February 7th, 2007

According to a recent report from a UK firm of solicitors, a man from North Yorkshire in the UK has received what has been described as ‘substantial compensation’ from British Rail after he developed a lung problem stemming from exposure to the carcinogenic material from his time working for British Rail from 1956 to 1957.

Sixty-five year-old Geoffrey Stead was responsible for stripping asbestos pipes from old boiler houses – a job he started at the age of just sixteen. After he developed pleural thickening, which is a problem that affects the lungs, he contacted a charity group who suggested that he seek legal assistance, which he did. He has now received compensation for his condition, although there were no details about the exact amount paid out.

He stated: 'When I decided to sue for compensation it was never about the money, it was about getting someone to say they were responsible for making me work in conditions that would damage my health in the future.'

A solicitor working on behalf of Mr. Stead added: 'Unfortunately he is one of many people who have been exposed to asbestos in the past by British Rail to the detriment of their health in the future.'