Product and Premises Description

Studebaker Corporation (founded 1852 in South Bend Indiana as a wagon-building partnership; incorporated Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company; entered automobile manufacturing 1902; merged with Packard 1954 as Studebaker-Packard; U.S. automobile production ceased 1963 with the closure of the South Bend plant; Canadian production continued to 1966) was through the first half of the 20th century one of the principal independent U.S. automobile manufacturers, producing passenger cars, light trucks, and — during World War II — military vehicles and Wright R-1820 Cyclone aircraft engines.

Product-vector pathways Plaintiffs alleged in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation:

  • Asbestos brake linings on Studebaker passenger-car and light-truck brake shoes supplied by Bendix, Raybestos, Abex, and other OEM friction manufacturers
  • Asbestos clutch facings on Studebaker manual transmissions
  • Asbestos exhaust manifold gaskets and heat shields on Studebaker engines
  • Asbestos undercoating and body deadener on Studebaker vehicles

Premises-vector pathways at the South Bend manufacturing complex, which at its peak spanned more than 200 acres and included assembly buildings, the Studebaker Foundry, engine plant, body plant, and proving grounds:

  • Asbestos pipe covering on plant steam, process, and heating piping
  • Asbestos refractory in foundry cupolas, core ovens, and heat-treat furnaces
  • Asbestos block insulation on plant boilers and industrial ovens
  • Asbestos gaskets and packing at process equipment
  • Asbestos electrical insulation on plant motor and switchgear systems

Studebaker Corporation (and its successors in liability) has been named as a Manufacturer Defendant and Premises Defendant in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation.

Workers Exposed

  • UAW Local members at Studebaker South Bend assembly, foundry, and engine plants
  • Auto mechanics servicing Studebaker brake linings, clutches, and engine gaskets
  • Brake mechanics working Studebaker vehicle brake systems
  • Foundry workers at the Studebaker South Bend foundry
  • Insulators (HFIAW Local members) on Studebaker construction and turnaround crews
  • Construction-trade workforces on Studebaker capital projects

If You Worked With Studebaker Vehicles or at a Studebaker Plant

If you worked with Studebaker brake linings, clutches, or engine gaskets during the asbestos era — or worked at the Studebaker South Bend manufacturing complex — as an employee or as a dispatched contractor trade worker — 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