbestos-containing materials, they shed fibers that can pose a serious risk to nearby workers.
Buffalo Pumps factory workers, paper mill employees, maintenance workers, boilermakers, and U.S. Navy Veterans all face particularly high risks of asbestos exposure.
Family members have two possible paths to compensation. Some may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one to asbestos exposure, while others may have grounds for a personal injury claim if they’ve been harmed by secondhand asbestos exposure.
Claimants may be able to pursue compensation from Buffalo Pumps through personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits. In some cases, they may also qualify for other forms of support, such as VA benefits and workers’ compensation.
The Mesothelioma Fund can help you check whether you may be eligible for compensation and learn more about your claim at no cost. Getting started takes just a few minutes, and some claimants begin receiving compensation within 90 days of filing.
Written & Legally Reviewed By
Daniel Wasserberg, Esq. Attorney and On-Site Legal AdvocateDaniel 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.
Learn MoreSources
- About Us. Buffalo Pumps. (n.d.). https://www.buffalopumps.com/about-us/
- Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation 2023 Annual Report on Form 10K. www.sec.gov. (n.d.). https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/6176/000095017024047021/ap_-_ars_-_2023.pdf
- Asbestos exposure and cancer risk fact sheet. Fact Sheet – NCI. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet
- Castillo, L. (2018, April 10). Amchem products, Buffalo Pumps, others named in Asbestos Lawsuit. Madison. https://madisonrecord.com/stories/511383445-amchem-products-buffalo-pumps-others-named-in-asbestos-lawsuit
- Cunningham v. Buffalo Pumps Inc., no. B198465 | . Casetext. (n.d.). https://casetext.com/case/cunningham-v-buffalo-pumps-inc
- Federal District Court Grants Pump Manufacturer’s motion for summary judgment in asbestos action. JD Supra. (n.d.). https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/federal-district-court-grants-pump-7794554/
- Gvillo, H. I. (2014, April 1). Philadelphia jury awards mesothelioma victim $7.25m in Asbestos Trial. Washington Examiner. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2259752/philadelphia-jury-awards-mesothelioma-victim-7-25m-in-asbestos-trial/#google_vignette
- Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K. SEC.gov. (n.d.). https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/6176/000119312526127676/2025_annual_report.pdf
- Appendix to Amici Curiae Brief on behalf of Multiple Veterans Organizations in Support of Respondents. supremecourt.gov. (n.d.). https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/17/17-1104/60633/20180824141806553_Appendix%20to%20Amici%20Curiae%20%20Brief%20on%20behalf%20of%20Multiple%20Veterans%20Organizations%20in%20Support%20of%20Respondents.pdf
- Asbestos health effects and history. Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2026, February 25). https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/asbestos/healthhist.htm
- Frank, A. L., & van Zandwijk, N. (2024, July). Asbestos history and use. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169500224003623
- Mantey, M. (2022, September 26). Mesothelioma in veterans: 4 things to know. Purple Heart Foundation. https://purpleheartfoundation.org/mesothelioma-in-veterans-4-things-to-know/