Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust: How to Claim an Award

W.R. Grace has a trust for alleged property damage caused by Zonolite Attic Insulation (ZAI), which contains asbestos. This settlement aims to provide partial reimbursement to property owners who incurred expenses for the removal or containment of ZAI. The settlement fund will operate for a minimum of 20 years, ensuring ongoing support for eligible claimants.

Can I Claim an Award?

To be eligible for the settlement, you must have owned or rented a property where Zonolite Attic Insulation was installed. The insulation must be proven to be the Zonolite brand, which is a specific type of vermiculite insulation containing asbestos. Approximately 75% of vermiculite used in homes is the Zonolite brand, making it likely that your insulation qualifies.

Eligible claimants must have incurred expenses for the removal, abatement, or containment of the Zonolite Attic Insulation. The Trust will reimburse up to 55% of these costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $4,934.72. For example, if you spent $8,972.33 on removal and replacement, you could receive the maximum reimbursement. If your expenses were $3,000, you might be eligible for $1,650 (55% of $3,000).

• Homeowners who have removed or contained Zonolite Attic Insulation
• Renters who have incurred expenses for the removal or containment of Zonolite Attic Insulation

What Can I Claim?

The Trust provides reimbursement for expenses related to the removal, abatement, or containment of Zonolite Attic Insulation. This includes the costs of reinsulating the space where the ZAI was removed. However, it does not cover expenses for general upgrades or remodeling unrelated to the ZAI abatement.

Claimants are encouraged to submit all documented allowable expenses for vermiculite removal and reinsulation, even if these costs exceed the maximum allowed claim value of $8,972.33. The Trust will review and reimburse up to the allowable limit.

• Vermiculite Removal: Up to 55% of the removal costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $4,934.72
• Reinsulation: Costs associated with reinsulating the space after vermiculite removal, subject to the same reimbursement limits

Which Costs does the Trust Cover?

The settlement specifically covers the removal, abatement, or containment of Zonolite Attic Insulation. This includes:

• Vermiculite removal
• Reinsulation costs
• Containment measures

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Claimants must provide evidence that the vermiculite insulation is the Zonolite brand. This can be done through:

• Laboratory results confirming the presence of Zonolite
• Photos of Zonolite bags found in the attic
• Receipts or invoices showing the purchase or installation of Zonolite

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you must complete the claim form and submit it along with the required documentation. You can file a claim online.

Ensure you provide all necessary documentation, including before and after photos, contractor proposals and invoices, and proof of payment. Claims are processed in the order they are received, so it is advisable to submit your claim as soon as possible.

How Do I Get Paid?

Once your claim is approved, you can expect to receive your reimbursement within 45 days. Payments are made in batches, and the time it takes to process your claim depends on the volume of claims received and the completeness of your documentation.

How Much has Zonolite Paid in Trust Claims?

The fund was allocated to reimburse claimants for their expenses related to the removal, abatement, or containment of Zonolite Attic Insulation.

Trust claims paid by year:

• 2014
• Number of Claims Paid: 124
• Total Amount Paid: $361,972.89
• Average Paid per Claim: $2,919.14
• Range: $104.50 - $4,125.00
• Extraordinary Claims Paid: 5
• Total Amount: $100,000.00

• 2015
• Number of Claims Paid: 666
• Total Amount Paid: $2,110,292.02
• Average Paid per Claim: $3,168.61
• Range: $67.70 - $4,125.00
• Extraordinary Claims Paid: 3
• Total Amount: $25,055.00

• 2016
• Number of Claims Paid: 993
• Total Amount Paid: $3,364,011.83
• Average Paid per Claim: $3,387.73
• Range: $110.00 - $4,125.00
• Extraordinary Claims Paid: 5
• Total Amount: $100,000.00

• 2017
• Number of Claims Paid: 1,471
• Total Amount Paid: $5,011,212.92
• Average Paid per Claim: $3,406.67
• Range: $165.00 - $4,125.00
• Extraordinary Claims Paid: 20
• Total Amount: $100,000.00

• 2018
• Number of Claims Paid: 1,265
• Total Amount Paid: $4,352,401.03
• Average Paid per Claim: $3,440.63
• Range: $259.85 - $4,125.00
• Extraordinary Claims Paid: 20
• Total Amount: $100,000.00

• 2019
• Number of Claims Paid: 1,604
• Total Amount Paid: $5,593,520.03
• Average Paid per Claim: $3,487.23
• Range: $220.00 - $4,203.37
• Extraordinary Claims Paid: 20
• Total Amount: $100,000.00

• 2020
• Number of Claims Paid: 1,708
• Total Amount Paid: $6,101,817.65
• Average Paid per Claim: $3,435.77
• Range: $275.00 - $4,270.62
• Extraordinary Claims Paid: 20
• Total Amount: $91,750.00

• 2021
• Number of Claims Paid: 1,390
• Total Amount Paid: $5,066,057.82
• Average Paid per Claim: $3,644.65
• Range: $412.50 - $4,330.42
• Extraordinary Claims Paid: 20
• Total Amount: $100,000.00

• 2022
• Number of Claims Paid: 1,580
• Total Amount Paid: $6,135,173.59
• Average Paid per Claim: $3,883.02
• Range: $365.75 - $4,633.54
• Extraordinary Claims Paid: 20
• Total Amount: $100,000.00