Exxon Refineries (Formerly the Mobil Oil Corporation)

Mobil Oil Corporation & Asbestos Exposure 

Asbestos was a widely used component in insulation materials throughout most of the 20th century, valued for its heat resistance and durability.

At Mobil Oil Corporation, asbestos-containing insulation was commonly applied to pipes, boilers, ovens, and other industrial equipment throughout refineries and facilities. Workers who installed, repaired, or maintained these systems were frequently exposed to asbestos fibers, often without knowing the risks.

However, the danger didn’t end once asbestos was phased out of new insulation products. Older, contaminated materials remained in place for years. Contractors and maintenance crews were regularly hired to remove or replace this aging insulation. During these removal processes, asbestos fibers could become airborne, posing a serious health threat to anyone nearby.

Court cases and worker testimony have revealed that, in some instances, employees were aware that the materials they were handling contained asbestos.

Despite this knowledge, safety protocols were not always followed. Many workers lacked access to proper protective gear or were not informed about the long-term health risks, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, that come from inhaling asbestos fibers.

In 1999, Exxon and Mobil merged to form ExxonMobil, a single corporate entity. Legally, this means that individuals who were exposed to asbestos while working for Mobil Oil Corporation can now file claims against ExxonMobil. These claims can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages related to asbestos-related illnesses.

Dangers of Asbestos-Related Diseases 

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), individuals who work with or around asbestos face a significantly higher risk of developing serious lung-related diseases, including:

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

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the protective lining surrounding the lungs, abdomen, or other internal organs.

The National Cancer Institute notes that most mesothelioma cases occur in people who have lived or worked in environments where asbestos exposure was common. The risk increases with the duration and intensity of exposure.

Mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning it can take decades for symptoms to appear. Unfortunately, once diagnosed, it’s often difficult to treat effectively. Early detection and medical intervention are critical, but prevention and accountability remain just as important.

Financial Compensation From Mobil Oil 

Individuals who were exposed to asbestos while working for an Exxon or Mobil refinery may be eligible for financial compensation. These funds can help cover the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and other related expenses.

Unlike some companies, ExxonMobil has not established an asbestos trust fund to pay claims. Instead, it defends cases through the court system.

Asbestos-related claims typically fall into two main legal categories:

• Personal injury lawsuit: Filed by individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, seeking compensation for medical costs and other damages.
• Wrongful death lawsuit: Filed by surviving family members of individuals who died from asbestos-related diseases. These claims seek compensation for the loss of a loved one and the financial impact of their passing.

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 Mobil Oil

Over the years, numerous individuals and families have filed lawsuits against Exxon and Mobil for asbestos-related illnesses. While each case is unique, understanding the outcomes of past lawsuits can help you make informed decisions about your legal options.

Rubert Minton 

Rubert Minton spent years working aboard Exxon-owned ships and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma. He filed a claim under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act to help cover the costs of his medical care.

The jury found Exxon liable and awarded Minton compensatory damages, medical expenses, and punitive damages. Exxon appealed the verdict, arguing that liability rested with the shipyard rather than the company itself.

Wayne Wright 

Wayne Wright filed a wrongful death claim on behalf of his father, Warren Wright, who worked as an independent contractor at Exxon refineries. Part of his job involved removing insulation later found to contain asbestos.

Warren Wright passed away in 2015, and a biopsy confirmed mesothelioma. His family took the case to court, and the jury ruled in their favor, awarding financial damages. Exxon subsequently appealed the decision.

Soraya Sabetian 

Soraya Sabetian, an Iranian citizen, worked for several oil companies over her career, including entities owned by Exxon. After being diagnosed with mesothelioma, she filed a lawsuit seeking compensation.

The case moved slowly through the court system, with multiple defendants denying liability. Eventually, it reached the California Court of Appeals, which ruled that Exxon was not responsible for her illness.

Mobil Oil Products Containing Asbestos 

While ExxonMobil’s final oil products did not contain asbestos, many of the materials and equipment used in the extraction, refining, and processing of oil relied heavily on asbestos-based components, particularly before the 1990s.

Asbestos was commonly used for its heat resistance, insulation properties, and affordability, making it a staple in industrial environments like oil refineries.

Common asbestos-containing products used in Exxon and Mobil Oil operations included:

• Pipe insulation 
• Boiler insulation
• Ovens 
• Building insulation

Occupations at Risk From Mobil Oil 

A 1994 study revealed that oil refinery workers, especially those involved in maintenance, faced some of the highest risks of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. 

These individuals were routinely tasked with installing, repairing, or removing insulation from high-temperature equipment, often without adequate protection or awareness of the long-term health hazards.

Electricians were also found to be at elevated risk. While running wires through walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces in new construction or renovation projects, they frequently came into contact with asbestos-laden insulation. The simple act of disturbing these materials could release dangerous fibers into the air, where they could be inhaled or linger on clothing and tools.

Other occupations common in Mobil Oil refineries and facilities regularly exposed to asbestos:

• Boiler technicians 
• Engineers
• Janitors 
• Plumbers and pipefitters

Secondhand exposure was also a serious risk. Workers often unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes, or tools. Family members, especially spouses and children, could inhale these fibers while doing laundry or hugging their loved ones, leading to devastating health consequences years later.

Get Help Today 

If you worked for Exxon or Mobil and developed an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. Families who have lost a loved one under similar circumstances may also have a right to pursue financial recovery.

Asbestos litigation is complex, especially when going up against powerful corporations determined to avoid responsibility. That’s why having the right legal team matters. Our partners at Meirowitz & Wasserberg bring decades of combined experience handling asbestos-related cases and fighting for the justice victims deserve.

We’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way. From your first call to the final resolution, you’ll never have to face this alone. 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help determine if you may be eligible to seek compensation.

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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