Hercules Inc. — Wilmington, Delaware

Plaintiffs alleged in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation that workers at Hercules Incorporated chemical manufacturing, research, and administrative facilities in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware, sustained occupational asbestos exposure during industrial operations.

Facility Background

Hercules Incorporated, originally established as Hercules Powder Company in 1912 as a spinoff of E.I. du Pont de Nemours, was headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and operated chemical manufacturing facilities in Delaware and throughout the United States. The company produced explosives, resins, specialty chemicals, and later diversified into aerospace propellants, rosin-based chemicals, and specialty fibers.

Plaintiffs alleged that Hercules’ manufacturing facilities — which involved high-temperature chemical processing, steam systems, and extensive process equipment — used asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and materials consistent with industrial practices of the mid-twentieth century.

Alleged Asbestos Pathways

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

  • Process piping and vessel insulation: Plaintiffs alleged that workers maintaining process piping, reactors, and vessels at Hercules facilities encountered asbestos pipe covering, block insulation, and blankets during operations and maintenance.
  • Steam and utility systems: Plaintiffs alleged that the steam-generating and distribution systems serving chemical manufacturing operations used asbestos-containing insulation throughout.
  • Research laboratory facilities: Plaintiffs alleged that laboratory workers in older Hercules research buildings encountered asbestos-containing laboratory bench tops, hoods, and building insulation.
  • Maintenance and construction work: Plaintiffs alleged that maintenance mechanics, pipefitters, and outside contractors performing building and equipment maintenance encountered asbestos-containing materials throughout Hercules facilities.
  • Explosive and propellant manufacturing: Plaintiffs alleged that specialty chemical and propellant manufacturing operations used asbestos-containing protective materials and insulation in high-temperature processing areas.

Delaware has a two-year statute of limitations under 10 Del. C. § 8119, running from the date of mesothelioma diagnosis under the discovery rule. Wrongful death claims carry a two-year limit under 10 Del. C. § 3724.

Workers who were employed at Hercules Inc. facilities in Delaware 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.