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Grinnell LLC

Fact checked and legally reviewed by Daniel Wasserberg, Esq. • Contributor & Legal Advisor

Grinnell LLC’s asbestos liability primarily arises from its fire protection systems and the supply of contaminated valves, fittings, and piping used in industrial, commercial, and institutional settings.

Victims and family members affected by asbestos exposure related to Grinnell LLC’s products or activities may be eligible to pursue legal compensation.

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Grinnell LLC & Asbestos Exposure

Founded in 1850 as the Providence Steam and Gas Pipe Co., Grinnell LLC was named after Frederick Grinnell, who acquired a controlling interest in 1869. The company began as an installer of gas mains and a plumbing supplier but quickly became best known for manufacturing and installing fire protection systems for factories.

This part of the business grew so dominant that, in 1966, Grinnell and three of its subsidiaries faced an antitrust lawsuit for controlling 87% of the U.S. market for central-station fire and burglar alarm systems.

Unfortunately, many of these widely used systems included asbestos-contaminated components, chosen for their durability and resistance to heat and pressure.

This contamination exposed not only Grinnell employees who manufactured and installed the systems but also anyone who worked with, maintained, or repaired these products afterward.

Grinnell continued using asbestos in its products and manufacturing processes until the 1980s. Despite multiple acquisitions and ownership changes following the lawsuit, Grinnell products remain available today and are currently marketed under Johnson Controls’ fire protection division.

Dangers of Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestos refers to a group of six minerals that share similar structures and properties. These minerals separate into thin, durable fibers that are nonconductive and resistant to heat, fire, and chemical corrosion.

These characteristics, combined with its availability and low cost, made asbestos a popular industrial additive throughout much of the 20th century. Companies like Grinnell widely used asbestos to manufacture products designed to withstand high-heat and high-pressure environments.

Unfortunately, asbestos is also highly toxic and carcinogenic, knowledge that many manufacturers ignored in favor of protecting their profits. This widespread use led to extensive asbestos contamination, putting hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. at serious health risk.

Whenever asbestos-containing materials are mined, manufactured, damaged, repaired, or disturbed, fibers can be released into the air. These airborne fibers can be inhaled or ingested and do not break down in the body. Instead, they lodge in tissues, causing irritation, scarring, and genetic damage that can result in severe illnesses.

Asbestos-related diseases include:

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

Among asbestos-related diseases, mesothelioma is one of the most serious. This rare and deadly cancer develops in the thin lining that surrounds organs such as the lungs and abdomen. Treatment can be extremely costly, often exceeding $400,000 per year out-of-pocket for patients and their families. Notably, asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma.

Financial Compensation From Grinnell LLC

Grinnell LLC has never declared bankruptcy. It has not established an asbestos trust fund, preferring to handle its asbestos liabilities through the court system. 

There are two primary methods available to victims seeking legal 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.

Additionally, due to the widespread use of asbestos across numerous professions and industries, many victims of asbestos exposure are eligible to pursue compensation from multiple companies. Working with an experienced asbestos lawyer can help victims ensure all negligent parties are held accountable, maximizing their potential compensation.

Victims may also be eligible for other forms of compensation, including:

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

Asbestos Lawsuits Against Grinnell LLC

William P.

William Pace developed mesothelioma while working as a marine machinist at the Charleston Naval Shipyard from 1971 to 1995, where he came in contact with asbestos-contaminated Grinnell valves. 

Following his death, his wife, Christine, filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Unfortunately, the court granted summary judgment in Grinnell’s favor after it invoked the bare metal defense, claiming a lack of evidence that Mr. Pace was exposed to asbestos from Grinnell-manufactured or supplied products.

Charles S.

Charles Schano and his wife, Marilyn, filed suit due to asbestos injuries that occurred while he worked for J&L Hazelwood and USX Edgar Thomson. During his work, he was exposed to various asbestos-containing products manufactured, distributed, and supplied by Grinnell LLC. 

Grinnell sought a dismissal, claiming that the amount of exposure to products manufactured or supplied by the company was not a substantial factor in any injuries he sustained. 

Donald B. 

Donald died of asbestos-related pleural disease and lung cancer due to exposure to asbestos-containing products made by Grinnell LLC during his work in Michigan and California.

His wife, Billie, and the couple’s two children filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Grinnell and other manufacturers. Details of the resolution were not made public.

Grinnell LLC & the Bare Metal Defense

One of Grinnell LLC’s favorite and most successful legal strategies is its use of the bare metal defense. This strategy argues that the defendant company is not liable for aftermarket asbestos-containing parts used with its products. 

Although Grinnell manufactured and supplied asbestos-containing components, such as valves and gaskets, it was also common for their clients to order asbestos-containing replacement parts from other manufacturers. 

Because the burden of proof in personal injury lawsuits is on the victim, this strategy allows companies like Grinnell to introduce enough uncertainty about the origin of the asbestos exposure to seek and receive summary judgment in their favor. 

Working with an experienced asbestos attorney who knows how to handle strategies like this one is crucial for victims fighting back against large companies and their formidable legal teams. 

Asbestos-Containing Products Used at Grinnell LLC

Grinnell LLC used asbestos at its manufacturing plants, endangering factory workers, office staff, and anyone else present at contaminated worksites. 

Asbestos products used at Grinnell LLC manufacturing plants:

• Pipe coverings
• Protective gloves

Additionally, Grinnell manufactured products using asbestos-contaminated components, including: 

• Gaskets 
• Packing
• Piping systems
• Sprinkler systems
• Valves 

Occupations At-Risk

In addition to the significant asbestos exposure faced by their employees, Grinnell’s contaminated products were widely used in industrial settings, putting workers across various industries and professions at risk.

High-risk occupations include:

• Construction workers
• Factory workers
• Firefighters
• Laborers
• Machinists
• Maintenance workers
• Pipefitters/plumbers
• Shipyard workers
• U.S. Navy veterans

Because asbestos fibers easily cling to hair, skin, and clothing, family members and loved ones of asbestos workers were also at significant risk of secondhand exposure.

Get Help Today 

Asbestos is highly toxic and carcinogenic, causing serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis in those exposed. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, victims often face significant financial burdens following their diagnosis.

Negligent companies like Grinnell LLC must be held accountable for the harm they caused. Despite knowing the dangers of their products, they failed to warn employees and consumers, prioritizing profits over safety.

Our trusted legal partners provide expert guidance to help victims navigate the complexities of asbestos litigation. Let us support you in maximizing your potential compensation and securing justice. Reach out today for a free case evaluation.