Sumner Simpson Papers: Key Evidence in Asbestos Litigation
The Sumner Simpson Papers are a collection of internal corporate documents that have become pivotal in asbestos-related litigation. These papers, named after Sumner Simpson, the president of Raybestos-Manhattan during the 1930s and 1940s, provide critical evidence of corporate knowledge and deliberate suppression of information regarding the health risks of asbestos exposure. They have been instrumental in proving negligence, liability, and corporate cover-ups in mesothelioma lawsuits and other asbestos-related cases.
The Sumner Simpson Papers date back to the 1930s and 1940s, a period when the asbestos industry was rapidly expanding. Sumner Simpson, as president of Raybestos-Manhattan, corresponded extensively with Vandiver Brown, the top attorney for Johns-Manville, another major asbestos manufacturer. These letters and memos reveal that both companies were aware of the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including asbestosis and lung cancer, long before these dangers were publicly acknowledged.
Key documents from the collection include:
The papers also document the industry's efforts to downplay the dangers of asbestos, including discouraging trade publications from covering the topic and funding confidential research at the Saranac Laboratory to control the narrative around asbestos-related diseases.
The Sumner Simpson Papers have played a crucial role in asbestos litigation, serving as direct evidence of corporate negligence and intentional suppression of health risk information. These documents demonstrate that companies like Raybestos-Manhattan and Johns-Manville were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure but chose to prioritize profits over worker and consumer safety.
In legal cases, the papers have been used to establish:
One notable legal impact of the Sumner Simpson Papers was their role in a South Carolina asbestos damage suit. Judge James Price granted a new trial after these documents were discovered, stating that they showed a "pattern of denial and disease and attempts at suppression of information" that could have led the jury to a different verdict.
Scientifically, the papers highlight the industry's early awareness of asbestos-related diseases, predating many public health studies. They also reveal efforts to manipulate research and control the dissemination of findings, delaying public and regulatory responses to the asbestos crisis.
The Sumner Simpson Papers remain highly relevant in ongoing asbestos litigation and public health discussions. They continue to serve as a cornerstone of evidence in mesothelioma lawsuits, helping victims and their families prove corporate liability and secure compensation. The documents have also shaped public perception of the asbestos industry, highlighting the ethical failures and corporate malfeasance that contributed to the asbestos epidemic.
In addition, the papers have influenced regulatory changes and workplace safety standards. They underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in industries dealing with hazardous materials, serving as a cautionary tale for other sectors.
A significant example of the impact of the Sumner Simpson Papers is their role in the 1978 congressional hearings on asbestos disease. These hearings, prompted in part by the discovery of the papers, brought national attention to the asbestos crisis. Media coverage of the hearings, including stories in the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post, led to a sharp decline in Johns-Manville's stock price and increased public scrutiny of the asbestos industry.
The Sumner Simpson Papers are a critical resource for understanding the history of asbestos litigation and the broader implications of corporate negligence in public health crises. They continue to inform legal strategies, regulatory policies, and public awareness efforts, ensuring that the lessons of the asbestos industry are not forgotten.
