W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust

Were You or Your Loved One Exposed to Asbestos from W.R. Grace?

W.R. Grace was one of the most prolific domestic and international distributors of asbestos construction products, and its Montana mining operations once accounted for more than half of the world’s vermiculite supply. 

W.R. Grace executives knew its vermiculite was contaminated with amphibole asbestos but kept selling it, along with many other asbestos products.

The company’s negligence injured thousands of workers and their family members, causing an influx of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer decades later.

If W.R. Grace’s negligence has impacted you or one of your loved ones, this page can help you understand key issues, such as:

• W.R. Grace’s history with asbestos
• The formation of the WRG Asbestos PI Trust
• Who can apply for trust compensation 
• Trust eligibility requirements 
• Average compensation
• Common W.R. Grace asbestos products
• High-risk professions

More than half a million people have already applied for compensation from the W.R. Grace Trust, and new claimants can still apply.

We can help you quickly determine your eligibility for compensation at no cost. To get started, fill out the compensation eligibility form directly below.

What Was The Connection Between W.R. Grace and Libby, Montana?

A significant part of W.R. Grace’s asbestos contamination footprint stems from its decades-long connection to vermiculite mining operations in Libby, Montana.

Although WRG did not originally own the mine, it operated it from 1963 until 1990, despite documented knowledge of asbestos health risks dating back to the 1970s. 

Vermiculite from the deposit was contaminated with amphibole asbestos. Mining, milling, processing, shipping, and local use spread contamination widely.

The mine produced up to 200,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite a year, which factories nationwide processed for use in various construction projects and applications. 

The site is now the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site, which includes the now-closed vermiculite mine and processing facilities, plus adjoining forested lands and natural areas such as Rainy Creek and the Kootenai River. It is located approximately 7 miles northeast of Libby, Montana.

A Timeline of W.R. Grace’s Connection to Libby, Montana:

• 1939: The Zonolite Company, originally known as Universal Zonolite Insulation Company, began mining and processing vermiculite from the Libby ore deposit into insulating materials and other products.  
• 1963: W.R. Grace purchases Zonolite’s mining operations. The purchase agreement included a promise to assume and pay all debts and liabilities.
• 1970s: W.R. Grace executives know about the potential dangers of the asbestos-contaminated vermiculite extracted from the mine. 
• 1980s: W.R. Grace and its officials actively obstruct the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) when it attempts to study the health conditions at the Libby mine.
• 1990s: W.R. Grace ceases operations at the Libby Mine and begins selling off property. It does not disclose potential environmental hazards to buyers.  
• 1999/2000: The EPA investigates the site and declares it a federal Superfund priority site. 
• 2003: The federal district court in Montana awards the EPA over $54 million for cleanup costs incurred at the Libby site. 
• 2005: W.R. Grace executives are indicted for concealing information about the adverse health effects of its contaminated vermiculite, which endangered residents and international consumers. 
• 2008: W.R. Grace agrees to pay $250 million to the U.S. government to cover cleanup costs. 
• 2023: W.R. Grace is ordered to pay Montana a further $18.5 million in natural resource damages.

The Formation of The W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust

W.R. Grace filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 2, 2001, halting all claims against it.

The bankruptcy process lasted seven years, but in 2008, under court supervision, W.R. Grace funded its trust with $3 billion to compensate victims of its negligence. 

Because of the complexity of its asbestos business operations, W.R. Grace maintains three distinct trusts, each serving a different group of claimants:

• The WRG Asbestos PI Trust
• The Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust
• A trust for property damage unrelated to Zonolite Attic Insulation

Most victims of mesothelioma recover compensation from multiple asbestos trust funds.

Individuals in high-risk professions were often exposed to multiple sources of asbestos by different companies. Since its inception, the trust has paid out over $2.6 billion to qualified claimants.

How Much Does The W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust Pay?

The amount the WRG Trust pays depends on the unique circumstances of each claim.

 Like other asbestos trusts, the WRG Asbestos Trust pays only a percentage of claimant requests to ensure funds for present and future claims.

In addition to the current payment percentage, multiple other factors can impact the amount of compensation a claimant receives, including:

• The diagnosed disease level 
• Whether the claimant pursues expedited or individual review
• The value assigned to the claim
• Available evidence of exposure

Current W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust Payout Example for a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Many claimants are understandably confused by the concept of a payment percentage, often called pro rata payment. 

When the trust says you get 30.1% of the claim value, that doesn’t mean you get that percentage of your total financial losses. Instead, you get 30.1% of the value the trust assigns to your specific asbestos claim. 

For example, the current scheduled value of a mesothelioma claim is $180,000. After applying the 30.1% payment percentage, a successful claimant would collect $54,180.* 

*These numbers are just an example. Actual claim values may be decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the factors discussed in the sections above. A legal professional can help you learn more about your claim’s potential value.

What Asbestos-Related Diseases Qualify for W.R. Grace Compensation?

The WRG Asbestos PI Trust offers compensation for eight scheduled disease levels.

While each disease level has unique criteria, all claimants must provide a diagnosis and evidence of exposure to W.R. Grace asbestos before December 31, 1982, or exposure that occurred in or traceable back to Lincoln County, Montana, before February 3, 2014.

Compensable Illnesses:

• Mesothelioma (Level VIII)
  • A diagnosis of mesothelioma
  • 10-year latency
• Lung Cancer 1 (Level VII)
  • A diagnosis of a primary lung cancer with evidence of an underlying bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant disease 
  • A causal statement from a medical doctor linking the lung cancer to asbestos exposure.
  • 10-year latency.
  • 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
• 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
  • 10-year latency
  • A causal statement from a medical doctor linking the other cancer in question to asbestos exposure
  • Significant Occupational Exposure
• Severe Asbestosis/Severe Disabling Pleural Disease (Level IV AB)
  • Diagnosis of asbestosis or diffuse pleural thickening
  • Pathological evidence
  • Pulmonary Function Testing
  • 10-year latency.
  • Medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor
  • Significant Occupational Exposure
• Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level III)
  • Diagnosis of an asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • Evidence of a bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant
  • Pulmonary Function Testing
  • 10-year latency.
  • Supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor 
  • Significant Occupational Exposure
• Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level II)
  • Diagnosis of an asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • Evidence of a bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • 10-year latency
  • 5 years cumulative occupational exposure 
• Other Asbestos Disease (Level I)
  • Diagnosis of a bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant disease or an asbestos-related malignancy
  • Evidence of a bilateral asbestos-related non-malignant disease
  • 10-year latency

The chart below shows the scheduled value for six of the eight compensable disease levels and the actual payout amount once the payment percentage is applied. 

Lung Cancer 2 (Level VI) does not have a scheduled value and can only be assessed through individual review. Other Asbestos Disease (Level I) pays a flat cash discount rate of $300 without application of the payment percentage.

Asbestos-Related Disease	Scheduled Value	Current Payment Percentage	Estimated Expedited Review Payment
Mesothelioma	$180,000	30.1%	$54,180
Lung Cancer 1	$42,000	30.1%	$12,642
Other Cancers	$20,000	30.1%	$6,020
Severe Asbestosis/Severe Disabling Pleural Disease	$50,000	30.1%	$15,050
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease III	$7,500	30.1%	$2,257.50
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease II	$2,500	30.1%	$752.50

*Illustrative amounts calculated by applying the current 30.1% payment percentage to established scheduled values. Individual Review and other circumstances may result in different valuations.

Our team can help you determine which options are available, but you must act quickly to preserve your right to compensation. The statute of limitations varies by state from 1 to 6 years, but most states allow only 2-3 years after diagnosis or death to file. 

Can an Individual Review Claim Be Worth More?

An expedited review that pays the scheduled value may not be the best option for every claimant. 

Individual review (IR), where the claim is examined on its own merits rather than scored against a rigid rubric, can benefit claimants who don’t qualify for expedited review or whose claims have special circumstances that could impact value.

All Foreign Claims, Lung Cancer 2 claims, and claims alleging Secondary Exposure must undergo individual review. 

Individual review claims take longer to process, and the payout may be more or less than the scheduled value.

Claim values are capped and cannot exceed the maximum value for the diagnosis. For example, the maximum value for an IR mesothelioma claim is $450,000 compared to the scheduled value of $180,000. 

Additional Trust Fund Claims & Other Compensation Options May Be Available

Many claimants with occupational exposure can apply for compensation from multiple trusts, with some eligible for 20 or more trust funds. Some individuals may also qualify for compensation beyond trust funds. 

A complete compensation package for an eligible mesothelioma claimant often averages over $1 million.

Other common forms of compensation include: 

• Asbestos Lawsuits: Allow injured workers and their families to hold solvent asbestos companies responsible for the harm done to them through monetary compensation. Depending on the situation, victims may file a personal injury lawsuit (for living victims) or a wrongful death lawsuit (for surviving family members).
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)/Supplemental Security Income (SSI): These government-run programs can provide qualified claimants with monthly payments and access to free or low-cost health care. 
• VA Benefits: Injured asbestos veterans and their families may qualify for monthly VA payments, access to free or low-cost health care, burial and funeral costs, pensions, and more. Applying for other forms of support won’t affect your VA benefits, and you don’t have to sue the U.S. government or the military, only negligent asbestos companies.

W.R. Grace Asbestos Lawsuits

What Evidence is Needed for a W.R. Grace Trust Claim?

To secure compensation, claimants typically need to meet both medical and exposure requirements.

However, claimants with unique circumstances can request an individual review even if their claim doesn’t meet the criteria perfectly.

Eligibility Factor	Explanation
Medical Requirements	Diagnosis with one of the trust’s compensable diseases plus medical evidence backed by documentation.
Asbestos Exposure Requirements	Credible evidence of exposure to W.R. Grace asbestos before December 31, 1982, or exposure that occurred in or is traceable back to Lincoln County, Montana, before February 3, 2014

Medical Requirements

The WRG Trust requires claimants to provide medical evidence of eligibility before receiving compensation. These criteria include diagnosis with a compensable disease supported by thorough documentation.

Common forms of documentation include:

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

Claimants must work with reputable doctors and testing centers to gather evidence. Medical reports from certain doctors and screening companies may not meet the reliability standards.

The trust maintains a list of excluded doctors and facilities. 

Asbestos Exposure Requirements

Claimants must also prove where and how they were exposed to W.R. Grace asbestos.

While exposure requirements can vary slightly depending on the diagnosed disease, most claimants must, at minimum, prove six months of WRG-related exposure occurring before December 31, 1982. 

Claims in which the exposure doesn’t fall within that date may still be eligible if you meet other filing criteria.

In that case, meaningful and credible evidence of exposure to asbestos in or from Lincoln County, Montana, before the Effective Date of February 3, 2014, can also qualify.

When applying for trust fund compensation, the claimant bears the burden of proof. Common forms of documentation used to prove exposure include:

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

W.R. Grace Asbestos Products

Thanks to W.R. Grace, asbestos-containing vermiculite infiltrated millions of homes across the U.S. For decades, the company failed to disclose asbestos in a wide range of vermiculite products, including fireproofing, insulation, plaster, cement, garden soil, and fill dirt. 

It has two well-known product lines associated with asbestos contamination:

• Zonolite
• Monokote

Product Type	Common Uses	Impacted Occupations
Spray-Applied Fireproofing	Commercial, institutional, and residential buildings	Insulators, construction workers, steel workers
Loose-Fill Attic Insulation	Homes, schools, businesses	Insulators, electricians, HVAC technicians
Masonry Insulation	Wall cavities, hollow concrete blocks	Masons, bricklayers, insulators
Acoustical Plaster	Ceilings, walls	Plasterers, ceiling tile installers, construction workers
Decorative Texture Products	Ceiling, walls	Plasterers, painters, remodelers
General Plaster	Ceilings, walls	Plasterers, construction workers, renovators
Insulating Cement	Boilers, furnaces, pipes	Insulators, boiler workers, pipefitters

Zonolite Vermiculite Insulation

W.R. Grace purchased the Zonolite Company, a well-known vermiculite insulation brand and its affiliated mine, in 1963. It operated the mine until 1990, when an EPA investigation proved that vermiculite from the Libby mine was contaminated with amphibole asbestos.  

The purchase agreement included a promise to assume and pay all of Zonolite’s debts and liabilities, including those stemming from asbestos exposure.  

Common Zonolite asbestos products include:

• Zonolite Super 40: Used in interior drywall applications
• Zonolite Masonry Insulation: For use in construction applications
• Zonolite Plaster: Dry plaster compound
• Zonolite Acoustical Plaster
• Zonolite Attic Insulation
• Zonolite Econowhite
• Zonolite Insulating Cement
• Zonolite MK-1 and MK-2 Insulation
• Zonolite Spraytex
• Zonolite Super 40 Spray Surfacer
• Zonolite Fireproofing
• Zono-coustic

W.R. Grace Monokote Fireproofing

W.R. Grace also manufactured and sold Monokote Fireproofing products, including spray-applied fireproofing and fireproofing cement.

• Monokote Fireproofing: Spray-applied fire retardant that was most commonly used to protect structural steel in commercial and institutional buildings, including the World Trade Center.
• Monokote Cement: Another form of fireproofing for structural steel. Here, “cement” describes the binding agent in the mixture and does not refer to a cement product used for masonry or in pipes.

Activities such as spraying, mixing, installation, repair, renovations, and cleanup released asbestos particles. Inhaled and ingested particles caused severe illness for many workers who were not warned about the potential hazards. 

High-Risk Jobs Associated With W.R. Grace

W.R. Grace exposed hundreds of thousands of people across the mining, manufacturing, and construction professions to asbestos and asbestos-containing products.

The company did not warn workers or provide adequate protective equipment to those regularly exposed to asbestos. 

Miners

Employees at the vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana, were exposed to asbestos daily as they breathed in particles released into the air by mining operations. 

Not all vermiculite is contaminated with asbestos. Without warning from their employer, workers at the Libby Mine had no reason to believe they were being exposed to asbestos. 

Factory Workers

Workers at manufacturing plants regularly handled asbestos while producing the many contaminated products W.R. Grace sold. 

People who closely handled raw asbestos fibers or who were nearby as products were mixed, cut, packaged, or otherwise handled face high risks for asbestos exposure, particularly if they worked in poorly ventilated areas where particles could remain airborne for hours, 

Construction/Demolition

Construction workers, contractors, and demolition specialists encountered a wide range of WRG asbestos-containing insulation and fireproofing products. 

Asbestos is at its most dangerous when it’s handled or damaged. Anyone present when workers installed, repaired, or removed these products likely inhaled high levels of airborne asbestos particles. 

Top Occupations Most At-Risk of W.R. Grace Asbestos Exposure

Occupation	Potential Sites	Potential WRG Exposure	At-Risk Level
Miners	Mines	Contaminated Libby Vermiculite	High
Factory Workers	Processing plants, factories	Insulation, fireproofing spray, raw asbestos	High
Boiler Worker	Factories, power plants, schools, hospitals	Insulating cement, fireproofing	High
Steel Workers	Construction sites	Spray insulation, fireproofing cement	High
Insulators	Construction sites, residential attics	Loose fill attic insulation, spray insulations	High
Construction/Demolition Workers	Commercial, institutional, and residential buildings	Fireproofing, plaster, texture products, insulation	High
Ceiling Tile Installers	Construction sites, renovations	Acoustical plaster, insulation, Zonolite Econowhite	Moderate
HVAC Workers	Attics, mechanical rooms, ducts	Attic insulation, acoustical plaster	Moderate
Plasterers	Commercial, institutional, and residential buildings	Plaster, acoustical plaster, Zonolite Econowhite, texture products	Moderate

Can Family Members File a W.R. Grace Asbestos Claim?

Surviving family members who have lost a loved one to WRG asbestos exposure may be eligible for wrongful death compensation through the trust. 

Several people may qualify to pursue a wrongful death claim:

• Surviving spouse, child, or other dependent: Bereaved family members can seek financial compensation for their losses. 
• Personal representative: Appointed by the court 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 and prospective net accumulations or medical and funeral expenses.

What if Exposure Occurred at Home?

It’s not just asbestos workers who face risks from exposure; their family members and loved ones may also have been exposed to asbestos in the home. 

Asbestos particles cling to hair, skin, and clothing. Many workers unintentionally brought them home on their work clothes, where other residents encountered them during normal chores like laundry. People diagnosed after secondary exposure may also be eligible for compensation.

How to File a W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust Claim

Filing a trust fund claim is one of the most efficient and straightforward ways for asbestos claimants to secure compensation.

While lawsuits can be much more lucrative, trusts offer a faster, less stressful, and generally simpler route to compensation. 

However, that simplicity is relative. Preparing a strong claim is complex, with many moving parts, and can be difficult for those without legal experience to navigate alone.

An asbestos litigation expert can help you determine your eligibility and understand the claims process, reducing stress while maximizing potential compensation.

The general steps to filing a WR Grace 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 WRG Asbestos 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 WRG 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 are eligible for compensation from multiple trusts or from other sources. Your lawyer can help you determine your eligibility and apply for all the forms of compensation you qualify for. 

Factor	Standard Review	Individual Review
Purpose	Standardized claims meeting established criteria	Claims requiring individualized consideration
Claim Value	Predetermined scheduled value	Individually evaluated value
Process	More standardized	More detailed
Typical Complexity	Lower	Higher
Exposure Evidence	Must meet established criteria	May involve additional evidence
Processing	Generally meant to be more streamlined	May take longer
Mesothelioma Claims	Often eligible	May be appropriate in certain circumstances

See if You Qualify for W.R. Grace Trust Fund Compensation

Learning more about your compensation options is easy and only takes a few minutes. We can help you check your eligibility and review your case for free, helping you understand the full scope of your potential compensation.

We’ll connect you with expert asbestos attorneys at our partner law firm to answer any questions, at no cost and with no commitment. 

You don’t need perfect recall or documentation regarding products or work sites to get started. We can help you identify where and how you may have been exposed, and take the lead on gathering the necessary documentation to build a strong claim.

Trust claims never require you to step into a courtroom, and if you’re eligible, you can receive compensation in as few as 90 days, but you should act quickly. Claimants have a limited amount of time to file before the filing window closes. 

Contact us today for your free, fast case assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions