01. History of Asbestos Use
Dana Corporation History of Asbestos Use
Dana Corporation has a history of making asbestos-containing auto parts, like gaskets and brake linings. The company sold these parts for use on trains, earth-moving machinery, 18-wheel rigs and many other vehicles. Many people in the automotive industry and consumers used Dana products.
Clarence Spicer founded the Spicer Manufacturing Corporation in 1904. The company changed its name to Dana Corporation in 1946. A few years later, it had 3,500 employees.
Dana Corporation saw great success when asbestos use was common in the automobile industry. For example, in 1966, the company acquired Victor Gasket Manufacturing Company. Victor Gasket made gaskets that contained asbestos. The company also sold other auto parts that contained asbestos, like brake linings and valve covers.
By the 1970s, Dana had a large global footprint, exporting products to more than 120 countries. In 1987, the company exceeded $4 billion in annual sales. But in 2006, it filed for bankruptcy, citing an economic downturn, among other stressors.
The company emerged from bankruptcy in 2008 and continues to operate today.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Asbestos Products
Dana Corporation Asbestos Products
Dana Corporation made asbestos auto products during the 20th century. Before the dangers of asbestos became widely known to the public, it made gaskets, fireproofing spray, brake linings and sheet gaskets that contained asbestos.
Dana also acquired several brands over the years. Some of these brands, such as Victor Gaskets, also made asbestos products. Workers used these products in cars and other vehicles.
Many companies used asbestos in their products during the 20th century. Some also knew the mineral could cause asbestos-related illnesses. Still, they continued to sell dangerous products until regulations and increased public awareness pressured them to stop. By the 1980s, many industries had stopped producing asbestos materials.
03. Occupational Exposure
Dana Corporation and Occupational Exposure
People who used Dana Corporation asbestos products on the job faced occupational exposure risks. Asbestos can become airborne if workers cut, sand or pull apart products. Normal wear and tear can also release fibers. Inhaling asbestos can cause mesothelioma to develop.
Dana Corporation employees also faced exposure risks. The company had several manufacturing plants and employed thousands of people during the time it made asbestos products.
Workers may have unknowingly brought the mineral home on their clothes or in their hair. As a result, family members of employees faced secondary exposure risks.
Undisturbed, Dana Corporation’s products likely create minimal exposure risks for drivers. But even small or short-term exposures can lead to asbestos cancer and other diseases.
04. Asbestos Litigation
Asbestos Litigation Against Dana Corporation
Because of its history as an asbestos company, many people have filed lawsuits against Dana Corporation. In the lead-up to declaring bankruptcy, the company faced tens of thousands of new asbestos lawsuits every year.
People affected by Dana Corporation’s asbestos products continue to sue the company today. Mesothelioma lawsuits may result in settlement agreements or jury verdicts.
In 2009, a jury awarded the estate of a man $5 million in a personal injury lawsuit against Dana Corporation and John Crane Inc. The man worked in construction for over 40 years. Some of his work involved cutting gaskets to fit flanges. The jury found that asbestos from gaskets made by Dana Corporation caused the man’s mesothelioma.
People who develop asbestos diseases can find dedicated mesothelioma law firms. These firm’s lawyers have the resources to identify asbestos exposure sources. They can also file and litigate lawsuits on behalf of their clients.
