Georgia workers, particularly those in Savannah’s shipyards and the state’s paper mills, have strong asbestos trust fund claims because of the number of asbestos-containing products used at their worksites. A shipyard worker’s daily contact with insulation, gaskets, fireproofing, and boiler lagging from different manufacturers means their claim can reach across many trusts simultaneously.
More than $30 billion remains in 60+ active trusts. These trusts accept new claims and pay qualifying claimants on a rolling basis. For Georgia families dealing with the state’s 4,172 asbestos-related deaths, trust fund claims represent a significant and accessible source of compensation.
Trusts Most Relevant to Georgia Workers
| Trust | Products/Industry | Georgia Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Johns-Manville Trust | Pipe insulation, building products | Used in shipyards, paper mills, and construction statewide |
| Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust | Insulation, roofing | Present in industrial and commercial buildings |
| Pittsburgh Corning Trust | Glass block, pipe insulation | Shipyard steam systems, paper mill piping |
| Dana/Garlock Trust | Gaskets, packing, seals | Ship engine rooms, paper machine components, pump maintenance |
| Babcock & Wilcox Trust | Boilers, power generation | Power plants and paper mill boiler houses |
| Combustion Engineering Trust | Power plant equipment | Industrial boiler systems across Georgia |
| U.S. Gypsum Trust | Joint compound, construction products | Commercial and residential construction |
| Certainteed Trust | Building products, insulation | Construction trades statewide |
Shipyard Workers
Shipyard workers have the broadest trust fund eligibility in Georgia because a single vessel contained asbestos products from dozens of manufacturers. Pipe insulation came from one company, boiler lagging from another, gaskets from a third, fireproofing spray from a fourth. An experienced attorney can trace these connections using vessel specifications, military records, and product databases.
Savannah shipyard workers, along with those at other Georgia maritime facilities, often qualify for the highest number of trust fund claims of any occupation. The same manufacturers that supplied asbestos products to Savannah also supplied the Brooklyn Navy Yard, California shipyards, and Florida yards, meaning workers at all of these facilities file against many of the same trusts.
Paper Mill Workers
Georgia’s paper mill workers were exposed to asbestos products from multiple manufacturers within a single facility. Pipe insulation, machine felt, dryer roll insulation, gaskets, and brake pads each came from different companies. This multi-product profile means a single worker can file claims with eight to 15 trusts based on the products present at their specific mill.
Construction and Manufacturing Workers
Atlanta’s construction workers and tradespeople were exposed to asbestos in joint compound, insulation, roofing, floor tile, and fireproofing from a range of manufacturers. Manufacturing workers across the state encountered asbestos in industrial insulation, gaskets, and brake components. Both groups can typically identify five to 10 applicable trusts.
Filing Process
- Diagnosis documentation. Pathology reports confirming mesothelioma.
- Exposure evidence. Work history placing the claimant at sites where specific products were used.
- Claim submission. Forms filed with each applicable trust.
- Review and payment. Trusts review and pay claims, typically within three to 12 months.
Most trusts offer expedited review for people with mesothelioma. This can shorten processing to two to three months for qualifying claims.
Trust Claims and Other Compensation
Trust fund claims are independent of other compensation sources. Filing a trust claim does not reduce, offset, or affect:
- Lawsuit settlements or verdicts
- VA disability benefits for veterans exposed during military service
- Workers’ compensation claims through the state system
Most families pursue all applicable sources simultaneously. For families navigating a new diagnosis, the 2026 treatment landscape covers the full range of current medical options alongside the claims process.
How much can Georgia workers receive from trust funds?▼
Individual trust claims typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 each. Because most people with mesothelioma, especially shipyard and paper mill workers, file with multiple trusts, combined recoveries typically range from $150,000 to $400,000.
Do shipyard workers have stronger trust claims?▼
Generally yes. Shipyards used asbestos products from dozens of different manufacturers, which means a single worker can file claims with 15 to 25 trusts. Workers in industries with fewer asbestos product sources may qualify for fewer trusts.
Is there a deadline to file trust fund claims?▼
Each trust has its own filing deadlines, which vary. Filing promptly after diagnosis is recommended to preserve all options. Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations applies to lawsuits but trust fund deadlines are separate.
Can family members file trust fund claims?▼
Yes. If the person with mesothelioma has died, family members or estate representatives can file claims on their behalf. Most trusts accept wrongful death claims.
Do trust fund payments affect my lawsuit?▼
Trust fund claims and lawsuits proceed independently. Filing trust claims does not reduce any lawsuit settlement or verdict. Most families pursue both at the same time.
References
U.S. Courts. U.S. Courts Asbestos Bankruptcy Information.
https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics/asbestos
RAND Corporation. RAND Institute Report on Asbestos Trust Fund Payments.
https://www.rand.org/topics/asbestos.html