Was Smith International — asbestos documented in litigation?

Smith International — is documented in public asbestos litigation records as a manufacturer whose products contained asbestos during the mid-twentieth century. Workers in industrial facilities, power plants, refineries, shipyards, and commercial construction who handled or worked near these products may have experienced occupational exposure.

Which trades had the most exposure?

Pipe coverers and insulators, pipefitters, boilermakers, millwrights, and maintenance workers are among the trades most frequently documented in asbestos exposure claims. Workers who cut, fitted, or removed asbestos-containing products — and those working in close proximity during that work — typically had the highest fiber concentrations.

How long do workers have to file an asbestos claim?

Statutes of limitations for asbestos personal injury claims vary by state, typically ranging from one to five years from the date of an asbestos-related diagnosis. The clock generally starts at diagnosis, not exposure — mesothelioma can have a latency period of 20 to 50 years. An asbestos attorney can identify the deadlines that apply to your specific situation.

Can workers file claims related to Smith International — asbestos exposure?

Yes. Workers diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis after exposure to Smith International — products may pursue claims through civil litigation. An experienced asbestos attorney can assess available defendants, applicable trust funds from co-defendants, and the states where claims can be filed most effectively.

Can family members file secondary exposure claims?

Spouses, children, and household members who developed asbestos-related disease through contact with contaminated work clothing brought home by an exposed worker may be eligible for secondary (household) exposure claims. Wrongful-death claims can also be filed by surviving family members of workers who died from asbestos-related disease.

Drilling-Fluids

Smith International Drill Bits, Downhole Tools, Drilling-Equipment Components

⚖ Litigation Record1937-2010 (Smith International); successor Schlumberger; asbestos era through 1980sAsbestos gaskets and packing on drilling equipment; asbestos brake-block material on rotary drilling machinery

Overview Product Facts Trades

Litigation Record: Information below reflects allegations in publicly filed asbestos litigation — plaintiff allegations, not findings of fact.

Product Description

Smith International, Inc. (founded 1937, headquartered Houston TX; acquired by Schlumberger 2010) was through the second half of the 20th century one of the major U.S. manufacturers of oilfield rotary drill bits, downhole tools, and drilling-equipment components — competing with Hughes Tool and Reed Rock Bit for the U.S. and global oilfield drill-bit market.

Plaintiffs alleged in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation that Smith International drilling equipment was specified through the asbestos era with asbestos gaskets and packing on drill-bit and downhole-tool assemblies, and asbestos brake-block material on rotary drilling machinery components.

Smith International / Schlumberger has been named as a Manufacturer Defendant in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation.

Workers Exposed

Oilfield drilling crews
Drilling rig hands servicing Smith International drill bits and downhole tools
Oilfield mechanics at drilling-rig service facilities

If You Worked With Smith International Drilling Equipment

If you operated, serviced, or worked in proximity to Smith International oilfield drill bits, downhole tools, or drilling equipment during the asbestos era — and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related illness — you may have legal rights.

Free, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O’Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956

Product Facts

Trade NameSmith International Drill Bits, Downhole Tools, Drilling-Equipment Components

Years Produced1937-2010 (Smith International); successor Schlumberger; asbestos era through 1980s

Asbestos ContentAsbestos gaskets and packing on drilling equipment; asbestos brake-block material on rotary drilling machinery

CategoryDrilling-Fluids Gaskets Industrial-Chemicals

Trust FundNo active trust

Exposed Trades & Occupations

Oilfield drilling crewsDrilling rig handsOilfield mechanics

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Were You Exposed to an Asbestos-Containing Product?

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and were exposed to asbestos-containing products, you and your family may be entitled to significant compensation through asbestos trust funds and civil litigation. An attorney experienced in product liability and asbestos claims can evaluate your case — at no cost to you.

Free case evaluation — no obligation to hire
No attorney fee unless we make a financial recovery
Statutes of limitations may limit the time you have to act
Trust fund claims, civil lawsuits, and VA benefits pursued simultaneously

Call: (314) 207-2823 Free consultation — available now

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Asbestos Product Liability & Mesothelioma Claims

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