Ford Asbestos Exposure: Claims for Factory Workers

For more than a century, Ford Motor Company has stood as a symbol of American industry, providing steady work for generations of factory workers. But behind that legacy is a lesser-known truth: for decades, many Ford workers were routinely exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos was widely used in Ford plants in insulation, brakes, gaskets, machinery, and protective equipment. Workers often handled these materials daily, unaware that the dust they breathed could remain in their lungs for years. Many former Ford employees have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related illnesses long after their time on the job.

At The Lyon Firm, we represent factory workers and families across the country who were harmed by asbestos exposure, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our goal is not only to explain your legal options and pursue fair compensation, but also to hold the companies fully accountable.

We know that contacting a law firm can feel intimidating, especially while dealing with a serious illness, which is why we focus on building real, trusting relationships with our clients from the very first conversation. Contact The Lyon Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation at (513) 381-2333 or fill out our online form.

I have nothing but positive things to say about this law firm and Mr. Lyon. I am the kinda person who has tons of questions, and they were amazing at answering them all. I am very grateful for all the hard work they have done and consider them a trusted resource at this point. If I could give 10 stars, I would!

– Michael H. | Client

The Disturbing History of Ford Motor Company and Asbestos

Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company grew into one of the largest and most influential vehicle manufacturers in the world. From the very beginning of production, Ford relied on asbestos in its vehicles and factories. As early as the Model T in 1908, asbestos was used because it was strong, inexpensive, and resistant to heat and chemicals.

Ford continued using asbestos-containing parts for decades, until it finally started phasing out asbestos in the 1980s. However, the company continued to sell asbestos replacement parts for vehicles until at least 2001.

Internal company documents show that Ford was aware of the health dangers of asbestos long before it stopped using the material. Records indicate that by at least 1968, Ford knew asbestos exposure could lead to severe illness, including mesothelioma.

In a 1971 internal memo, company officials discussed switching to non-asbestos brake systems but complained about the cost, estimated at just $1.25 more per vehicle.

Even after publicly reducing its use of asbestos, Ford has faced ongoing scrutiny. Beginning in the early 2000s, the company reportedly spent tens of millions of dollars funding private research that questioned the link between asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases.

What Ford Parts Contained Asbestos?

Asbestos was woven into many key vehicle components because of its ability to withstand intense heat and friction. When these parts were new, they might not have been a major risk.

The danger came when they were worn down, repaired, or replaced, releasing tiny, invisible asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers, once inhaled, can become lodged in the body and lead to serious disease years later.

Products containing Ford asbestos included:

• Brake Linings and Pads: Often 40% to 60% asbestos by weight. Replacing or grinding these parts was a major source of dust.
• Clutch Facings: Like brakes, the friction materials in clutches used high amounts of asbestos.
• Gaskets: Used in engines and transmissions for sealing.
• Engine and Transmission Components: Including insulation around the engine and transmission.
• Firewalls and Hood Liners: Used for heat and fire resistance.

Understanding How Asbestos Exposure Happens

Asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma often take years to develop, and understanding exactly how exposure occurred is necessary to hold companies like Ford accountable. Many workers were exposed on the factory floor, in maintenance roles, or even through materials brought home to their families.

In this video, we explain how The Lyon Firm investigates asbestos claims, identifies all responsible parties, and builds strong cases for individuals and families affected by asbestos-related diseases, including those harmed by Ford’s long history of asbestos use.

Ford Workers and Others Most at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Workers most commonly exposed to asbestos from Ford products and facilities include:

• Ford Factory and Assembly Line Workers
• Machinists, Pipefitters, and Insulators
• Warehouse and Parts Department Employees

Asbestos Risks for Auto Mechanics and Repair Workers

Auto mechanics face a unique risk when it comes to asbestos exposure. While they may not have worked inside Ford factories, many mechanics regularly handled Ford vehicles and replacement parts that contained asbestos.

Mechanics who spent years replacing or repairing brakes and clutches faced significantly higher exposure than those who focused on general maintenance, like oil changes or tire rotations. Brake and clutch systems were among the most asbestos-heavy components in Ford vehicles. As these parts wore down, asbestos dust could collect in wheel wells and on surrounding surfaces. When disturbed during repairs, that dust became airborne and easy to inhale.

Over time, repeated exposure increased the risk of developing serious asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer, often many years after the work was done.

The Risk of Secondhand (Take-Home) Asbestos Exposure

One of the most tragic aspects of asbestos exposure is that it did not stop at the workplace. Family members of Ford workers were often exposed without ever stepping inside a factory or repair shop. This is known as secondhand or “take-home” asbestos exposure.

Secondhand exposure commonly occurred when:

• Asbestos fibers settled on a worker’s clothing, skin, hair, or shoes.
• The worker unknowingly brought those fibers home.
• Family members handled or washed contaminated work clothes.
• Spouses or children were exposed through normal daily contact, such as hugs or sitting nearby.

For many Ford workers, the injustice did not end when the workday was over. They labored to provide for their families, never knowing that asbestos fibers were traveling home on their clothes, shoes, and skin. For some families, that exposure led to mesothelioma and other devastating illnesses years later, creating harm that spanned generations.

If you or a loved one developed an asbestos-related illness after living with someone who worked at a Ford facility or handled Ford asbestos-containing products, you may still have legal rights. When you’re ready, contact The Lyon Firm for a 100% free case review at (513) 381-2333 or fill out our online form.

Early Warning Signs of Asbestos Exposure in Auto Workers

One of the most dangerous facts about asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer is that they have a long “latency period,” meaning symptoms can take 10 to 50 years to appear after the initial exposure. This long wait means that by the time a diagnosis is made, the disease is often advanced.

If you have a history of working at a Ford plant or with Ford auto parts, it is vital to be aware of the early warning signs, which can sometimes be mistaken for less serious illnesses. Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded, especially with physical activity.
• Persistent Dry Cough: A cough that doesn’t go away.
• Pain in the Chest or Abdomen: Depending on where the cancer or scarring is located (lungs or abdomen).
• Fluid Buildup (Pleural Effusion): Fluid around the lungs or in the abdomen.
• Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired or losing weight without trying.

OSHA Citations for Ford Asbestos Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the federal agency responsible for workplace safety, has cited Ford Motor Company for failing to protect workers from asbestos exposure.

OSHA does not issue serious violations lightly. They are reserved for hazardous conditions that put workers directly in harm’s way, including exposure to known carcinogens like asbestos.

In 2013, OSHA cited Ford for eight serious safety violations at its Lakeshore Road plant in Buffalo, New York. The investigation found that a pipefitter was allowed to work directly on an asbestos-insulated steam line without proper protection.

According to OSHA, Ford failed to take basic safety steps required when asbestos is present, including failing to:

• Monitor work areas for airborne asbestos fibers.
• Provide appropriate respiratory protection to workers handling asbestos.
• Post warning signs in areas where asbestos exposure was possible.

These government findings are important in a Ford asbestos lawsuit. OSHA citations can help demonstrate a pattern of unsafe practices and a failure to follow long-established asbestos safety regulations.

Ford Plants With the Highest Asbestos Exposure Risks

While asbestos was used throughout the company’s history, some Ford plant locations were known for higher-risk work environments, especially those involved in manufacturing parts or maintaining the facilities themselves. Exposure could come from working directly with asbestos parts or from exposure to materials used in the buildings, such as insulation on pipes, boilers, or machinery.

Some facilities where exposure risks were notable include (but are not limited to):

• Lorain Assembly Plant (Lorain, Ohio)
• Buffalo Stamping Plant / Lakeshore Road Plant (Buffalo, New York)
• Dearborn Assembly Plant (Dearborn, Michigan)
• Highland Park Ford Plant (Highland Park, Michigan)
• Wixom Ford Assembly Plant (Wixom, Michigan)
• Wayne Ford Assembly Plant (Wayne, Michigan)
• Woodhaven Ford Stamping Plant (Woodhaven, Michigan)
• Sterling Heights Ford Plant (Sterling Heights, Michigan)
• Utica Ford Trim Plant (Utica, Michigan)
• Livonia Ford Plant (Livonia, Michigan)
• Rawsonville Ford Plant (Rawsonville, Michigan)
• Owosso Ford Plant (Owosso, Michigan)
• Mt. Clemens Ford Plant (Mt. Clemens, Michigan)
• Milan Ford Plant (Milan, Michigan)

This list is not exhaustive. Asbestos exposure often depended on job duties, time period, and whether workers performed maintenance, repairs, or worked near insulated equipment. Many workers were exposed without ever being told asbestos was present.

If you worked at any Ford facility, or at an affiliated supplier or contractor location, The Lyon Firm can investigate your specific work history and exposure risk. No matter where you worked, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness linked to Ford Motor Company, we want to hear from you. Reach out to our team today online or by calling (513) 381-2333.

What Kind of Damages Are Available in a Ford Asbestos Lawsuit?

In a Ford Motor asbestos lawsuit, individuals who have been exposed to asbestos and subsequently developed asbestos-related illnesses may be eligible to seek various types of damages. The specific damages available can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, the jurisdiction in which the lawsuit is filed, and the strength of the evidence presented.

Common types of damages that can be pursued in Ford Motor asbestos lawsuits include:

• Medical Expenses: Plaintiffs may seek compensation for past, current, and future medical bills related to the diagnosis and treatment of asbestos-related illnesses, including conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
• Lost Wages: If the asbestos-related illness has resulted in lost income, plaintiffs can seek damages for the wages they were unable to earn due to their illness. This may include both past and future lost earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical and emotional pain and suffering resulting from the asbestos-related illness are often a significant component of compensation in these cases.
• Wrongful Death Expenses: In cases where the plaintiff has passed away due to asbestos-related illness, their surviving family members may seek compensation for the expenses associated with the funeral and burial.
• Punitive Damages: In certain circumstances, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant (in this case, Ford Motor) for their negligent or reckless behavior in exposing individuals to asbestos.

It’s important to note that asbestos-related lawsuits can be highly complex, and the types and amounts of damages awarded can vary widely based on individual circumstances.

If you or a loved one is considering an asbestos lawsuit against Ford Motor, it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney who understands the connection between mesothelioma and Ford Motor Company.

​​Decades after knowing the dangers, Ford reportedly spent nearly $40 million on studies aimed at downplaying the cancer risks of asbestos exposure, even though hundreds of scientists, OSHA, and the WHO confirm there is no safe level of asbestos.

What Does an Asbestos Injury Lawyer Do for Your Case?

An asbestos injury lawyer plays a crucial role in representing individuals or their families who have been harmed by asbestos exposure.

Here are some of the key roles and responsibilities of an asbestos injury lawyer in your case:

• Evaluation: An asbestos injury lawyer will assess the details of your case, including your history of asbestos exposure, the nature of your illness, and the available evidence to determine the strength of your claim.
• Investigation: This is where The Lyon Firm excels. We carefully review your complete work history to identify when and where asbestos exposure may have occurred. We work closely with top experts to test materials, evaluate exposure levels, and link asbestos exposure to your illness.
• Negotiation: Your attorney will engage in negotiations with defendants or their insurers to reach a settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries. They will advocate for your best interests during settlement talks.
• Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will represent you in court. They will present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf during the trial.

Unlike some asbestos-related companies that have established trust funds to compensate victims, Ford does not have a dedicated asbestos trust fund. This means that individuals harmed by Ford asbestos must seek compensation through a lawsuit.

Filing a claim can be challenging because lawsuits involve strict deadlines, detailed evidence collection, and complex legal arguments. Having an experienced asbestos attorney who can take charge of your case can provide you with much-needed relief.

In fact, a study by Martindale-Nolo found that approximately 90% of people represented by an attorney walk away with a settlement, compared to only 50% of individuals who pursue claims without legal representation.