Gulf States Steel — Gadsden, Alabama

Plaintiffs alleged in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation that workers at Gulf States Steel Company’s integrated steel manufacturing complex in Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama, sustained occupational asbestos exposure during steelmaking operations from the facility’s opening in 1929 through its closure in 1996.

Facility Background

Gulf States Steel operated an integrated steel mill in Gadsden on the Coosa River, producing structural steel, bar products, and wire rod. The plant was a major employer in the Gadsden area for decades. Ownership changed several times over the plant’s history, including periods under Republic Steel and other corporate affiliates, before the facility closed in 1996 following bankruptcy.

Plaintiffs alleged that integrated steel operations at the Gadsden complex required extensive use of asbestos insulation, refractory materials, and asbestos-containing gaskets and seals throughout the plant’s steelmaking, rolling, and utility systems.

Alleged Asbestos Pathways

Plaintiffs alleged in litigation that asbestos exposure occurred through multiple pathways:

  • Blast furnace insulation and refractory: Plaintiffs alleged that workers maintaining blast furnace hot stoves, stove valves, and associated piping encountered asbestos-containing insulation and refractory products.
  • Rolling mill steam systems: Plaintiffs alleged that pipefitters, millwrights, and maintenance mechanics working on steam heating and process systems in the rolling mills encountered asbestos pipe covering and gaskets.
  • Boiler plant operations: Plaintiffs alleged that boilermakers and power plant workers maintaining the steam generating facilities encountered asbestos insulation on boilers, steam lines, and associated equipment.
  • Electrical equipment: Plaintiffs alleged that electricians working on high-temperature electrical equipment in the steelmaking areas encountered asbestos-containing components.

Alabama has a two-year statute of limitations under Ala. Code § 6-2-38(l), running from the date of mesothelioma diagnosis under the discovery rule. Wrongful death claims carry a two-year limit under Ala. Code § 6-5-410.

Workers who were employed at Gulf States Steel and who have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease may have legal remedies available. Contact O’Brien Law Firm at (314) 237-3332 to discuss your work history and legal options at no cost.