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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 diseases, 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 diseases. Get in touch to make your claim today.

What is pleural thickening?

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. It is a condition that can potentially lead to more severe asbestos related diseases and illnesses.

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 some compensation.

 

Symptoms of pleural thickening

These are the most common cases of pleural thickening symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty taking deep breaths
  • Breathlessness
  • Chest pain whilst taking a deep breath
  • Chronic chest pain
  • Pain when coughing

Starting your pleural thickening claim

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 an asbestos case:

  1. Obtain a medical report stating that you are suffering from pleural thickening. This report needs to be produced by a reputed respiratory disease expert who is accustomed to producing medico-legal reports for the court (not just any medical professional).
  2. Establish the exposure to asbestos occurred at a specific workplace or due to proximity to a particular asbestos-related industry.
  3. Demonstrate that your employer (or other defendant) was aware of the risks and could have foreseen that there was a high probability that you could develop symptoms of pleural thickening or other asbestos-related diseases.
  4. Prove that the defendant failed to follow regulations around the use of asbestos, either by not informing you about the dangers or by not providing the correct training or equipment.

If there is a death as a result of pleural thickening, then it is important that the local coroner is notified and that a post-mortem takes place. The lung tissue samples can be analysed for asbestos bodies which can, together with exposure history, prove a pleural thickening claim. It is important that the tissue samples are preserved until the conclusion of the legal claim.

 

Why choose Boyes Turner?

Our clients receive the highest standards of advice and representation and are always treated with compassion, outstanding care and understanding of the physical, emotional, psychological and financial impact that life-changing injury can have upon their lives.

  1. We are nationally acclaimed asbestos disease lawyers. We are recognised as leading asbestos experts by Chambers Directory and Legal 500.
  2. Our award-winning solicitors are accredited for our expertise by the Law Society, AvMA and APIL. We secure maximum compensation settlements for our clients which make the best provision for their current and future needs.
  3. We have an extensive and highly experienced medical negligence team with proven skills to succeed in high value, complex claims involving catastrophic injury, severe disability and death.
  4. We only work with the top medical experts or treatment providers in the UK and work with many charities to help support rehabilitation.

Asbestos pleural thickening claims frequently asked questions

How much can I claim for pleural thickening?

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.

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How long does a pleural thickening claim take?

This can vary depend on various factors including how complex the case is, the legal processes involved, and the cooperation of all parties.

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What is the prognosis for pleural thickening?

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.

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Is pleural thickening always mesothelioma?

No, pleural thickening is not always mesothelioma.

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Can you live with pleural thickening?

You can live with pleural thickening, and its impact on life can vary greatly from person to person, depending on various factors.

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Can you get pleural thickening without asbestos exposure?

Pleural thickening is generally caused by exposure to asbestos fibres, although in rare cases non-asbestos related pleural thickening can occur.

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What are the symptoms of pleural plaque with the presence of asbestos?

Pleural plaques are fibrous formations that develop on the pleural lining of the lungs due to asbestos exposure.

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What is the difference between pleural plaques and pleural thickening?

Pleural plaques and pleural thickening can both be caused by asbestos exposure but they both have different characteristics.

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Have you helped others with asbestos pleural thickening claims?

We have many years of experience in making asbestos pleural thickening claims.

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Available benefits

  • 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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Get help today
  • No upfront costs & no win, no fee
  • Expert rehabilitation help
  • Free & no obligation initial advice

Meet your specialist team

Our specialist Asbestos pleural thickening claims team are considered leaders in the field and have a significant amount of expertise.
Laura Magson

Laura Magson

Partner

Kim Milan

Kim Milan

Senior Partner

Melloney Harbutt headshot

Melloney Harbutt

Senior associate - solicitor

Martin Anderson

Martin Anderson

Associate Solicitor

Roshni Patel photo

Roshni Patel

Paralegal

Laura Magson
Kim Milan
Melloney Harbutt headshot
Martin Anderson
Roshni Patel photo

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Awards & accreditations

Our medical negligence and personal injury teams have been nationally recognised for over 20 years because of their expertise, empathy and commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients.

              Lifetime Lawyers Logo Brake | The Road Safety Charity

What our clients say

"A good company with great staff"

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

Mr Webster

"We finally settled our claim with Laura’s help"

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

Boyes Turner Client

"The final result was very satisfactory"

After much hesitation regarding making a claim and speaking to HASAG. I found Boyes Turner one of HASAG's approved solicitors, I met Melloney who explained the process in plain English, and we started the ball rolling, some of the reports were difficult to come to terms with, but all through the process Melloney was supportive and understanding.


As there were multiple parties involved the process took some time which was frustrating, but the final result was very satisfactory.

Mick V

"I would not hesitate to fully recommend their services"

After my diagnosis and starting my treatment for asbestosis I chose the services of Boyes Turner LLP to help me and my family through the claim system.


I had the good fortune to be introduced to Melloney Harbutt as my lead solicitor. At a time when I least wanted additional stress and anxiety, her clear compassionate, honest legal knowledge and personal guidance prevailed throughout.


 

Mr Fletcher

"Mesothelioma Claim"

Absolutely delighted with the speed, efficiency and clarity of the support provided by Laura in my claim against my former employer. She cut through the legalese jargon and explained everything in detail making my decision making easy.

Additionally, she handled my grim prognosis details with compassion and showed a great understanding of, not only the legal aspects, but also the complex medical details and options. The prompt settlement negotiated by Laura has ensured I can "enjoy" the benefits while still fairly mobile and also she ensured the defendants would fund any future treatments not funded by the NHS should I need them.


It was a pleasure working with Laura and I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending her to others.

Alan
Rated Excellent 4.8/5