Combustion Engineering Asbestos Trust

Like most other asbestos trust funds, the CE Asbestos PI Trust has set limits on claim amounts to preserve funds for future claimants, ensuring that compensation remains available over the long term.

These limitations help maintain the trust’s financial stability while addressing the needs of individuals exposed to asbestos-containing products.

Several factors influence the amount a claimant may receive, including the severity of their illness. Additionally, the claimant’s documented exposure history to asbestos plays a significant role in determining payout amounts.

Other considerations may include the availability of supporting evidence and the type of review process selected. 

By managing these variables, the trust aims to provide fair compensation while equitably distributing resources among current and future claimants.

Combustion Engineering & Asbestos Exposure

Grieve Grate Company and American Stoker Company merged to create Combustion Engineering in 1912 in New York City. By 1930, the company became the leading designer and manufacturer of fossil and nuclear steam supply systems.

Combustion Engineering, also known as CE, grew over the years through a series of partnerships with other companies, including Superheater Company. In the 1990s, CE merged with Asea Brown Boveri (ABB Group) to become part of the world’s largest electrical engineering company.

By the 1950s, Combustion Engineering expanded its operations to include steam boilers and gas and oil production and refining. Almost all of CE’s early boilers, insulation, adhesives, and cement contained asbestos, a dangerous mineral and the only known cause of mesothelioma.

CE provided boilers and related products to industries worldwide, with its largest client being the U.S. Navy. Additional clients included railroads, shipbuilders, construction companies, foundries, and petrochemical manufacturers.

Mounting Asbestos Lawsuits Against Combustion Engineering

Combustion Engineering’s liability insurance coverage declined significantly, dropping from 66% in the early 1990s to just 33% by 2002. This reduction ultimately left the company unable to manage its growing liabilities.

In 2005, this led to a bankruptcy resolution that established the Combustion Engineering 524(g) Asbestos PI Trust. This trust shifted claims against the company from traditional lawsuits to payouts through the trust, streamlining the process for addressing asbestos-related liabilities.

A notable asbestos lawsuit filed against Combustion Engineering includes Anderson v. Combustion Engineering, Inc.

The case involved the estate of retired machinist Jerold Anderson, who died of mesothelioma in 1998 after 40 years of asbestos exposure from Combustion Engineering boilers.

Despite the company’s appeal citing insufficient evidence, the court upheld their 29% liability as other manufacturers had already settled.

*Fill out the form below to see if you may qualify for compensation from the Combustion Engineering 524(g) Asbestos Personal Injury Trust today.

Associated Companies 

Combustion Engineering underwent several mergers and acquisitions throughout the company’s lifespan. The company was founded when two companies, Grieve Gate Company and American Stoker Company, merged in 1912. 

Anyone who worked for or was exposed to products manufactured by the numerous companies associated with Combustion Engineering may have a higher risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.

Companies Associated With CE:

• American Stoker Company 
• Asea Brown Boveri (ABB Group)
• Grieve Grate Company
• Superheater Company

High-Risk Jobs Associated with CE

Many workers who worked for Combustion Engineering and/or handled products manufactured by the company are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

The CE Asbestos Trust found thousands of sites in the United States containing asbestos, including:

• 1,140 land-based CE boilers in knitting mills, paper companies, colleges, hospitals, breweries, etc.
• 3,884 vessels 
• 118 shipyards 
• 717 other product sites

Jobs at Highest Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Other At-Risk Jobs

• Shipyard workers
• Engineers
• Electricians
• Knitting mill workers
• Chemical company employees
• Oil field workers
• Insulators
• Welders

Combustion Engineering Asbestos Products

Combustion Engineering developed and manufactured a large number of energy-producing machinery made with asbestos. These products contained asbestos because of the mineral’s enhanced insulation and resistance to fire, heat, and chemicals.

Type-E Stoker Boiler

As CE’s signature boiler, the Type-E was an underfeeder boiler known for its consistency and quality. Asbestos was used as an insulator and heat repellent.

Block Stick

Block Stick, a type of refractory cement, was designed to withstand extreme heat while maintaining tensile strength. Asbestos was incorporated into its composition due to its exceptional heat resistance and durability.

Other Asbestos-Containing Products Used at CE Include:

• Asbestos Ropes
• Casing Cement
• Expansion Joint Material
• Fibrous Adhesives
• Griptex Mineral Wool Block
• Kaiser M. Block
• Kaiser Plastic Insulating Cement
• Fireproofing Cement
• Insulating Cement
• Finishing Cement
• Thermal Cement
• Protective Coatings

The Formation of the Combustion Engineering 524(g) Asbestos Trust

When the ABB Group acquired Combustion Engineering for $1.6 billion in cash, the purchase price was considered substantial by industry observers. Along with the acquisition, ABB assumed liability for over 200,000 pending asbestos claims.

In 2006, Combustion Engineering filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which led to the establishment of the Combustion Engineering Asbestos PI Trust. This trust was funded with $1.4 billion to address asbestos-related claims.

By 2014, the trust’s trustees allocated a maximum annual disbursement of $113.3 million, divided into $98.6 million for Category A claims (severe malignancies) and $14.7 million for Category B claims (nonmalignant pleural diseases).

*The maximum compensation for mesothelioma claims was set at $400,000, with an average payout of $95,000.

Asbestos trusts operate with limited funds, so claimants typically receive only a percentage of their requested compensation based on several factors.

Individuals exposed to asbestos through Combustion Engineering products may file claims with the Combustion Engineering 524(g) Asbestos PI Trust for potential compensation.

Understanding The Different Review Processes

The Combustion Engineering asbestos trust fund offers claimants two review options: expedited review and individual review. These processes differ in both the payout amounts and the time required to resolve claims.

There are several factors to take into consideration about your specific case when deciding which type of Combustion Engineering trust fund claim process to file.

Expedited Review

An expedited review (ER) can be the quickest option to get awarded compensation. This payout can be used to pay for treatment costs, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses accrued due to an asbestos-related disease diagnosis.

Although expedited reviews result in a payout faster, they may yield lower payout amounts than individual review claims. If you’re looking for the quickest avenue to obtain compensation to cover your treatment costs, an expedited review may be the best option for you.

Individual Review

An individual review (IR) often takes longer to obtain approval, but it has a higher average payout than expedited review claims. 

During the individual review process, the trust will review your specific circumstances such as your disease level, age, exposure history, employment history, and more. This allows the trust to pay you based on the details of your specific case.

An individual review may be the best claim to file if you’re looking for the highest payout, but it may take longer to receive compensation. 

Settlement and Payment Percentage in 2024

The Combustion Engineering Asbestos PI Trust pays on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, so claims are processed in the order in which they are received.

As of 2024, the payment percentage for claims is 29.5%. There are two types of payment schedules depending on which type of Combustion Engineering asbestos trust fund claim is filed, so payout amounts can vary depending on your specific circumstances.

Compensation for Individual Review

Disease	Compensation
Mesothelioma (Level VIII)	$95,000
Lung Cancer I (Level VII)	$35,000
Lung Cancer II (Level V)	$15,000
Other Cancer (Level V)	$9,000
Severe Asbestosis (Level IV)	$40,000
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level III)	$4,800 (Scheduled Value)
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level II)	$1,800 (Scheduled Value)
Other Asbestos Disease (Level I Cash Discount Payment)	$0 (Scheduled Value)

Compensation for Expedited Review

Disease	Compensation
Mesothelioma (Level VII)	$75,000
Lung Cancer I (Level VII)	$25,000
Lung Cancer II (Level VI)	None (Individual Review Only)
Other Cancer (Level V)	$6,000
Severe Asbestosis (Level IV)	$25,000
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level III)	$4,800
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level II)	$1,800
Other Asbestos Disease (Level I Cash Discount Payment)	$250 (Not subject to the payment percentage)

*You may be able to file multiple asbestos trust fund claims if you were exposed to various products on different job sites. Consult a legal expert to learn how you can maximize your potential compensation.

Eligibility Requirements for the CE Trust

To file a Combustion Engineering asbestos claim, claimants must meet two key eligibility criteria: exposure requirements and medical requirements. 

Exposure requirements involve demonstrating that the claimant was exposed to asbestos-containing products manufactured by Combustion Engineering.

Medical requirements include providing a confirmed diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease supported by medical records and/or statements from qualified physicians. 

Meeting both criteria is essential to establish a valid claim and qualify for compensation through the Combustion Engineering Asbestos Trust.

Medical Requirements

For an asbestos-related disease to qualify under a specific disease level under the Combustion Engineering trust, the diagnosis must include either: 

• A statement from the diagnosing doctor confirming at least 10 years have passed between the first asbestos exposure and the diagnosis, or  
• A documented history of asbestos exposure showing a 10-year latency period

Living claimants must also provide:  

• Disease Levels I-III: Proof of bilateral asbestos-related nonmalignant disease
• Disease Level IV: An International Labor Organization (ILO) reading of 2/1 or higher, or pathological evidence of asbestosis 
• Disease Levels III and IV: Results from pulmonary function testing
• Disease Levels V-VIII: Must be based on either:
  • A physical examination of the claimant by the doctor making the diagnosis, or  
  • A diagnosis from a board-certified pathologist or a pathology report from a hospital accredited by the Joint Commission (JCAHO)

Exposure Requirements

To qualify for a claim, you must meet exposure requirements and demonstrate contact with asbestos-containing products or actions for which CE is legally responsible. All claims must show meaningful and credible exposure to CE’s asbestos products before December 31, 1982. 

There are specific exposure requirements that must be met if filing an expedited review claim, including:

• All Disease Levels: Proof of CE exposure before December 31, 1982
• Disease Level II: Proof of at least six months of CE exposure plus five years of overall occupational asbestos exposure
• Disease Levels III-VII: Proof of six months of CE exposure plus significant occupational asbestos exposure

To prove significant occupational exposure, you must have worked for at least five cumulative years in jobs where you:  

• Regularly handled raw asbestos fibers 
• Made asbestos-containing products and were exposed to fibers during the process  
• Repaired, altered, or worked with asbestos products, leading to regular exposure 
• Worked near others performing such activities 

You can prove CE exposure through:  

• Sworn statements from yourself, coworkers, or family members for deceased claimants  
• Invoices, employment records, construction records, or other credible evidence  
• Additional evidence may be required if the Asbestos PI Trust deems it necessary 

Filing a Personal Injury Claim Combustion Engineering

Filing a personal injury claim can be a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of legal procedures.

Working with experienced legal professionals can help ensure that all required documentation, such as medical records and exposure history, is prepared accurately to strengthen your case.

Our team is committed to simplifying the legal process, and minimizing stress for you and your family. While we handle the intricacies of your claim, you can focus on what matters most, knowing that we are dedicated to pursuing the maximum compensation and justice on your behalf.

Loved Ones & Family Members 

Family members and loved ones may also be eligible to apply for benefits from a trust fund, depending on the trust’s specific criteria. These funds can help loved ones cover medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs, and provide a sense of served justice. 

Our legal team can help navigate the application process, ensuring that all eligible family members receive the support they’re entitled to, providing much-needed relief and stability during challenging times.

Contact us today to learn more.