Asbestos at Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, Virginia (1945-1982)

From 1945 to 1982, Smithfield Packing 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 Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, Virginia during this period who later developed an asbestos-related illness were likely exposed there.

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Smithfield Packing Asbestos Exposure in Smithfield, VAVirginia Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure from 1945-1982 Compensation may be available for former Smithfield Packing VA workers exposed to asbestos from 1945 to 1982 and later diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.
Smithfield Packing Asbestos Facts
  • Asbestos Exposure Years

    Asbestos Exposure: 1945 to 1982

  • Asbestos Exposure Location

    Location: Smithfield, VA

  • Asbestos Trust Funds

    Asbestos Trust Funds: 2

  • Available Claims & Settlements

    Available Claims: YES

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Asbestos at Smithfield Packing

For over 38 years, Smithfield Packing in Smithfield utilized asbestos extensively in various products. Records from asbestos trust funds associated with Smithfield Packing show the use of products such as pipe insulation and pipe coverings, millboard, panelboard and misc. building materials, asbestos blankets, cloth, ropes and textiles, protective clothing and accessories, gaskets, packing and seals, flooring materials (tiles, sheet, adhesives), joint compounds, insulating cements, adhesives and mastics, roofing and siding shingles, coatings and sealants, floor underlayments, backings and felts, sprayed or trowled acoustic/decorative plasters and textures, asbestos cement sheets, siding and boards, automotive and heavy equipment friction products.

The following list contains asbestos products identified in claims against the C.E. Thurston & Sons, Eagle-Picher asbestos trust fund(s) linked to exposure at Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, Virginia:

C.E. Thurston & Sons

Eagle-Picher

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


High-Risk Asbestos Exposure Jobs at Smithfield Packing

Due to the extensive use of asbestos at Smithfield Packing, 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 Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, Virginia. This list may not be exhaustive regarding all high-risk jobs at this location.


Smithfield Packing, Smithfield, VA Asbestos Facts

Asbestos Exposure Consequences

Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, Virginia employees were directly exposed to asbestos throughout their employment, particularly between 1945 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 Smithfield Packing, 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 Smithfield Packing in Smithfield. 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 Smithfield 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 Smithfield Packing.


Filing Asbestos Claims After Exposure at Smithfield Packing

The eligibility requirements for filing asbestos claims vary depending on the specific trust fund related to Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, VA. Generally, claimants must provide:

  • Proof of exposure: Evidence of exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured or used by Smithfield Packing at its Smithfield facility between 1945 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 Smithfield Packing in Smithfield.

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

Mesothelioma Facts

Asbestos Claims and Trust Funds related to Smithfield Packing

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

Trust Fund NameRatioMesotheliomaLung CancerAsbestosis
C.E. Thurston & Sons50.0%$50,000$10,000$500
Eagle-Picher35.0%$6,500$2,000$400

Average Settlement Ranges by Type of Asbestos-Related Disease

Average settlements for asbestos-related diseases linked to exposure at the Smithfield Packing site in Smithfield, VA, can vary significantly. For claims against companies responsible for the exposure (civil defendants), settlements might range from approximately $19,132 and $1,594,801. 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 Smithfield Packing, including job duties and duration of exposure.

MESOTHELIOMA

The average mesothelioma settlement after asbestos exposure at the Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, VA is between:
$405,739 and $1,594,801

LUNG CANCER

The average lung cancer settlement after asbestos exposure at the Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, VA is between:
$100,830 and $300,830

ASBESTOSIS

The average asbestosis settlement after asbestos exposure at the Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, VA is between:
$19,132 and $78,585

Asbestos Claims Calculator
Smithfield Packing, Smithfield, VA

Calculate your potential asbestos settlement if you or a family member were exposed to asbestos at Smithfield Packing, Smithfield, VA between 1945 and 1982.

Smithfield Packing Asbestos Claims Calculator
Smithfield, VA

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Frequently Asked Questions about Smithfield Packing Asbestos Exposure

Which Asbestos Diseases Qualify for Smithfield Packing 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 Smithfield Packing in Smithfield facility between 1945 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 Smithfield Packing 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 Smithfield Packing in Smithfield 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 Smithfield Packing in Smithfield facility between 1945 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 Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, 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 Smithfield Packing exposure in Smithfield?

The deadline for filing an asbestos claim related to Smithfield Packing exposure in Smithfield, called the statute of limitations, varies by state and claim type (personal injury or wrongful death). In Virginia, for instance, you typically have 2 year(s) from diagnosis for personal injury claims and 2 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 Smithfield Packing in Smithfield, VA, 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. C.E. Thurston & Sons Trust Fund
  2. Eagle-Picher Corporation Trust Fund