Sikorsky Aircraft Asbestos Exposure — Stratford, Connecticut
Introduction
Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut is a documented asbestos exposure site where workers in helicopter manufacturing and assembly from the late 1930s through the 1980s were regularly exposed to asbestos-containing brake linings, gaskets, adhesives, heat shields, and insulation materials. Learn more about what mesothelioma is and how asbestos causes it.
Sikorsky is a recurring defendant in Connecticut asbestos litigation. Published Connecticut settlement records include approximately $1.74 million for a former Sikorsky electrician and $1.13 million for a plant worker. A landmark Connecticut case — Bagley v. Adel Wiggins Group — involved a Sikorsky manufacturing engineer who died of mesothelioma after handling FM-37 epoxy, an asbestos-containing adhesive applied to helicopter rotor blades.
If you worked at Sikorsky Aircraft and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma attorneys today. Founding partner Edward Jazlowiecki's Chemical Engineering degree gives the firm a technical understanding of the asbestos-containing materials used in helicopter manufacturing that most attorneys cannot provide.
Sikorsky Aircraft — History and Background
- •1923 — Founded in Stratford, Connecticut by Igor Sikorsky
- •1939 — Igor Sikorsky flies the VS-300, the first practical helicopter
- •World War II — Supplied military helicopters to U.S. and Allied forces
- •Late 1930s — Begins using asbestos in aircraft manufacturing
- •1970s–1980s — Workers in blade shop confirm exposure to asbestos-containing FM-37 adhesive
- •2015 — Acquired by Lockheed Martin
- •Today — Manufactures the Black Hawk, CH-53K King Stallion, and Marine One presidential helicopter
How Were Workers Exposed to Asbestos at Sikorsky?
Asbestos-Containing Materials Used in Helicopter Manufacturing
- •Brake linings and brake pads — asbestos brake components that released dust when cut or ground
- •Gaskets and seals — asbestos gaskets throughout engine and mechanical systems
- •Heat shields — asbestos-containing shields fitted to engine and exhaust systems
- •FM-37 adhesive — asbestos-containing epoxy (8.6% asbestos) applied to helicopter rotor blades; confirmed in the Bagley case
- •Insulation materials — asbestos used throughout helicopter airframe construction
- •Fireproofing compounds — asbestos applied to structural components
The Blade Shop — A Particularly Hazardous Work Area
Workers in Sikorsky's blade shop faced some of the most direct asbestos exposure at the facility. FM-37 adhesive containing 8.6% asbestos was used to bond rotor blade components. Workers who sanded, trimmed, or worked with this adhesive generated significant quantities of asbestos dust. This exposure was documented in the 1979-1980 period.
Jobs with Highest Asbestos Exposure at Sikorsky
- •Blade shop workers — direct exposure to asbestos-containing FM-37 adhesive on rotor blades
- •Assembly workers — worked with asbestos brake linings, gaskets, and heat shields
- •Maintenance technicians — serviced components containing asbestos
- •Electricians — worked around asbestos insulation throughout the facility
- •Construction and renovation workers — disturbed asbestos-containing building materials
Key Connecticut Cases — Sikorsky Asbestos Litigation
Bagley v. Adel Wiggins Group: A Sikorsky manufacturing engineer died of mesothelioma after sanding FM-37 epoxy adhesive (8.6% asbestos) on helicopter rotor blades. His family won an $804,777 jury verdict. The Connecticut Supreme Court later reversed the verdict, requiring more specific expert testimony on respirable fiber release — illustrating why technical expertise is critical in these cases.
Published Connecticut settlements for Sikorsky workers:
- •Approximately $1.74 million — former electrician, Sikorsky service 1960-1970
- •Approximately $1.13 million — plant worker, exposure 1979-2005
Why Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki LLC?
The Bagley case illustrates exactly why technical expertise matters in Sikorsky asbestos litigation. Founding partner Edward Jazlowiecki's Chemical Engineering degree means our firm understands the science of asbestos fiber release from adhesives, brake linings, and composite materials. We handle these cases on contingency — no fee unless we win. View our results.
Frequently Asked Questions
I worked in Sikorsky's blade shop in the 1970s and 1980s. Should I be concerned about asbestos exposure?+−
Yes. The blade shop is one of the most documented areas of asbestos exposure at Sikorsky due to the use of FM-37 adhesive on rotor blades. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis — or are experiencing respiratory symptoms — seek medical evaluation and contact us.
Sikorsky is now owned by Lockheed Martin. Can I still file a claim?+−
Yes. The corporate acquisition does not extinguish claims arising from historic asbestos exposure. Most claims target the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products used at the facility — many of which have established bankruptcy trusts.
I worked at Sikorsky as a contractor. Do I have the same rights as a direct employee?+−
Yes. Contractors exposed to asbestos at Sikorsky have the same right to pursue compensation as direct employees. The relevant question is your exposure to asbestos-containing products — not your employment status.
Contact Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki LLC — Free Case Evaluation
If you or a family member worked at Sikorsky Aircraft and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki LLC today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Visit our mesothelioma lawyers page to learn more, or submit a free case evaluation online.
Call: (860) 589-8000 — available 24/7
Email: Info@Jazlowiecki.com
No fee unless we win. Connecticut statute of limitations: 3 years from date of diagnosis.