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:
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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.
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 would whole heartedly recommend Laura to anyone who needs legal representation following a mesothelioma diagnosis. Very sadly my partner died just 8 months after his diagnosis, and before the claim was settled. With Laura’s advice and expertise I was able to continue with the compensation claim which was eventually settled through negotiation and without the need to go to court. I am very grateful to Laura not only for her legal proficiency, but also for the manner in which she managed the case. She was quick to respond to communications, and has been understanding, compassionate and supportive throughout.
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
Laura dealt with our case effectively and rapidly as the situation required. She was always a sympathetic and considerate listener and dealt with any questions clearly and promptly. We are grateful for her assistance in persuing this case and would not hesitate to recommend Laura and her law company to anyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances. Thank you.
My experience with the firm has been very well explained right from the start of my claim. I have been guided through the whole process. Excellent service.
Melloney took great care to get to the facts of the case which subsequently resulted in a good outcome.
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