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Our expert asbestos pleural thickening claims team have long-standing relationships with many agencies and charities that help people with asbestos related disease, and their families, receive as much assistance and support as possible during a very difficult time.
We have helped recover over £82 million in compensation since 2005 for those with asbestos related disease.
Get in touch with our asbestos disease solicitors for a free initial consultation.
When someone is diagnosed with pleural thickening, legal advice should be sought to consider if a claim for compensation can be made.
In order to secure a successful claim, we will need to present evidence of pleural thickening and its impact on your health, as well as show the failure by your employer (or company/other body if you weren’t employed) to protect you. Below is a list of the steps we will take in a pleural thickening case:
Partner, Asbestos
We represented Jack in 2012 and obtained a provisional damages award for him in the order of £18,500 for his 10% respiratory disability due to asbestos related pleural thickening. The terms of the Court Order were that Jack could return for further compensation if he developed Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Asbestos related lung cancer, or pleural thickening giving rise to a significant increase in respiratory disability. In 2020, Jack unfortunately had an increase in respiratory disability due to pleural thickening and was awarded a further £30,000 gross by the defendants.
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I selected Boyes Turner from a list given to me by an asbestos charity, on the strength of the CV’s of the specialist solicitors. It was a wise choice, I feel. Melloney Harbutt has been great from day one, despite my occasionally disappearing into hospital for emergency treatment. Very supportive, very knowledgeable and very friendly. The whole process has been made easier for me thanks to their great communication skills and knowledge of the process. Thank you
When my dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma we were contacted by a charity based company called HASAG which put us on to Boyes Turner, and we met Laura. Laura managed to speak to dad virtually whilst he was still with us, but unfortunately he passed away very soon after. Laura advised that I become an executor to dads claim.Laura was so easy to deal with and also showed the family a personal touch whenever we spoke. We finally settled our claim with Laura’s help. The family would definitely recommend Laura and Boyes Turner to anyone needing a representative for a mesothelioma case as Laura’s knowledge is vast
Am so grateful to have had the backing and help from the team at Boyes Turner for my claim. Their knowledge and advice was amazing and felt really confident in the claim and the outcome. A very difficult time made easier.
At the start of our journey to say we were apprehensive and nervous would be a huge understatement. Laura Magson on our first meeting, completely reassured us with her professional yet personable and friendly manner. She guided us through each step of the process ensuring we were completely at ease and fully understood every step. Laura and her team at Boyes Turner were always 100% responsive and at no point were we ever made to feel like we were wasting her time with our endless questions! Laura successfully settled our claim with an outstanding result which enables us to move forward on this journey knowing we have financial security. For anyone needing legal representation in this field we would without hesitation recommend Laura Magson and her team.
I am writing this review on behalf of my husband Colin Wyeth and myself. We were advised by Colin’s Consultant to get a solicitor for Industrial Injuries as he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, however, this was a rare presentation of mesothelioma and so underwent two big operations at Guys Hospital in London. The first operation was October 2019 after which he made a good recovery and was monitored with 6 monthly CT scans, unfortunately the scan showed a reappearance of the mesothelioma (in the lining of the lung) in 2021 and was admitted to Guys Hospital again in May 2021. He is now being called for scans every 2 months. We contacted Laura Magson and her team at Boyes Turner LLP in 2019 right at the beginning of this awful diagnosis and I have to say we could not have chosen a better team, they have been absolutely brilliant from start to finish of our case delivering an outstanding result and award. Throughout this case they have been kind, patient and considerate whilst gathering all the information needed to present Colin’s case at court which was a mammoth task going back 50 odd years. Laura, I have to say has gone above and beyond, so thorough and professional whilst being so kind and patient during this unusual case.
Pleural thickening or diffuse pleural thickening is a non-cancerous thickening of the pleural membrane surrounding the lungs. It can cause breathlessness and may become more severe over time.
Pleural thickening can occur due to asbestos exposure if airborne asbestos particles become embedded in the pleura, causing inflammation and scarring. The effects of pleural thickening normally appear 20 years or more after exposure to asbestos. If you have been diagnosed with pleural thickening, then you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation.
These are the most common cases of pleural thickening symptoms:
The amount that an individual can claim for pleural thickening varies greatly depending on the severity of the condition, its impact on the individual's life and ability to work, medical expenses, and more.
To determine how much compensation you may be entitled to, make an enquiry with our friendly, expert team and arrange a free consultation.
This can vary depend on various factors including how complex the case is, the legal processes involved, and the cooperation of all parties. Generally, the process would involve gathering evidence, assessing medical reports, negotiating with the parties, and potentially going through litigation if a settlement cannot be reached. The timeframe can span from several months to a year or more, depending on the circumstances of the case.
The prognosis for pleural thickening depends on various factors, such as the severity of the thickening, the health of the person with it, and if they have any other respiratory conditions. Pleural thickening is a scarring of the pleural lining of the lungs, and this is often caused by exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibres.
Pleural thickening itself is not cancerous, however, it can cause breathing problems and discomfort. The condition can get progressively worse over time, so it is important to get regular checks if you have symptoms, particularly if you have previously been exposed to asbestos.
No, pleural thickening does not always lead to mesothelioma. Pleural thickening is commonly caused by asbestos exposure when asbestos is inhaled and the fibres cause damage to the pleura, the membrane that surrounds the lungs. There is a risk of it developing into mesothelioma, but not in all cases. Regardless of this, anyone that is diagnosed with pleural thickening should get regular medical checks for any potential changes in their condition.
You can live with pleural thickening, and its impact on life can vary greatly from person to person, depending on various factors.
These factors are often due to if and how much asbestos they were exposed to, respiratory problems, and overall health in general. Some people may experience mild symptoms, whereas others may experience more pronounced breathing difficulties.
There are other causes of pleural thickening, such as infection or injury, but pleural thickening can be caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.
It is important to discuss any respiratory symptoms you have with your doctor so they can investigate the cause.
Pleural plaques and pleural thickening can both be caused by asbestos exposure but they both have different characteristics. Pleural plaques is a formation of plaque on the pleural lining of the lungs in a specific area, whereas pleural thickening is a more generalised condition where the whole pleura can get thicker. Of the two, pleural thickening is more dangerous and has more symptoms.
Pleural plaques are fibrous formations that develop on the pleural lining of the lungs due to asbestos exposure.
Typically, pleural plaques do not cause any symptoms and as such they are not usually compensatable. The presence of pleural plaques does not necessarily mean that another asbestos related disease will develop, however, we would still recommend seeing a medical professional if you develop respiratory symptoms or if you have any questions.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit - If you have diffuse pleural thickening and believe the disease was caused by your employment then you are entitled to apply for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, a weekly payment from the government.
Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers Compensation) Act 1979 - A lump sum payment under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers Compensation) Act 1979 can also be applied for where the diffuse pleural thickening was caused by employment, provided that no compensation from a civil claim in respect of the disease has already been received. This award is generally made when the employer has ceased trading.
We are happy to put you in touch with a charity who can assist you in making any appropriate applications.
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