Durabla Manufacturing Company
Durabla Manufacturing Company is based in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Durabla grew by producing gasket sheeting for industrial and manufacturing companies. Durabla also manufactured packing materials. In addition, Durabla distributed sheet gaskets for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. from 1914 until 1973. Unfortunately, the company used asbestos to make its products heat resistant and noncorrosive.
As early as the 1920s, physicians recognized that exposure to asbestos caused severe sickness when asbestosis was identified by British medical journals. At the same time, insurance companies in the United States and Canada stopped selling life insurance to asbestos workers. Moreover, safer substitutes for most asbestos uses were known as early as the 1930s. Nevertheless, Durabla chose to protect its substantial profit margins rather than discontinue use of the mineral.
Additionally, the asbestos fibers remain in a person’s lungs for years and symptoms may not develop for decades. Thus, Durabla’s victims might live for decades without knowing of the deadly injury they sustained. Thousands developed severe illness from Durabla.
Durabla entered bankruptcy protection in 2009. As part of Durabla’s restructuring, a trust has been formed to help compensate Durabla’s victims of asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one has been injured by Durabla, it is important that you contact The Gori Law Firm immediately for more information on your rights.