Asbestos at Vista Chemical in Westlake, Louisiana (1966-1982)

From 1966 to 1982, Vista Chemical extensively used asbestos products. While this was a common industrial practice at that time, it exposed workers and their families to serious health risks. Individuals employed at Vista Chemical in Westlake, Louisiana during this period who later developed an asbestos-related illness were likely exposed there.

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Vista Chemical Asbestos Exposure in Westlake, LALouisiana Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure from 1966-1982 Compensation may be available for former Vista Chemical LA workers exposed to asbestos from 1966 to 1982 and later diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos at Vista Chemical

For over 24 years, Vista Chemical in Westlake utilized asbestos extensively in various products. Records from asbestos trust funds associated with Vista Chemical show the use of products such as raw asbestos fibers and misc., boiler and high-temp equipment insulation, gaskets, packing and seals, packing and sealants for drilling/oilfield (drilling muds).

The following list contains asbestos products identified in claims against the Babcock & Wilcox, Dresser Industries asbestos trust fund(s) linked to exposure at Vista Chemical in Westlake, Louisiana:

Babcock & Wilcox

Dresser Industries

Important Note: This list may not be complete and may not include all asbestos-containing products used at the Vista Chemical in Westlake, LA. The specific products used likely varied over time.


High-Risk Asbestos Exposure Jobs at Vista Chemical

Due to the extensive use of asbestos at Vista Chemical, employees working in the following positions were exposed to a significant risk of developing asbestos-related diseases:

Important Note: This list is derived from trust fund data associated with asbestos exposure claims, focusing on products manufactured or supplied by companies related to relevant trust funds. It identifies occupations known to have used these types of products at Vista Chemical in Westlake, Louisiana. This list may not be exhaustive regarding all high-risk jobs at this location.


Vista Chemical, Westlake, LA Asbestos Facts

Asbestos Exposure Consequences

Vista Chemical in Westlake, Louisiana employees were directly exposed to asbestos throughout their employment, particularly between 1966 and 1982, when asbestos was heavily used. Asbestos fibers, microscopic and easily inhaled, are incredibly durable. Once inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and other organs. The body struggles to remove these fibers, leading to chronic inflammation and scarring. For those who worked at Vista Chemical, this process significantly increased the risk of severe and often fatal asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and various pleural conditions.

Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure extended beyond the Vista Chemical in Westlake. Workers often unknowingly carried asbestos dust home on their clothing, skin, hair, and tools. This resulted in secondary, or “take-home,” exposure for family members residing in Westlake and surrounding communities. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can be harmful, and these diseases often have a long latency period, sometimes appearing decades after the initial exposure, leaving families devastated years after a loved one worked at Vista Chemical.


Filing Asbestos Claims After Exposure at Vista Chemical

The eligibility requirements for filing asbestos claims vary depending on the specific trust fund related to Vista Chemical in Westlake, LA. Generally, claimants must provide:

  • Proof of exposure: Evidence of exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured or used by Vista Chemical at its Westlake facility between 1966 and 1982.
  • Diagnosis: Medical documentation confirming a diagnosis of a qualifying asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
  • Causation: Evidence demonstrating a connection between the diagnosed disease and the asbestos exposure at Vista Chemical in Westlake.

Important Note: Each asbestos trust fund has specific criteria, claim forms, and procedures.

Mesothelioma Facts

Asbestos Claims and Trust Funds related to Vista Chemical

The table below provides information from the official websites of trust fund(s) that may compensate individuals exposed to asbestos at Vista Chemical in Westlake who have developed related diseases. The payment percentages listed are based on individual claim review*

Trust Fund NameRatioMesotheliomaLung CancerAsbestosis
Babcock & Wilcox6.3%$400,000$150,000$10,000
Dresser Industries60.0%$271,749$42,354$2,400

Average Settlement Ranges by Type of Asbestos-Related Disease

Average settlements for asbestos-related diseases linked to exposure at the Vista Chemical site in Westlake, LA, can vary significantly. For claims against companies responsible for the exposure (civil defendants), settlements might range from approximately $21,780 and $1,755,775. The specific amount awarded depends on factors such as the severity of the disease, the claimant’s medical history, and details of their employment at Vista Chemical, including job duties and duration of exposure.

MESOTHELIOMA

The average mesothelioma settlement after asbestos exposure at the Vista Chemical in Westlake, LA is between:
$566,713 and $1,755,775

LUNG CANCER

The average lung cancer settlement after asbestos exposure at the Vista Chemical in Westlake, LA is between:
$129,992 and $329,992

ASBESTOSIS

The average asbestosis settlement after asbestos exposure at the Vista Chemical in Westlake, LA is between:
$21,780 and $81,233

Asbestos Claims Calculator
Vista Chemical, Westlake, LA

Calculate your potential asbestos settlement if you or a family member were exposed to asbestos at Vista Chemical, Westlake, LA between 1966 and 1982.

Vista Chemical Asbestos Claims Calculator
Westlake, LA

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Frequently Asked Questions about Vista Chemical Asbestos Exposure

Which Asbestos Diseases Qualify for Vista Chemical Claims?

Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and certain pleural diseases may be eligible for compensation if their illness can be linked to asbestos exposure at Vista Chemical in Westlake facility between 1966 and 1982. Each asbestos trust fund has specific medical criteria that must be met.

Can Family Members File Claims for Secondhand Exposure?

Yes, it’s possible. Family members of Vista Chemical workers may have been exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on the worker’s clothing, hair, or tools. This is known as secondhand exposure. If you have developed an asbestos-related disease and can demonstrate a connection to a family member’s employment at Vista Chemical in Westlake facility, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Can I File a Claim for a Deceased Family Member?

Yes, in many cases, you can file a claim on behalf of a deceased family member who passed away from an asbestos-related disease linked to their employment at Vista Chemical in Westlake facility between 1966 and 1982. These are often referred to as wrongful death claims. Eligibility and the specific process can vary depending on the state’s laws and the specific asbestos trust fund involved. It’s crucial to be aware that wrongful death claims have their own statutes of limitations, which are deadlines for filing. These deadlines can be different from the deadlines for personal injury claims and often start from the date of death.

Trust Fund Claim vs. Lawsuit: What’s the Difference?

Asbestos trust funds were established by bankrupt companies that were found liable for asbestos exposure. These funds have specific criteria for eligibility and offer predetermined compensation amounts. A lawsuit, on the other hand, is filed against a company that is still operational. Settlements for lawsuits can vary widely and may be higher, but they often take longer to resolve. In the case of Vista Chemical in Westlake, claims may be made through both lawsuits and trust funds, depending on the specific circumstances.

How long do I have to file an asbestos claim related to Vista Chemical exposure in Westlake?

The deadline for filing an asbestos claim related to Vista Chemical exposure in Westlake, called the statute of limitations, varies by state and claim type (personal injury or wrongful death). In Louisiana, for instance, you typically have 1 year(s) from diagnosis for personal injury claims and 1 year(s) from death for wrongful death claims. However, these deadlines can vary. You can also use our Asbestos Claims Calculator for a preliminary assessment. Note that each asbestos trust fund may have its specific filing deadlines.

Do You Have Any Asbestos Legal Questions?

If you’ve been affected by asbestos exposure at the Vista Chemical in Westlake, LA, we’re here to help. Our counselors provide support for any related legal concerns. You are not alone – contact us today.

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Sources:

  1. Babcock & Wilcox Company Trust Fund
  2. DII Industries, LLC (Dresser Industries) Trust Fund