Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos Claims

Cancer

Pleural Plaques

Pleural Thickening

Mesothelioma

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• Symptoms
  
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Asbestosis

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Pleural plaques are non-malignant growths caused by exposure to asbestos. They do not cause many symptoms or serious difficulties. They are however, proof of exposure to asbestos. As a result, when a person is diagnosed this can confirm that another disease they are suffering from was contracted through exposure to asbestos.

Anyone diagnosed should be careful to protect their health as they are at greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases because they have had some level of exposure. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing asbestos related diseases.

The pleura are the tissues which line and protect our lungs. There are two layers sometimes called the membranes and a space in between them called the gap. These membranes are essential to healthy functioning lungs as they ensure the lungs move smoothly as we breathe in and out however this illness causes areas to become thickened and less effective because of exposure to asbestos. This problem does not spread to other parts of the body. As yet medical researchers do not know why the tiny asbestos fibres cause this to happen. This condition is diagnosed using chest X-rays or CT scans.

Asbestos fibres can cause widespread fibrosis. This thickening can restrict lung function by making it harder for the lungs to expand and contract. This makes breathing difficult. Thickening is proof of exposure to asbestos and increases the risk of developing more serious chest diseases.

Exposure to asbestos can also cause a benign pleural effusion. This is a build up of fluid in the space between the membranes. These do not always cause any symptoms although some cause chest pains. This condition is treatable but should warn the patient to be vigilant about their respiratory health.

This condition restrict lung function. Lung function can be further restricted by a number of other factors. The exposure to asbestos may have caused a general decrease in lung function as well as causing the plaques to develop. Lung function is also damaged by age and smoking.

A 2006 Court of Appeal decision has now reversed previous law and those with pleural plaques are now precluded from claiming compensation on the grounds that the scarring of the lungs is symptom free notwithstanding an increased risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma in the future. We are however still able to deal with compensation claims for asbestosis or mesothelioma using the no win no fee scheme. Damages are paid in full with no deductions and our claim service is completely risk free. For free advice just complete the contact form and a member of The Law Society panel of personal injury experts will telephone you with no obligation.