DIFFUSE PLEURAL THICKENING COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Pleural plaques is caused by exposure to asbestos fibres and is described as a patchy, isolated thickening of the protective membranes that surround the lungs and facilitate movement of the lungs whilst breathing. Whilst the condition is non malignant and is symptom free, it is the most common injury caused by exposure to asbestos fibres which scar the membrane lining the lung and chest cavity. Small isolated areas of scarring of the membrane are called "pleural plaques" whereas scarring of a large area is called "diffuse pleural thickening".
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Long Latency Period
It normally takes at least 10 years after exposure to develop an asbestos related disease which can be diagnosed by X-ray or CT scan. Whilst pleural plaques may be symptom free it is likely that diffuse pleural thickening will cause breathing difficulties. It is recommended that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos in their occupation should have a chest x-ray every two years which is reviewed by an expert in radiological diagnosis of asbestos related diseases. Even after exposure to asbestos has ceased, scarring continues to occur due to the body's interaction with retained asbestos fibres and a latency period of 30 years from exposure to diagnosis of an asbestos related disease is not unusual. Asbestos related pleural disease including diffuse pleural thickening is often seen in conjunction with asbestosis.
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Not Actionable?
It is not possible to claim compensation for pleural plaques notwithstanding substantially increased risk of other more sinister asbestos related diseases together with the inevitable worry, due to the fact the condition is symptom free. It should be noted that there is a distinction between "pleural plaques" and "diffuse pleural thickening" which is actionable. If the areas of "thickening" are not widespread and are in isolated patches then the condition is known as pleural plaques however where the "thickening" or scarring is widespread, covers a larger area and makes breathing difficult then the condition is known as "diffuse pleural thickening" for which compensation can be claimed.
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DWP Benefits
If you suffer from diffuse pleural thickening then you may be entitled to Department of Work and Pensions benefits and to a compensation payment under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers Compensation) Act 1979. This scheme is for those who cannot bring a diffuse pleural thickening compensation claim in the civil courts. [It may be possible to claim compensation in the civil courts against employers, occupiers of buildings or suppliers of asbestos products if it can be established that the disease has been caused by exposure to asbestos and the exposure was due to negligence or a breach of some other legal duty.
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No Win No fee
Our specialist personal injury solicitors can help you to claim using the no win no fee scheme. Compensation is paid in full with no deductions. Our claim service is risk free and you do not have to pay for any expenses. For free advice just use the helpline or complete the contact form and a member of the Law Society panel of personal injury experts will phone you with no further obligation.
In the case of CICA claims terms will vary and in the case of MIB claims terms may vary.