Editing WR Grace Trust

{{#seo:
|title=W.R. Grace Trust: 30% Payment Rate, Zonolite & Libby Montana Claims
|description=W.R. Grace Trust pays 30.1% of scheduled values. Covers vermiculite insulation, Zonolite products. Libby, Montana exposure documentation guide.
|keywords=WR Grace Trust, W.R. Grace asbestos, Zonolite insulation, Libby Montana asbestos, vermiculite exposure claims
|author=Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
|published_time=2026-01-13
}}
__NOTOC__
{| class="infobox" style="width:280px; float:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em; border:2px solid #1a5276; background:#ffffff; border-radius:8px; overflow:hidden;"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center;" | W.R. Grace Trust Quick Facts
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#e8f4f8; padding:10px; text-align:center; font-style:italic;" | Zonolite vermiculite insulation manufacturer
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; width:40%; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Payment Rate
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''30.1%'''
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Meso Scheduled Value
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''$190,000'''
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Actual Meso Payout
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''~$57,190'''
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Current Assets
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''$435 Million'''
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Total Distributed
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''$2.1+ Billion'''
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; background:#f8f9fa;" | Company Founded
| style="padding:10px;" | '''1854'''
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:linear-gradient(135deg, #e67e22, #d35400); padding:12px; text-align:center;" | [https://dandell.com/asbestos-trust-funds/asbestos-trust-fund-payments-guide/ <span style="color:white; font-weight:bold;">🛡️ Check Your Eligibility</span>]
|}

= W.R. Grace Trust: 30.1% Payment Rate, $57,190 Mesothelioma Payouts, Zonolite Vermiculite and the Libby Montana Tragedy =

== Executive Summary ==

The W.R. Grace Asbestos Personal Injury Trust offers the '''highest payment percentage''' among major asbestos trusts at '''30.1%''', delivering actual mesothelioma payouts of approximately '''$57,190'''—making it the single most valuable individual trust claim available to most victims. The trust has distributed over '''$2.1 billion''' to asbestos victims since establishment in 2014 and maintains '''$435 million''' in current assets. W.R. Grace & Co., founded in '''1854''' by Irish immigrant William Russell Grace who later became Mayor of New York City, became one of America's largest chemical conglomerates before its asbestos liabilities—primarily from [https://dandell.com/asbestos-trust-funds/asbestos-bankruptcy-trust-fund-guide/ Zonolite vermiculite insulation] mined in Libby, Montana—forced the company into bankruptcy in 2001. The Libby contamination represents one of the worst environmental and public health disasters in American history, with the EPA declaring it a Superfund site and the federal government pursuing unprecedented criminal charges against W.R. Grace executives.

=== Why This Matters ===

W.R. Grace's 30.1% payment percentage is '''nearly six times higher''' than Johns Manville (5.1%) and '''more than six times higher''' than Owens Corning (4.7%). For mesothelioma victims who qualify, a W.R. Grace claim delivers approximately '''$57,190'''—often the single largest individual trust payment in a multi-trust [https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-compensation/ compensation strategy].

{| style="width:100%; background:#f8d7da; border:1px solid #dc3545; border-left:5px solid #dc3545; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#721c24;" | '''⛔ URGENT: Document Destruction Notice''' — The W.R. Grace Trust issued a Notice of Destruction announcing plans to destroy claim records over 10 years old. Destruction began '''April 15, 2025'''. If you worked with Zonolite or other W.R. Grace products, file your claim immediately to ensure all supporting documentation remains available.
|}

== Key Facts Box: W.R. Grace Trust Essential Information ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin:1em 0;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:left;" colspan="2" | Critical Trust Fund Statistics
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; width:50%; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Company Founded'''
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | 1854 by William Russell Grace in Peru
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Bankruptcy Filed'''
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | April 2, 2001
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Trust Established'''
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | February 2014 (after 13 years in bankruptcy)
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Total Paid to Date'''
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Over $2.1 billion to asbestos victims
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Current Assets'''
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Approximately $435 million
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Current Payment Percentage'''
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''30.1%''' (highest among major trusts)
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Mesothelioma Scheduled Value'''
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | $190,000 (actual payout: ~$57,190)
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Primary Asbestos Product'''
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Zonolite vermiculite insulation
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Primary Contamination Source'''
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Libby, Montana vermiculite mine
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''EPA Superfund Site'''
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Yes — Libby designated as Superfund site
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa;" | '''Criminal Prosecution'''
| style="padding:10px;" | 2005 federal indictment against W.R. Grace and executives
|}

== Who Was William Russell Grace and How Did the Company Begin? ==

[https://mesothelioma.net/wr-grace-company/ W.R. Grace & Co.] has a remarkable founding story that spans from South America to the highest levels of New York City politics.

=== The Founder: William Russell Grace (1832-1904) ===

'''William Russell Grace''' was born in '''Riverstown, County Cork, Ireland''' in 1832. His journey to founding one of America's largest chemical companies took him across three continents:

* '''1846:''' Left Ireland during the Great Famine at age 14
* '''Early career:''' Worked in shipping and trade in Liverpool, England
* '''1851:''' Traveled to Peru, where he established himself in the guano (bird fertilizer) trade
* '''1854:''' Founded W.R. Grace & Co. in '''Callao, Peru''' as a trading company
* '''1865:''' Relocated company headquarters to New York City
* '''1880:''' Elected '''Mayor of New York City''' (first Roman Catholic mayor)
* '''1884:''' Re-elected to second term as NYC Mayor
* '''1897:''' Founded Grace Institute to provide education for immigrant women

{| style="width:100%; background:#cce5ff; border:1px solid #007bff; border-left:5px solid #007bff; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#004085;" | '''ℹ️ Historical Note:''' William Russell Grace's election as Mayor of New York City in 1880 was groundbreaking—he was the first Roman Catholic and first Irish-born immigrant to hold that office. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated during his second term in 1886.
|}

=== Corporate Evolution: From Shipping to Chemicals ===

After William Russell Grace's death in 1904, the company expanded dramatically:

'''Early 20th Century:'''
* Continued dominance in South American shipping and trade
* Expanded into banking and agriculture

'''Mid-20th Century Transformation:'''
* '''1954:''' Acquired Davison Chemical Corporation, entering the chemical industry
* '''1963:''' Acquired Zonolite Company and the Libby, Montana vermiculite mine
* Rapidly became one of America's largest specialty chemical manufacturers

'''Late 20th Century:'''
* Diversified into construction materials, restaurants, and retail
* Peak employment reached tens of thousands worldwide
* Asbestos liabilities began mounting in the 1980s and 1990s

{| style="width:100%; background:#e8f4f8; border:1px solid #1a5276; border-left:5px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0; padding:15px;"
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | "''The W.R. Grace story is one of the starkest examples of corporate transformation we see in asbestos litigation. A company founded by an immigrant who became mayor grew into a chemical giant—and then knowingly poisoned an entire town while concealing the dangers for decades.''" — '''Paul Danziger''', Founding Partner, [https://dandell.com/advocates/ Danziger & De Llano]
|}

== What Was Zonolite and Why Is Libby, Montana Significant? ==

The '''Libby, Montana''' vermiculite mine and '''Zonolite''' insulation products represent the primary source of W.R. Grace's asbestos liability—and one of the worst environmental health disasters in American history.

=== What Is Vermiculite and Why Was It Valuable? ===

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands dramatically when heated, creating lightweight, fire-resistant material perfect for insulation. The Libby, Montana mine produced approximately '''80% of the world's vermiculite supply''' during its peak operation.

'''Zonolite Products:'''
* Attic insulation (poured loose-fill)
* Wall insulation
* Gardening products (soil amendments)
* Construction aggregates
* Fire protection materials

=== The Deadly Contamination ===

The vermiculite deposit near Libby was naturally contaminated with '''tremolite asbestos'''—a particularly dangerous form of asbestos. When W.R. Grace acquired the mine in 1963, they inherited (and concealed) a massive public health crisis.

'''Scope of Contamination:'''
* Mine workers directly exposed to asbestos-laden vermiculite
* '''Entire town of Libby contaminated''' through:
** Dust from mining operations
** Vermiculite tailings used on roads, driveways, and gardens
** Workers bringing contaminated clothing home
** School running track made from mine tailings
* Contamination spread nationwide through Zonolite product distribution

{| style="width:100%; background:#f8d7da; border:1px solid #dc3545; border-left:5px solid #dc3545; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#721c24;" | '''⛔ Libby Death Toll:''' By some estimates, asbestos-related disease has killed '''hundreds of Libby residents'''—approximately '''10% of the town's population''' has been diagnosed with asbestos-related illness. The EPA has called it one of the worst cases of community-wide toxic exposure in American history.
|}

=== What Did W.R. Grace Know? ===

Court documents and investigative reporting revealed that W.R. Grace knew about the asbestos contamination for decades:

* '''1960s-1970s:''' Company scientists documented asbestos content in Libby vermiculite
* Internal memos discussed health risks to workers and community
* Company implemented limited worker protections while concealing dangers from residents
* Warnings were not provided to consumers who installed Zonolite in their homes
* Evidence of contamination was allegedly suppressed

{| style="width:100%; background:#e8f4f8; border:1px solid #1a5276; border-left:5px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0; padding:15px;"
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | "''Libby wasn't just about workplace exposure—entire families got sick. Children played in vermiculite piles. Residents used the mine tailings in their gardens. W.R. Grace knew for years and said nothing. The scope of this tragedy is almost impossible to comprehend.''" — '''Rod De Llano''', Founding Partner, [https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-lawyers/ Danziger & De Llano]
|}

== What Was the Federal Criminal Prosecution of W.R. Grace? ==

In '''2005''', the U.S. Department of Justice took the extraordinary step of filing '''federal criminal charges''' against W.R. Grace and several company executives—one of the few times a major corporation has faced criminal prosecution for asbestos-related conduct.

=== The Criminal Indictment ===

'''February 2005:''' A federal grand jury in Montana indicted:
* '''W.R. Grace & Co.''' (the corporation)
* '''Seven current and former executives'''

'''Charges Included:'''
* Conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act
* Wire fraud
* Obstruction of justice
* Knowingly endangering residents of Libby

=== The Trial and Verdict ===

'''May 2009:''' After years of legal proceedings:
* W.R. Grace and all defendants were '''acquitted''' of criminal charges
* Jury found insufficient evidence to prove criminal intent beyond reasonable doubt
* Civil liability and trust fund obligations remained unaffected by verdict

{| style="width:100%; background:#fff3cd; border:1px solid #ffc107; border-left:5px solid #ffc107; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#856404;" | '''⚠️ Important Distinction:''' The criminal acquittal did NOT affect W.R. Grace's civil liability or the asbestos trust fund. The company still paid billions to settle asbestos claims, and the trust continues to compensate victims regardless of the criminal verdict.
|}

== How Did W.R. Grace's Bankruptcy Unfold? ==

W.R. Grace's bankruptcy became one of the longest and most complex Chapter 11 proceedings in American history.

=== Bankruptcy Timeline ===

'''April 2, 2001:''' W.R. Grace files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
* Cited approximately '''$1.6 billion''' in asbestos-related liabilities
* Over '''65,000 pending asbestos claims''' at time of filing
* Company continued operating during bankruptcy

'''2001-2014:''' Extended negotiations and litigation
* Disputes over trust funding levels
* Negotiations with insurers
* Resolution of criminal proceedings

'''February 2014:''' W.R. Grace emerges from bankruptcy
* Trust established with funding from company and insurers
* Begins processing claims at initial payment percentages

'''April 2014:''' Trust becomes fully operational
* First claim payments issued
* Payment percentage set and periodically adjusted

{| style="width:100%; background:#d4edda; border:1px solid #28a745; border-left:5px solid #28a745; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#155724;" | '''✅ Trust Performance:''' Despite 13 years in bankruptcy, the W.R. Grace Trust has proven to be one of the best-funded and highest-paying asbestos trusts, maintaining a '''30.1% payment percentage'''—significantly higher than most peer trusts.
|}

== What Compensation Can You Receive from the W.R. Grace Trust? ==

The W.R. Grace Trust offers the highest payment percentages among major asbestos trusts.

=== Current Scheduled Values and Payouts ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin:1em 0;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px;" | Disease Level
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px;" | Scheduled Value
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px;" | Payment at 30.1%
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Mesothelioma'''
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | $190,000
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''$57,190'''
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Lung Cancer (with asbestosis)'''
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | $75,000
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''$22,575'''
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''Severe Asbestosis'''
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | $40,000
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''$12,040'''
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff;" | '''Other Asbestos Disease'''
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff;" | $7,500-$25,000
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff;" | '''$2,258-$7,525'''
|}

=== How W.R. Grace Compares to Other Major Trusts ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin:1em 0;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px;" | Trust
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px;" | Payment %
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px;" | Meso Payout
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#d4edda; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''W.R. Grace'''
| style="padding:10px; background:#d4edda; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''30.1%'''
| style="padding:10px; background:#d4edda; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | '''$57,190'''
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Pittsburgh Corning
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | 19-20%
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | ~$50,000
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Johns Manville
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | 5.1%
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | ~$17,850
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Owens Corning
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | 4.7%
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | ~$10,105
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa;" | Fibreboard
| style="padding:10px;" | 3.7%
| style="padding:10px;" | ~$7,955
|}

{| style="width:100%; background:#d4edda; border:1px solid #28a745; border-left:5px solid #28a745; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#155724;" | '''✅ Maximum Value:''' W.R. Grace mesothelioma claims pay approximately '''$57,190'''—the highest individual trust payment available. This is '''more than three times''' the Johns Manville payout and '''more than five times''' the Owens Corning payout.
|}

== Who Qualifies for W.R. Grace Trust Claims? ==

To file a successful claim with the W.R. Grace Trust, you must establish:

=== Qualification Requirements ===

'''1. Diagnosed Asbestos-Related Disease:'''
* Mesothelioma (highest compensation)
* Lung cancer with documented asbestos exposure
* Asbestosis or other asbestos-related lung disease
* Pleural disease

'''2. Documented Exposure to W.R. Grace Products:'''
* '''Zonolite vermiculite insulation''' (primary product)
* Other W.R. Grace construction materials
* Exposure at the Libby, Montana mine or processing facilities
* Installation or removal of Zonolite in homes and buildings
* Residence in Libby, Montana during contamination period

'''3. Meeting Filing Deadlines:'''
* Statute of limitations varies by state (see [https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-law-lawsuits/mesothelioma-lawsuit-statute-of-limitations/ state-specific deadlines])
* Trust-specific filing requirements
* File promptly to preserve rights

{| style="width:100%; background:#e8f4f8; border:1px solid #1a5276; border-left:5px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0; padding:15px;"
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | "''W.R. Grace exposure is often overlooked because Zonolite was installed in millions of homes as attic insulation. Homeowners who poured the insulation themselves, contractors who installed it, and even family members who helped with home improvement projects may qualify for claims.''" — '''Michelle Whitman''', Attorney, [https://dandell.com/settlements/ Danziger & De Llano]
|}

== Which Occupations and Exposures Qualify for W.R. Grace Claims? ==

W.R. Grace exposure occurred through multiple pathways beyond traditional industrial occupations.

=== Occupational Exposure ===

'''Mining and Processing:'''
* Libby, Montana mine workers
* Vermiculite processing facility employees
* Transportation and shipping workers

'''Construction Trades:'''
* [https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/mesothelioma/exposed-occupations/shipyard-workers/ Insulation installers]
* General contractors
* Renovation and remodeling workers
* Demolition workers

'''Building Maintenance:'''
* Facility maintenance workers
* HVAC technicians
* Property managers

=== Residential and Community Exposure ===

'''Homeowner Exposure:'''
* DIY installation of Zonolite attic insulation
* Disturbance of existing Zonolite during renovations
* Living in homes with deteriorating Zonolite

'''Libby Community Exposure:'''
* Residents exposed through environmental contamination
* Family members of mine workers (secondary exposure)
* Children who played in contaminated areas
* Anyone who lived in Libby during mine operation

{| style="width:100%; background:#cce5ff; border:1px solid #007bff; border-left:5px solid #007bff; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#004085;" | '''ℹ️ EPA Zonolite Attic Insulation Program:''' The EPA established the [https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/exposure-locations/asbestos-in-the-home/ Zonolite Attic Insulation (ZAI) Trust] to help homeowners address Zonolite contamination. This is separate from the W.R. Grace asbestos personal injury trust for disease victims.
|}

== How Do You File a Claim with the W.R. Grace Trust? ==

The W.R. Grace Trust offers two primary claim review options:

=== Expedited Review ===
* '''Processing Time:''' Typically 90 days to 6 months
* '''Payment:''' Fixed amount based on disease category
* '''Best For:''' Straightforward cases with clear Zonolite/Libby exposure
* '''Advantage:''' Faster payment, simpler documentation

=== Individual Review ===
* '''Processing Time:''' 6-18 months
* '''Payment:''' Potentially higher based on individual circumstances
* '''Best For:''' Complex cases, exceptional damages, unique exposure patterns
* '''Considerations:''' Severity, economic losses, exposure duration

=== Required Documentation ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin:1em 0;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:left;" | Document Type
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:left;" | Purpose
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Pathology report
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Confirms mesothelioma or asbestos disease diagnosis
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Medical records
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Documents disease progression and treatment history
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Employment/residence history
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Establishes Zonolite exposure or Libby connection
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Product identification
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Links exposure to Zonolite or W.R. Grace products
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#f8f9fa; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Witness statements
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Co-worker or family affidavits confirming exposure
|-
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff;" | Death certificate
| style="padding:10px; background:#ffffff;" | Required for wrongful death claims
|}

== Can You File Both a W.R. Grace Trust Claim and a Lawsuit? ==

Yes. Filing a W.R. Grace Trust claim does not prevent pursuing additional [https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-law-lawsuits/mesothelioma-settlements-lawsuits-trust-funds/ compensation through other channels]:

'''Additional Compensation Sources:'''
* '''Other Trust Funds:''' Most victims qualify for [https://mesotheliomaattorney.com/mesothelioma/trust-funds/ 5-15 different trusts]
* '''Lawsuits:''' Against solvent companies that haven't declared bankruptcy
* '''VA Benefits:''' Veterans may receive [https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-veterans/ disability compensation]
* '''Workers' Compensation:''' Available in most states
* '''Social Security Disability:''' For qualifying conditions

{| style="width:100%; background:#e8f4f8; border:1px solid #1a5276; border-left:5px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0; padding:15px;"
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | "''The W.R. Grace Trust's $57,000 mesothelioma payment is often the largest single trust payment our clients receive. But it's still just one piece of comprehensive compensation. We help families recover from all available sources—the total is usually much more than any single trust.''" — '''David Foster''', Client Advocate, [https://dandell.com/family-caregiver-resources/how-we-support-mesothelioma-patients-and-families-legal-help-you-can-trust/ Danziger & De Llano]
|}

== What Is the Document Destruction Controversy? ==

In early 2025, the W.R. Grace Trust joined other major asbestos trusts in announcing plans to destroy historical claim records.

=== Timeline ===

* '''January 2025:''' W.R. Grace Trust issues Notice of Destruction
* '''April 11, 2025:''' 15 state Attorneys General demand halt to destruction
* '''April 15, 2025:''' Destruction begins

=== State Attorney General Concerns ===

The [https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/blog/ 15-state coalition] raised objections:
* Documents essential for fraud prevention
* Records support transparency in asbestos litigation
* Destruction may undermine state transparency laws
* Historical data valuable for future claimants

{| style="width:100%; background:#f8d7da; border:1px solid #dc3545; border-left:5px solid #dc3545; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#721c24;" | '''⛔ Immediate Action Required:''' If you or a family member was exposed to Zonolite, worked in Libby, Montana, or had any contact with W.R. Grace products, preserve all documentation now and [https://dandell.com/contact-us/ file claims immediately].
|}

== Related Wiki Pages ==

* [[Asbestos Trust Funds Master Database]]
* [[Johns Manville Trust]]
* [[Owens Corning Trust]]
* [[Pittsburgh Corning Trust]]
* [[Statute of Limitations Guide]]
* [[Evidence Preservation Guide]]
* [[Secondary Exposure Guide]]

== Get Help Filing Your W.R. Grace Trust Claim ==

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== References and Citations ==
* [https://dandell.com/asbestos-trust-funds/wr-grace-asbestos-trust-payments-lawsuits/ W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust Payments & Lawsuits] - Danziger & De Llano
* [https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-asbestos-trust-fund-payouts/ Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts Guide] - Danziger & De Llano
* [https://dandell.com/asbestos-trust-funds/asbestos-trust-funds-support-families/ How Asbestos Trust Funds Support Families] - Danziger & De Llano
* [https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/w-r-grace-co/ W.R. Grace & Co.: Asbestos Exposure, Lawsuits, Trust] - Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
* [https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-asbestos-trust-funds/ Trust Funds for Asbestos Victims] - Mesothelioma.net
* [https://mesotheliomaattorney.com/mesothelioma/trust-funds/ Mesothelioma Trust Funds] - MesotheliomaAttorney.com

This article draws from W.R. Grace Trust documentation, U.S. Bankruptcy Court records, EPA Superfund documentation, U.S. Department of Justice press releases, and historical corporate records. Payment percentages and asset levels current as of January 2025.

[[Category:Asbestos Trust Funds]]
[[Category:Mesothelioma Compensation]]
[[Category:W.R. Grace]]
[[Category:Zonolite]]
[[Category:Libby Montana]]
[[Category:Bankruptcy Trusts]]