August 7th, 2007

A former vehicle mechanic from the UK has been awarded compensation after exposure to asbestos resulted in damage to a kidney. The man from Nottinghamshire contracted an asbestos related disease, and his case is thought to be the first of its kind. He has been awarded £135,000 ($270,000).

Sixty-seven year-old Graham Mansfield worked for various vehicle companies in the UK as a motor mechanic between 1955 and 1977. As a result of his work he was exposed to asbestos, and this is thought to have caused a related disease known as Retroperitoneal Fibrosis, which affects the kidney.

The asbestos to which he was exposed came from car parts that he worked with while working as a motor mechanic. The defendants in the case tried to make out that the illness was not the result of asbestos exposure, but through the power of elimination medics confirmed that it was indeed the result of asbestos exposure.

After the award Mr. Mansfield stated: "I am very happy with the outcome. I believe it is my right to be compensated for a disease, which I developed through no fault of my own. I have had to deal with a disease which could prematurely end my life and I live with severe pain."