USG Trust 2026: Filing Claims for Building Products and Drywall Asbestos Exposure

The USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust compensates workers and others who developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos-containing building products manufactured by USG Corporation [1]. As one of America's largest building materials companies, USG's joint compound, drywall products, and acoustical tiles were used in millions of construction projects—exposing countless workers to asbestos fibers. If you have mesothelioma and worked with USG products, you may be entitled to trust fund compensation.

Executive Summary

The USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was established in 2006 following USG Corporation's bankruptcy reorganization to compensate individuals harmed by asbestos in USG products [1]. USG manufactured joint compound, drywall, acoustical ceiling tiles, and other building materials containing asbestos from the 1930s through the 1970s [4]. Workers who installed, sanded, or removed these products—including drywall installers, construction workers, plasterers, and building maintenance personnel—faced significant asbestos exposure. The trust uses a claims resolution process with both expedited and individual review options. Most mesothelioma patients can file USG Trust claims alongside claims with other trusts, potentially recovering compensation from 10-20 different sources [3].

8 Key Facts About the USG Asbestos Trust

Trust Established: 2006 following USG Corporation bankruptcy reorganization [1]
Primary Products: Joint compound (drywall mud), acoustical ceiling tiles, plaster products
Asbestos Years: 1930s-1970s for most products [4]
Workers Affected: Drywall installers, construction workers, plasterers, maintenance personnel
Review Options: Expedited review (faster, fixed amounts) or individual review (potentially higher payments)
Other Trusts: USG claims can be filed alongside 10-20+ other trust fund claims [3]
Filing Deadline: Claims must be filed within applicable statute of limitations
Legal Help: Experienced attorneys typically recover significantly more than self-filed claims

What Is the USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust?

The USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was created as part of USG Corporation's 2006 bankruptcy reorganization to resolve current and future asbestos personal injury claims [1]. When a company faces overwhelming asbestos liabilities, federal bankruptcy law allows it to establish a trust funded with assets to compensate victims.

USG Corporation Background

USG Corporation was one of America's largest building products manufacturers:

Founded in 1901, headquartered in Chicago
Manufactured drywall, joint compound, ceiling systems, and other building materials
Products were used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction nationwide
Used asbestos in various products from the 1930s through the 1970s
Filed for bankruptcy protection in 2001 due to asbestos litigation
Emerged from bankruptcy in 2006 with trust established

Millions

Buildings constructed with USG asbestos-containing products across the United States

How the Trust Works

The USG Trust operates under a Trust Distribution Procedure (TDP) that establishes:

Disease categories with scheduled payment values
Medical and exposure criteria for eligibility
Review processes (expedited and individual)
Payment percentages based on trust assets

"The USG Trust is one of many trusts my clients file claims with. USG products were so widely used in construction that workers often had USG exposure alongside exposure to products from Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, and other manufacturers. We identify all applicable trusts to maximize recovery."
— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

What USG Products Contained Asbestos?

USG manufactured numerous products containing asbestos fibers, which were added for heat resistance, strength, and fire protection [4]. The asbestos products database contains detailed product information.

Joint Compound (Drywall Mud)

USG's joint compound was one of its most widely used asbestos-containing products:

Used to finish seams between drywall panels
Required mixing from powder form, releasing asbestos dust
Sanding dried joint compound created heavy asbestos exposure
Millions of buildings used USG joint compound during construction

Acoustical Ceiling Products

USG's ceiling tiles and systems often contained asbestos:

Acoustical ceiling tiles for sound absorption
Lay-in ceiling panels for suspended ceiling systems
Ceiling texture products and spray-on acoustical treatments

Other Building Products

Additional USG asbestos-containing products included:

Plaster and stucco products
Fireproofing compounds
Textured wall coatings
Specialty building materials

Product Category	Common Applications	Exposure Risk
Joint Compound	Drywall finishing, patching, texturing	Very High (mixing/sanding)
Acoustical Tiles	Ceiling systems, sound insulation	High (cutting/installation)
Plaster Products	Wall finishing, decorative applications	High (mixing/application)
Fireproofing	Structural protection, insulation	Very High (spray application)

Who Qualifies for USG Trust Compensation?

Workers across multiple trades encountered USG asbestos products. The occupational exposure index provides additional information on high-risk occupations.

Eligible Workers

You may qualify for USG Trust compensation if you worked as:

Drywall installers: Hanging, taping, and finishing drywall
Construction workers: General construction with building materials
Plasterers: Applying plaster and stucco products
Ceiling installers: Installing acoustical ceiling systems
Painters: Surface preparation and finishing work
Building maintenance: Repairs involving disturbing older materials
Demolition workers: Removing asbestos-containing materials

Eligibility Requirements

To file a USG Trust claim, you must demonstrate [2]:

Medical criteria: Diagnosis of mesothelioma or other qualifying asbestos-related disease
Exposure criteria: Evidence of exposure to USG asbestos-containing products
Site identification: Documentation of worksites where USG products were used
Timing requirements: Claim filed within applicable statute of limitations

"Many of my clients don't realize they worked with USG products because they remember the brand names differently—'drywall mud' or 'ceiling tiles' rather than 'USG joint compound.' We research product histories and worksite records to identify all USG exposure that supports their claims."
— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

How to File a USG Trust Claim

The claims process involves gathering documentation, selecting a review option, and submitting your claim. The trust fund filing guidance provides additional details.

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation

You'll need to compile:

Medical records: Pathology report confirming mesothelioma diagnosis
Work history: Employment records, W-2s, Social Security records
Exposure evidence: Documentation showing USG products at your worksites
Supporting statements: Co-worker affidavits, site history records

Step 2: Choose a Review Option

The USG Trust offers two claim review processes [2]:

Expedited Review:

Faster processing (typically 4-8 weeks after approval)
Fixed payment amounts based on disease category
Requires meeting basic medical and exposure criteria
Good option when documentation is straightforward

Individual Review:

Longer processing time (6-12 months)
Payments based on individual circumstances
May result in higher compensation for strong cases
Considers severity of illness, exposure evidence, and damages

Step 3: Submit Your Claim

Claims must include:

Completed claim form
Medical documentation
Proof of USG product exposure
Work history verification
Any additional supporting evidence

Step 4: Claim Review and Payment

After submission:

Trust reviews claim for completeness and eligibility
May request additional documentation
Approved claims receive payment based on current payment percentage
Payment typically issued via check or electronic transfer

10-20+

Trust funds most mesothelioma patients can file claims with, including USG

Maximizing Your USG Trust Recovery

Several strategies can help you recover the maximum compensation from the USG Trust. The trust fund claim optimization guide provides additional strategies.

Document All USG Product Exposure

Thorough documentation strengthens your claim:

List all worksites where you used or encountered USG products
Identify specific USG products by name when possible
Obtain co-worker statements verifying USG product use
Research site histories for product purchase records

Consider Individual Review for Strong Cases

Individual review may yield higher compensation when:

You have extensive documentation of USG exposure
Your exposure was prolonged and intense
You have significant economic damages (lost wages, medical expenses)
Your case involves compelling circumstances

File with All Applicable Trusts

Most mesothelioma patients qualify for multiple trust fund claims:

Johns-Manville Trust — Insulation products
Owens Corning Trust — Insulation and building products
Pittsburgh Corning Trust — Industrial insulation
W.R. Grace Trust — Zonolite and fireproofing

Over $30 billion remains in asbestos bankruptcy trusts for qualified claimants.

Work with Experienced Attorneys

Mesothelioma attorneys offer significant advantages:

Identify all applicable trusts based on your exposure history
Access product databases to document exposure
Navigate complex filing requirements
Maximize recovery through proper claim strategy
Handle claims on contingency (no payment unless you recover)

"With my CPA background, I understand how to analyze trust fund financials and optimize claim values. The USG Trust is just one piece of the puzzle—we identify every trust a client qualifies for and pursue maximum compensation from each source."
— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust?

The USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was established in 2006 as part of USG Corporation's bankruptcy reorganization. It compensates individuals who developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases from exposure to USG's asbestos-containing building products, including joint compound, drywall, and acoustical ceiling tiles.

What USG products contained asbestos?

USG manufactured numerous asbestos-containing products including joint compound (drywall mud), acoustical ceiling tiles, textured coatings, plaster products, and fireproofing materials. USG was one of the largest building products manufacturers in the United States, and its products were used in millions of residential and commercial buildings.

Who qualifies for USG Trust compensation?

You may qualify if you have a mesothelioma diagnosis and can demonstrate exposure to USG asbestos-containing products. This includes drywall installers, construction workers, plasterers, building maintenance workers, and even homeowners who performed DIY renovations with USG products containing asbestos.

How much does the USG Trust pay for mesothelioma claims?

USG Trust payment values vary based on disease severity and the current payment percentage. Mesothelioma claims receive the highest scheduled values. The trust periodically adjusts payment percentages based on remaining assets and projected future claims. An experienced attorney can help maximize your recovery.

How long does it take to receive payment from the USG Trust?

Expedited review claims typically receive payment within 4-8 weeks after approval. Individual review claims, which may result in higher payments for strong cases, can take 6-12 months. Working with an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help ensure your claim is processed efficiently.

Can I file a USG Trust claim if I also file other trust fund claims?

Yes. Most mesothelioma patients qualify for claims against multiple trusts. If you were exposed to asbestos products from several manufacturers—which is common in construction work—you can file separate claims with each applicable trust. The USG Trust claim does not prevent you from pursuing other trust fund compensation.

Next Steps: Filing Your USG Trust Claim

If you have mesothelioma and worked with USG building products, you may be entitled to compensation from the USG Trust and potentially many other trusts. Time limits apply, so prompt action is important.

Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys specialize in asbestos trust fund claims. We identify all applicable trusts, gather necessary documentation, and maximize your recovery from every available source.

Related Resources

Asbestos Trust Funds: $30 Billion Available in 2026 — Complete trust fund overview
Asbestos Trust Fund Guide — Detailed filing information
Find Mesothelioma Lawyers by State — Connect with specialists
Free Case Assessment — Get a personalized evaluation

Learn More About Trust Funds

USG Trust Overview — Detailed trust information
Asbestos Trust Funds — Complete trust fund guide
Trust Fund Filing Guidance — Claims process details

Sources:

USG Corporation Bankruptcy Reorganization Plan. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware. (2006).
Asbestos Personal Injury Trust Distribution Procedures. USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust. (2024).
Building Products Industry Asbestos Exposure Study. RAND Institute for Civil Justice. (2024).
Drywall and Joint Compound Asbestos Content Analysis. EPA Historical Product Records. (2023).
Construction Worker Asbestos Exposure Patterns. NIOSH, Journal of Occupational Health. (2024).

Last updated: January 31, 2026