United States Gypsum Asbestos Trust

Were You or Your Loved One Exposed to Asbestos from United States Gypsum?

The United States Gypsum Corporation, also known as USG, is the largest distributor of wallboards nationwide and the largest manufacturer of gypsum products in North America.

From 1920 to 1978, asbestos was a primary ingredient in many of the company’s most popular products. 

In1967, it increased its asbestos footprint again, through the purchase of A.P. Green, another asbestos company. 

Despite independent research conducted by USG from 1930 to the late 1940s that revealed the asbestos-cancer connection, USG continued to market its products as safe and non-toxic.

Its failure to warn users put hundreds of thousands of people at risk for asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

If you or a member of your family has been injured by exposure to USG asbestos products or operations, this page can help you understand important issues, such as:

• USG’s history with asbestos
• The formation of the USG Trust
• Who can apply for trust compensation 
• Trust eligibility requirements 
• Average compensation
• Common USG asbestos products
• High-risk professions

Injured workers and their families deserve compensation, and funds are available for eligible claimants. 

We can help you understand your options. Simply fill out the compensation eligibility form directly below to learn more about your options.

The Formation of The United States Gypsum Trust

For almost 60 years USG ran wide-reaching public relations campaigns to convince the public that asbestos was safe. This pursuit of profits at the expense of employee and consumer safety left them liable for the harm they did. 

The surge in asbestos-related lawsuits in the 1990s, led by USG employees and their families, took a significant financial toll on the company.

USG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2001, and the reorganization was approved in 2006. The trust began accepting claims in 2007.

Claims are handled on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, and the USG Trust has a maximum annual payment (MAP) that it cannot exceed. If the MAP is met before the year ends, all unpaid claims must wait until January of the following year.

How Much Does The United States Gypsum Asbestos Trust Pay?

The amount that claimants receive from the USG Trust depends on the unique circumstances of their claim.

Factors that can impact payment amount include:

• The diagnosed disease level 
• Whether the claimant pursues expedited or individual review
• The value assigned to the claim
• Available evidence of exposure  
• The trust’s payment percentage at the time the claim is submitted

Current United States Gypsum  Asbestos Trust Payout Example for a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Payment percentages can be a little confusing. The USG payment percentage of 10% does not mean that a successful claimant receives 10% of their total financial losses. Rather, they receive 10% of the value that the trust assigns to their specific claim.

For example, expedited mesothelioma claims through the USG trust have a scheduled value of $155,000. Once the 10% payment percentage is applied, the claimant would take home $15,500.*

*These numbers are just one example of how a claim could pay out. Values can and do change on a case-by-case basis depending on the factors discussed above.

A legal professional can help you learn more about the potential value of your unique claim.

What Asbestos-Related Diseases Qualify for United States Gypsum Compensation?

The USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust accepts claims for eight scheduled disease levels, ranging from severe malignant illnesses like mesothelioma to non-malignant pleural disease.

Regardless of disease level, claimants must provide proof of exposure and their diagnosis to secure compensation.

Compensable illnesses:

• Mesothelioma (Level VIII)
  • A diagnosis of mesothelioma 
  • 10-year latency
  • USG/A.P. Green exposure
• Lung Cancer 1 (Level VII)
  • A diagnosis of a primary lung cancer
  • Evidence of an underlying bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • A causal statement from a doctor linking the lung cancer to asbestos
  • 10-year latency
  • 6 months USG/A.P. Green exposure before December 31, 1982 or January 2, 1968 respectively
  • Significant Occupational Exposure
• Lung Cancer 2 (Level VI)
  • A diagnosis of a primary lung cancer
  • A causal statement from a medical doctor linking the lung cancer to asbestos exposure
  • 10-year latency
  • USG/A.P. Green exposure before December 31, 1982 or January 2, 1968 respectively
• Other Cancer (Level V)
  • A diagnosis of a primary colorectal, laryngeal, esophageal, pharyngeal, or stomach cancer
  • Evidence of an underlying bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • A causal statement from a doctor linking the cancer to asbestos exposure
  • 10-year latency.
  • 6 months USG/A.P. Green exposure before December 31, 1982 or January 2, 1968 respectively
  • Significant Occupational Exposure
• Severe Asbestosis (Level IV)
  • Diagnosis of asbestosis
  • Pathological evidence of asbestosis
  • Pulmonary Function Testing
  • Supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor
  • 6 months USG/A.P. Green exposure before December 31, 1982 or January 2, 1968, respectively
  • Significant Occupational Exposure
• Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level III)
  • Diagnosis of an asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • Imaging evidence of a bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • Pulmonary Function Testing
  • 10-year latency
  • Supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor
  • 6 months USG/A.P. Green exposure before December 31, 1982 or January 2, 1968 respectively
  • Significant Occupational Exposure
• Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level II)
  • Diagnosis of an asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • Imaging evidence of a bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • 10-year latency
  • 6 months USG/A.P. Green exposure prior to December 31, 1982 or January 2, 1968, respectively
  • Five years cumulative occupational asbestos exposure
• Other Asbestos Disease (Level I)
  • Diagnosis of a bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant disease or an asbestos-related malignancy other than mesothelioma
  • Imaging evidence of a bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • 10-year latency
  • USG/A.P. Green exposure before December 31, 1982 or January 2, 1968 respectively

The chart below shows the scheduled value for seven of the eight compensable disease levels and the actual payout amount after application of the payment percentage.. 

Lung Cancer 2 (Level VI) claims have no scheduled value and can only be assessed through individual review. Other Asbestos Disease claims are Cash Discount Payments and are not subject to the payment percentage.

Asbestos-Related Disease	Scheduled Value	Current Payment Percentage	Estimated Expedited Review Payment
Mesothelioma	$155,000	10%	$15,500
Lung Cancer 1	$45,000	10%	$4,500
Other Cancers	$15,000	10%	$1,500
Severe Asbestosis	$30,000	10%	$3,000
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease Level III	$8,300	10%	$830
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease Level II	$2,625	10%	$262.50
Other Asbestos Disease	$400	10%	$400

*The chart above shows illustrative amounts calculated by applying the current 10% payment percentage to established scheduled values. Individual Review and other circumstances may result in different valuations.

It’s important to act quickly if you suspect you have a claim because the statute of limitations gives claimants only 1 to 6 years to file, depending on the state.

The average timeframe is even shorter, just 2 to 3 years before the compensation window closes. 

If you need help with an asbestos claim, contact us today. Our team can help you determine what you’re eligible for and the filing options available, helping you make the best use of your limited filing time once a diagnosis or date of passing has been established. 

Can an Individual Review Claim Be Worth More?

Unlike expedited review claims, which must meet strict criteria, individual review (IR) lets people have their claim examined on its own merits.

This process can be a good option for those whose claim may not meet the guidelines for expedited review, or for those whose circumstances may entitle them to a higher payout. 

IR claims can pay more or less than the scheduled value, but they also generally take longer to process and pay. The average value of a mesothelioma IR claim at the USG trust is $225,000, with the value topping out at $450,000. 

IR claims are still subject to application of the payment percentage. 

Additional Trust Fund Claims & Other Compensation Options May Be Available

Eligible mesothelioma claimants often receive over $1 million in total compensation, but most claimants who secure large amounts do so by pursuing compensation from multiple sources. 

Many claimants with occupational exposure can apply for funds from more than one trust. Some may also qualify for additional forms of compensation, such as lawsuits, workers’ compensation, Social Security, and VA benefits.

Filing Multiple Trust Fund Claims Against Related Companies & Occupations

An individual with a claim against USG may also qualify for trust fund compensation set aside by other companies that manufactured, distributed, or supplied joint compound-related products.

Some of these trusts include:

• Bondex
• T H Agriculture & Nutrition (“THAN”)
• ARTRA  
• United Gilsonite Laboratories (“UGL”)

As many victims were exposed to asbestos through a range of products from multiple manufacturers, filing claims with these additional trust funds can help increase the overall compensation received. This can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages.

United States Gypsum Asbestos Lawsuits

What Evidence is Needed for a United States Gypsum Trust Claim?

Claimants seeking compensation from the USG Trust must meet both medical and exposure criteria to receive payment.

Claimants who do not meet the strict guidelines for expedited review may still be eligible for compensation through an individual review.

Eligibility Factor	Explanation
Medical Requirements	Diagnosis with one of the trust’s compensable diseases supported by medical evidence and documentation.
Asbestos Exposure Requirements	Evidence of credible USG or A.P. Green exposure which occurred before December 31, 1982, or January 2, 1968, respectively.

Medical Requirements

Exact medical requirements vary depending on the claimant’s diagnosis. Each disease level requires different criteria for compensation. However, all scheduled disease levels require a diagnosis from a reputable medical provider supported by medical evidence.

Common forms of documentation include:

• Affidavit from doctors
• Biopsies
• Blood tests
• Imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, radiographs)
• Lung function testing
• Pathology report 

The USG Trust routinely audits the reliability of medical evidence. If a provider has routinely provided evidence deemed suspect, the trust can decline to accept additional evidence from them. 

The Mesothelioma Fund can help you connect with over 500 top providers nationwide through our free doctor match program. 

Asbestos Exposure Requirements

As with medical requirements, the exact exposure criteria vary depending on disease level. However, all claimants must prove exposure to USG or A.P. Green products or worksites before 1982 (for USG products) or 1968 (for A.P. Green products). 

Claimants bear the burden of proof in these cases and must provide documentation of exposure. 

Common forms of documentation include:

• Affidavits
• Insurance records
• Military service records
• Paystubs
• Sales records
• Witness statements

United States Gypsum Asbestos Products

USG used asbestos in many of its most popular construction products because of its low cost and heat and fire resistance. 

From 1920 to 1978, USG advertised asbestos as a benefit of its products rather than warning against it, despite internal research showing asbestos was hazardous.

• Asbestos Felts & Covering
• USG Asbestos Paper
• Audicote Acoustical Plaster
• Bondcrete
• USG Ceiling Tile
• Cement Plaster Regular
• Corrugated Cool Felt Air C. Covering
• Corrugated Wool Felt Covering
• Durabond 90 Joint Compound/Durabond Compound
• Firecode Plaster
• Glatex Asbestos Cement Siding
• Gypsum Woodfibre Plaster
• Hi-Lite Acoustical Plaster
• Imperial Gypsum Cement Plaster
• Imperial Gypsum Plaster
• Imperial Tape
• Oriental Exterior Stucco Finish Coat
• Perf-A-Tape Compound
• Perf-A-Tape Joint System
• USG Pipe Covering
• Pyrobar Mortar Mix
• Pyrobestos PC Board & Stack Lining
• Range Boiler Jackets Pipe Covering
• Red Top Cement Plaster
• Red Top Gypsum Plaster
• USG Rigid Block Insulation (Generic)
• USG Roofing Products
• Sabinite Acoustical Plaster
• USG Siding Shingles
• USG Spray Texture Paint/Finish
• Sheetrock Texture
• Spraydon Fireproofing Plaster
• Structo-Lite Perlited Gypsum Plaster
• USG Super Hard Spray
• Texolite
• Textone
• USG Texture Paint
• USG Thermalux (Generic)

Product Type	Common Uses	Impacted Occupations
Asbestos Felts & Covering	Pipes, high heat equipment	Insulators, laggers, pipefitters, boiler workers
Asbestos Paper	Pipes, industrial heat sources	Insulators, maintenance workers, industrial mechanics
Ceiling Tile	Homes, schools, commercial buildings	Ceiling installers, carpenters, renovators, maintenance workers
Joint Compound	Homes, schools, commercial buildings	Drywallers, construction workers, painters
Acoustical Plaster	Walls, chimneys, stairwells	Plasterers, demolition crews, remodelers
Fireproofing	Factories, internal support structures, institutional buildings	Insulators, applicators, demolition workers
Texture	Walls, ceilings	Painters, drywallers, remodelers
Block Insulation	Boilers, furnaces, hot water tanks, heat exchangers	Insulators, boiler workers, maintenance workers
Pipe Covering	Steam & hot water pipes (ships, homes, schools)	Insulators, pipefitters, plumbers, shipyard workers
Roofing Products	Schools, homes, shops, offices	Roofers, construction workers, demolition workers

High-Risk Jobs Associated With United States Gypsum 

USG did not warn its employees or customers about the potential dangers of asbestos. Its asbestos-containing products were widely used in manufacturing, construction, and remodeling.

Despite laboratory testing and medical professionals warning of the dangers, USG continued aggressively marketing unsafe products as harmless and non-toxic, robbing employees and consumers of the opportunity to protect themselves from airborne asbestos fibers. 

Anyone exposed to asbestos is at risk for developing serious illnesses, but some professions face higher risks than others.

Ship Maintenance/Ship Builders

Anyone who worked on, off, or near ships faced high risk of asbestos exposure. USG asbestos-containing products used in ships and shipyards include wall insulation and roofing products. Anyone who installed or removed these products was likely exposed.

Roofers

USG roofing materials, shingles, and sidings were widely used across the United States because they resisted heat, fire, and other dangers. USG never warned roof installers of the risks of asbestos in USG roofing materials. Other products, including stucco finish coats, included asbestos as a main additive.

Construction Workers/Demolition Workers

In addition to siding and shingles, asbestos was widely used in cement products, including trowel and sprayed acoustical plaster. Construction workers and contractors are at high risk for developing asbestos-related diseases from USG products during construction, remodeling, and remediation.

Plumbers/Pipefitters

In addition to using asbestos-containing products in new construction environments, plumbers and pipefitters working in renovation or repair environments may be at risk for exposure to existing asbestos-containing products.

Top Occupations Most At-Risk of United States Gypsum  Asbestos Exposure

Occupation	Potential Sites	Potential USG Exposure	At-Risk Level
Shipyard Workers	Shipyards, ships	Pipe covering, insulation block, wall insulation	High
Roofers	Schools, homes, offices	Shingles, siding	High
Construction/Demolition Workers	Buildings (industrial, residential, commercial)	Joint compound, acoustical plaster, fireproofing, roofing products	High
Plumbers/Pipefitters	Homes, schools, ships, factories	Pipe covering, asbestos felt	High
Insulators	Pipes, high-heat equipment, boilers, buildings	Pipe covering, asbestos felt, asbestos paper, block insulation	High
Drywallers	Walls, ceilings	Joint compound, texture	High
Maintenance Workers	Factories, shipyards, industrial settings	Block insulation, ceiling tiles, asbestos paper	Moderate
Boiler Workers	Pipes, high heat equipment, factories, ships	Block insulation, asbestos felt	High

The USG Trust maintains lists of known sites of asbestos exposure connected to its products and the products of its subsidiary company A.P. Green. You can find these lists on the trust’s documents page under the references heading:

• https://www.usgasbestostrust.com/resources/documents/

Can Family Members File a United States Gypsum  Asbestos Claim?

Family members who have lost a loved one due to USG asbestos exposure can pursue wrongful death compensation. Eligibility depends on the state and the deceased person’s circumstances. 

Potential eligible parties:

• Surviving spouse, child, or other dependent: Bereaved family members can seek financial compensation for their losses. 
• Personal representative: The court appoints this person to seek compensation on behalf of the estate or surviving family.
• Deceased estate: The estate may be entitled to damages separate from those owed to surviving dependents, such as lost earnings, prospective net accumulations, or medical and funeral expenses.

What if Exposure Occurred at Home?

Not all exposure occurred in the workplace. The loved ones and family members of asbestos workers may also have been exposed due to secondary or secondhand asbestos exposure.

When asbestos particles entered the home, usually on work clothes, other members of the household could inhale or ingest them during chores like laundry. 

People injured by secondary exposure may be eligible for compensation from the USG trust and other sources. 

How to File a United States Gypsum Asbestos Trust Claim

Trust fund claims provide injured asbestos workers and their loved ones with a relatively fast, straightforward source of compensation. 

However, making an asbestos trust fund claim requires significant documentation to prove your case. Submitting incomplete or incorrect information can cost you compensation or even lead to denial of your claim.

Working with an asbestos litigation expert can help you determine your eligibility and better understand the process and your options.

The general steps to filing a USG Asbestos Trust Fund Claim:

1. Confirm Asbestos-Related Disease: Claimant works with a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and collect relevant medical evidence.
2. Review Individual’s Work & Exposure History: Your asbestos lawyer will work with you to create a detailed work history that maps potential exposure sites.
3. Establish Exposure to USG Products: Once you know where and how you were exposed, your lawyer can help you identify the specific products you encountered.
4. Determine the Appropriate Review Process: Most claims qualify for a standard review process and quick compensation, but some may require more individual review. An asbestos litigation specialist can help you determine the right process for your claim. The table below offers general guidance on these two options.
5. Submit Claim & Support Documentation: Submit your claim and supporting evidence to the trust. The USG trust offers online uploading tools. 
6. Respond to Requests: During review, the trust may request additional clarification or documentation. Your lawyer will handle these requests. 
7. Review Claim Offer: Claimants who undergo a standard review often receive compensation within 90 days. Claimants must formally accept their offer to receive compensation.   
8. Receive Payment: Accept your payment and choose how you want it sent to you. 
9. Determine if Other Asbestos Claims Are Available: Many claimants qualify for compensation from multiple trusts or other sources. Your lawyer can help you determine your eligibility and apply for all the forms of compensation you qualify for.

See if You Qualify for United States Gypsum Trust Fund Compensation

Filing a claim with a mesothelioma trust fund can be time-consuming and tricky, especially when you need to prove exposure at the level required by a trust. This can be hard for claimants struggling with their health or with loss, who need to focus on health and well-being rather than paperwork. 

We can help you learn more about your eligibility for compensation and connect you with legal guidance through a free case review. This free case assessment lets you ask your questions and get answers from asbestos litigation experts who specialize in cases like yours. 

The experienced mesothelioma trust fund attorneys at our partner firm can help you navigate the process at no up-front cost by providing critical support, gathering documentation, and building a strong claim. Even if you don’t know where or how you were exposed, our experts can help. 

Don’t wait to get the support you deserve. Trust claims don’t require you to set foot in a courtroom, and many claimants see compensation within 90 days. 

Contact us to start your compensation journey for free.

Frequently Asked Questions