How BorgWarner Inc. Used Asbestos
For decades, BorgWarner manufactured automotive parts that contained asbestos, exposing workers to a material now known to cause mesothelioma and other serious diseases. Many of these exposures happened before strong safety regulations or clear health warnings were in place.
BorgWarner Inc., formerly Borg-Warner Automotive Inc., was formed in 1928 through the merger of Borg & Beck, Marvel-Schebler, Warner Gear, and Mechanics Universal Joint. From 1928 until 1989, the company used asbestos in parts such as clutches and brake pads because it resisted heat and reduced wear.
Workers often handled these dusty automotive components without respirators or protective gear. Many former mechanics, factory employees, veterans, and their family members are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma linked to that exposure.
Key Facts About BorgWarner Asbestos Exposure
- Asbestos products: Clutch assemblies, transmission bands, clutch plates, brake pads, and others
- Industries affected: Automotive manufacturing, repair shops, vehicle maintenance, and more
- At-risk workers: Mechanics, brake reliners, factory workers, veterans, warehouse employees
- Legal compensation: Lawsuits against BorgWarner for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
If your illness traces back to BorgWarner asbestos products, you may have the right to seek financial compensation. Get a Free Case Review with our legal partners to take the first step.
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Which BorgWarner Products Contained Asbestos?
Historical records and mesothelioma lawsuits have shown that BorgWarner Inc. made and sold several asbestos-containing products. These included parts manufactured directly by BorgWarner as well as products from affiliated or acquired brands.
Borg Warner asbestos products linked to mesothelioma include:
- Automotive gaskets
- Clutches and clutch facings
- Disc brake pads and brake shoes
- Manual transmission and drivetrain components
The dust from these parts settled on clothing, tools, and work surfaces, making it easy to breathe in asbestos fibers during long work shifts. Because many workers handled these parts daily, exposure could happen repeatedly over many years, increasing the risk of asbestos-related disease.
Jobs at Highest Risk of BorgWarner Asbestos Exposure
Certain occupations at BorgWarner Inc. and companies that stocked its products faced greater risk due to frequent contact with asbestos.
High-risk jobs for asbestos exposure include:
- Auto mechanics
- Brake and clutch installers
- Factory workers
- Maintenance technicians
- Manufacturing line employees
- Military vehicle mechanics
- Repair technicians
- Transmission specialists
- Warehouse workers
Some employees also spent years in the same trade, increasing their cumulative exposure. Even short-term jobs working with brakes and clutches could pose a risk.
Job Sites Affected by BorgWarner Asbestos Exposure
BorgWarner operated and supplied parts to facilities across North America. Asbestos exposure could happen anywhere BorgWarner friction parts were made, stored, installed, or repaired.
Work sites where exposure may have taken place include:
- Automotive assembly plants
- Auto repair shops
- Dealership service departments
- Distribution warehouses
- Fleet maintenance garages
- Industrial facilities
- Manufacturing plants
- Storage warehouses
- Transmission rebuild shops
Facilities connected to BorgWarner operations were located in Michigan, New York, New Jersey, and other states. Workers in these regions frequently handled asbestos-containing automotive parts as part of their normal job duties.
Take-Home Exposure in Family Members
Asbestos exposure wasn’t limited to the workplace. Workers often carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes, hair, and tools.
Family members could be exposed to asbestos when:
- Riding in work vehicles
- Sharing living spaces
- Washing work clothes
This is known as secondary exposure, and it’s been linked to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in spouses and children.
BorgWarner Asbestos Lawsuits and Legal Actions
Over the years, many people have filed asbestos lawsuits claiming that certain products made by Borg-Warner Automotive Inc. caused their illness. These cases argue that the company kept using asbestos in its car parts despite growing evidence of its dangers.
BorgWarner asbestos lawsuits typically involve:
- Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops after asbestos exposure
- Lung cancer, which has been linked to occupational asbestos exposure
- Asbestosis, a chronic lung disease from inhaling asbestos fibers
Most asbestos lawsuits are resolved before trial, with the average settlement ranging from $1 million to $1.4 million. Many victims begin receiving compensation within 90 days.
Call (866) 608-8933 to learn how our partner asbestos attorneys can help you file a mesothelioma lawsuit against Borg-Warner Automotive Inc.
Who Can File a BorgWarner Asbestos Lawsuit?
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease after exposure to products made by BorgWarner Inc., you may be able to file a lawsuit.
Several groups of people may qualify, including:
- Workers directly exposed to asbestos, such as auto mechanics, factory workers, warehouse employees, and transmission specialists who handled BorgWarner brake pads, clutches, or transmission parts
- Military veterans who repaired or maintained vehicles and may have worked with asbestos-containing friction components
- Family members exposed at home through asbestos fibers carried on work clothes, shoes, or tools
- Surviving spouses or children filing a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one to mesothelioma
Compensation from a successful claim can help cover medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. Since every state has deadlines for filing asbestos lawsuits, it’s important to act quickly after a diagnosis or the death of a loved one.
Asbestos Trust Funds and Compensation Options
Many asbestos companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and created trust funds to compensate victims. BorgWarner doesn’t currently operate its own asbestos trust fund.
However, asbestos exposure can involve multiple manufacturers. Other companies connected to the same job sites or parts may have established asbestos trust funds.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can:
- Review your work and exposure history
- Identify all potentially responsible companies
- File lawsuits or trust fund claims on your behalf
Most asbestos law firms offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they’re only paid if they recover compensation for your family. Get started now by seeing if you can access trust fund payouts.
Get Help Filing a BorgWarner Asbestos Exposure Claim
If you or a loved one became ill after working with or being exposed to asbestos-containing products made by BorgWarner Inc., Mesothelioma Hope is here to help you move forward.
Asbestos cases can be complex, especially when exposure happened decades ago. Our trusted legal partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy know how to investigate old job sites, track down product records, and build strong claims for patients and families.
There are no upfront fees to get started, and you won’t pay anything unless compensation is recovered on your behalf. Call (866) 608-8933 or request a free case review to learn what legal and financial options may be available to you and your family.
BorgWarner Automotive Inc. Asbestos FAQs
Did BorgWarner use asbestos in its products?
Yes. BorgWarner Inc. used asbestos in several automotive parts for many years, including brake pads, clutches, transmission components, and some gaskets. At the time, asbestos was popular in the auto industry because it handled high heat and reduced wear.
Asbestos companies didn’t fully warn workers about the health risks, and many people handled these parts without protective gear. Decades later, some of those workers have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
If you worked with BorgWarner parts and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have legal options. Contact our team to see if you qualify for compensation.
Do BorgWarner products still contain asbestos?
No. BorgWarner no longer uses asbestos in its automotive products. However, parts made before 1989 may still be present in older vehicles, equipment, or stored inventory.
If you worked as a mechanic, factory employee, or service member before the late 1980s, you could have been exposed. Even today, people who repair classic or older vehicles may come into contact with original asbestos-containing parts made or sold by BorgWarner Inc.
If you’re concerned about past exposure, talk to your doctor and ask whether a mesothelioma screening is appropriate.
Can family members file asbestos claims related to BorgWarner exposure?
Yes, if a loved one passed away from mesothelioma related to BorgWarner asbestos exposure, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Family members of workers who developed mesothelioma after breathing in asbestos fibers brought home on a loved one’s clothing may also be able to file a claim for secondary exposure. Spouses are most commonly affected, but children can also qualify in certain situations. Get a free case review to see if you’re eligible to file a BorgWarner asbestos lawsuit.
How long does a BorgWarner asbestos lawsuit take?
Every case is different. Some BorgWarner asbestos claims settle within a few months, while others take a year or longer. Many families start receiving their first payouts within 90 days or less.
Most mesothelioma lawsuits are settled out of court. An experienced attorney can review your exposure history, identify responsible companies, and explain the expected payout timeline for your case.
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