You are in: Home Page | News Desk | News Story


14th February 2007

ASLEF member receives £23,500 for asbestos-related pleural thickening

Asbestos-related condition

An ASLEF member who developed an asbestos-related condition after years working on steam locomotives and electric trains has received £23,500 compensation through the union’s legal service.

Keith Taylor was diagnosed with pleural thickening – a scarring of the lining of the lungs – after working for British Rail and later Virgin Cross Country for most of his working life.

He began aged 16 as a steam locomotive cleaner in 1957 at the Bath Green Park depot before becoming a loco fireman. In both jobs he would disturb the asbestos cladding around the boilers.

In the late 1960s, Bro Taylor became a driver on third rail electric trains working out of Coulsdon North and Dorking. He was exposed to asbestos in the padding between the outer and inner skins of the train cabs and passenger compartments.

Bro Taylor said: "I was in good health until December 2004 when I woke early with a terrible pain in my side. I’ve been a very active person and a keen cyclist since retiring and moving to Plymouth but now I have trouble breathing when I walk up hill. I’m very grateful for the support ASLEF and Thompsons has given me in securing compensation for my condition which was caused by asbestos exposure that no employer warned me about. But I’d rather have my health back."

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or someone you know has developed Diffuse Pleural Thickening or any other asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim.  For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms