Mesothelioma Lawyer for Drywall Finishers + Tapers
Drywall finishers (tapers) sanded asbestos-containing joint compound — USG Bestwall, Gold Bond, Hamilton, others — until the late 1970s. Sanding asbestos joint compound released massive airborne fiber clouds in confined indoor spaces.
USG Bestwall and the Drywall Asbestos Era
From the 1950s through 1977, virtually all major drywall joint compound (also called drywall mud, taping compound) contained asbestos for fire resistance and structural strength. USG (US Gypsum) Bestwall was the largest seller. Drywall finishers (tapers) applied the compound, then sanded smooth — sanding released massive asbestos fiber clouds in confined indoor spaces. Apartment construction, single-family residential, commercial offices, schools — all had asbestos joint compound through 1977.
USG (Bestwall liabilities) eventually filed for bankruptcy and established the USG Asbestos Trust, which has paid billions to drywall finishers and others exposed to Bestwall.
Common Employers — Drywall Finisher / Taper Asbestos Exposure
- Local drywall contractors
- IUPAT signatory contractors
- Independent contractors (most common)
Common Asbestos-Containing Products Encountered
- USG Bestwall asbestos joint compound
- Gold Bond asbestos joint compound
- Hamilton asbestos joint compound
- Asbestos drywall (some products)
Top States for Drywall Finisher / Taper Mesothelioma Claims
- California (massive 1960s-70s residential construction)
- Texas (Sun Belt construction boom)
- Florida (1960s-70s condo boom)
- Arizona (Phoenix growth era)
- Nevada (Las Vegas growth)
Asbestos Trust Funds Available to Drywall Finisher / Taper Claimants
The following asbestos trust funds typically pay claims to drywall finisher / tapers with documented work history and mesothelioma diagnosis. Most claimants qualify for 8–15 trust funds simultaneously.
- USG Asbestos Trust (Bestwall — primary)
- Manville Trust
- Owens Corning Trust
- Celotex Trust
- CertainTeed Trust
How Whitman Mesothelioma Law Firm Helps Drywall Finisher / Tapers
Whitman Mesothelioma Law Firm represents drywall finisher / tapers nationwide who developed mesothelioma from documented occupational asbestos exposure. Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $2 billion for clients. We pursue all available compensation tracks: trust fund claims, lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers, and (where applicable) FELA claims for railroad workers or VA disability for veterans.
Authored by Michelle Whitman, reviewed by Paul Danziger, edited by Rod De Llano.
Frequently Asked Questions — Drywall Finisher / Taper Mesothelioma Claims
I was a drywall taper in the 1970s. Can I file?
Yes. USG Bestwall and other drywall joint compounds contained asbestos through 1977. Drywall finishers sanding asbestos compound were heavily exposed. USG Asbestos Trust pays significant claims to drywall finishers. Plus Manville, OC, Celotex trusts apply.
Have additional questions? Call 1-800-875-3000 or submit a free case evaluation.