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Although it is not usually possible for a worker or former employee to seek compensation for the lung condition pleural plaques, it is possible to make a pleural thickening claim for this related, but more severe, industrial illness which results from breathing in asbestos fibres.
The membrane which surround the lungs and lines the inside of the rib cage is known as the pleura and it is possible that when someone is working with asbestos, or comes in contact with it, the tiny fibres released by the material may be absorbed into the lungs and end up in the pleura where scarring or fibrosis may develop.
If small spread-out areas of pleural thickening result, then this is known as pleural plaques and will not usually interfere with a victim's breathing or long-term health. It has been adjudged not to be sufficiently serious a medical condition to become the cause of a compensation claim for personal injury damages unless it is a direct precursor of another illness.
Diffuse pleural thickening is defined as widespread and/or continuous scarring of the lung lining and can be diagnosed on a CT scan or x-ray.
Sufferers from pleural thickening are unlikely to develop cancer but it may be an additional symptom of those with the malignant disease asbestosis. The breathlessness associated with conditions of the pleura may lead to, or make worse, other medical conditions.
Anyone who has worked with asbestos or suspects they may have been at risk of breathing in the fibres should ensure they regularly have chest x-rays. Even if the exposure has been many years earlier, the latent fibres can continue to cause scarring, leading to later problems.
Although pleural thickening is often a sign of exposure to asbestos and sufferers from it may go on to develop more serious asbestos-related diseases, there are other causes for the development of this chest scarring including lung conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, lupus, drugs and rheumatoid lung disease.
Compensation for exposure to asbestos in a work-related situation is regulated by legislation. The Industrial Injuries and Disablement Benefit scheme helps those suffering from work-related industrial illness, but advice from a lawyer experienced in handling work-related personal injury claims will ensure that if the exposure to asbestos has been as a result of the negligence of someone that person can be held responsible.
Free legal advice about pleural thickening
Contact YouClaim today and we will assess your pleural thickening claim for compensation. Our associated personal injury solicitors are experts in their field and, as well as having extensive experience in dealing with damages cases for work-related illnesses such as those connected with asbestos exposure, they also have an excellent claim success rate.
We understand the issues and traumas facing those suffering from pleural thickening and the stress which can be caused by knowing that a more serious illness could occur. You can be sure of receiving sympathetic attention and will have everything explained to you in plain English.
Our panel of no win, no fee solicitors, who work throughout the UK, can consult independent industrial illness experts who will advise on your case. They can also trace expert witnesses, who may include former colleagues able to help to support your case by providing evidence.
As well as working on a no win, no fee basis, we guarantee that you will receive 100% compensation if you win your personal injury case for having suffered an industrial illness through no fault of your own.
To fin out about how to start a pleural thickening claim for compensation, call one of our helpful legal advisers on 0800 10 757 95, chat to us online, or complete the form on this web page.
