Burnham Corporation History

Burnham Corporation, founded in 1873, initially manufactured steam and hot water boilers. Over time, the company incorporated asbestos into its products, leading to widespread exposure. Despite ceasing asbestos use, the company remains entangled in mesothelioma and related lawsuits. The company’s history is rooted in the greenhouse industry, where its innovations paved the way for efficient heating. Mergers and transformations led to the creation of the Burnham Boiler Company, which later became Burnham Corporation.

Asbestos Use at Burnham Corporation

Asbestos components were prevalent in Burnham’s boilers and HVAC products. This cost-effective material provided durability and heat resistance but posed health risks when disturbed during maintenance. Boilermakers, construction workers, HVAC technicians, pipefitters, and more were at risk of exposure. As a result, the company faces ongoing asbestos litigation, with significant financial implications, including uninsured litigation costs and large verdicts against the company.

Lawsuits Against the Company

Recent lawsuits highlight the impact of asbestos exposure on individuals like Arthur Whelan, a plumber and mechanic, and Pietro Macaluso, a demolition worker. These cases have resulted in substantial verdicts against Burnham Corporation, underlining the continued legal challenges the company faces due to its asbestos legacy. Another case against Burnham was Weakley vs. Burnham Corporation. According to Casetext, Basil F. Weakley, Jr., held a job as a boiler service worker in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region from approximately 1964 to 1979. Several years after his employment, he was diagnosed with asbestosis. Weakley initiated a legal action against eight boiler manufacturers including Burnham Corporation, asserting claims of negligence, failure to provide adequate warnings, and strict liability. He argued that these manufacturers bore legal responsibility for his asbestosis and should be liable for damages. Nevertheless, the Superior Court issued three distinct rulings, granting summary judgment in favor of the manufacturers. The primary reason behind these judgments was Weakley’s inability to produce sufficient evidence establishing a causal link between the manufacturers and his asbestosis.