Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos Claims

Cancer

Pleural Plaques

Pleural Thickening

Mesothelioma

• Compensation
  
• Symptoms
  
• Treatment
  
• Solicitors
  

Asbestosis

• Damages
  
• Lawyer
  

Pleural plaques is the most common type of asbestos related illness and is a non-malignant disease caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres that scar the pleura which is the thin membrane lining the lung and chest cavity. Small areas of pleural scarring are called plaques and the scarring of a large area of the lining of the lung is called diffuse pleural thickening. It normally takes at least 10 years after the first exposure to develop asbestos related disease however it can take over 30 years from first exposure to diagnosis by X-ray or CT scan. While there may be no symptoms suffered by a person with these conditions, it is more likely that someone with this injury will experience shortness of breath. Over time, the amount of the lining of the lung that becomes scarred can grow, constricting the lungs and making it more difficult to breath as time passes. These asbestos related diseases are permanent and progressive with no cure. It is generally recommended that anyone who has been occupationally exposed to asbestos have a chest x-ray taken every 18 to 24 months and that it is reviewed by someone experienced in diagnosing asbestos related diseases. Even after exposure to asbestos has ceased, scarring continues to occur due to the body's interaction with retained asbestos fibres. Asbestos-related pleural disease is often seen in conjunction with asbestosis which is scarring in the lung itself caused by asbestos fibres.

The Department of Work and Pensions will not pay benefits for plaques, as they do not accept that they cause any disability however civil compensation can be still be claimed. In most cases an award of provisional damages can be obtained which gives compensation for the condition and the anxiety caused on the basis that there will be no deterioration, but enables the victim to return and seek additional compensation should any more serious asbestos related condition develop.

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 civil claim. 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.

We are a network of personal injury solicitors and if you are suffering from an asbestos related disease we can help you to claim compensation 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 advice on risk free asbestos related disease claims from accredited experts just complete the contact form and a specialist member of The Law Society panel of personal injury experts will telephone you with absolutely no obligation.