Pleural Plaques
Compensation Claims
The lining of the lung is a two-layered membrane called the pleura. Pleural plaques are benign areas of fibrous thickening that occur on the membrane. Pleural plaques are the most common asbestos-related condition.
In most cases, pleural plaques do not cause any symptoms and are often only found by chance on x-rays when investigations for other health issues are undertaken. Pleural plaques generally do not carry any direct risk, but they are evidence that a person has been exposed to asbestos in the past and so should be investigated to rule out any more sinister asbestos-related diseases.
If you have been diagnosed with pleural plaques after asbestos exposure, our team can advise whether pleural plaques compensation claims may be possible in your circumstances.
About The Claim
Can I Claim Compensation For Pleural Plaques?
You cannot claim pleural plaques compensation if you do not suffer from any symptoms caused by them. The majority of people with pleural plaques will not suffer from any symptoms and will be able to continue going about their lives as normal.
For the few with pleural plaques that do suffer from symptoms, such as breathing problems, you may be able to claim compensation.
If it can be shown that your pleural plaques are extensive and responsible for causing a restrictive defect on your lung function, our specialist asbestos disease solicitors may be able to help.
How to Identify a Restrictive Defect
Do You Have a Restrictive Defect On Your Lung Function Caused By Asbestos Exposure?
To find out if you are suffering from a restrictive defect on your lung function, you will need to have full lung function tests carried out. Your GP should be able to refer you to have them undertaken at your local hospital if you have not already had these.
Once you have had lung function tests we can obtain your medical records including the lung function test results and review these to see if there is the basis for a claim.
Alternatively, you can request sight of your own medical records free of charge, quoting the General Data Protection Regulations of 2018 and arrange for the notes to be forwarded to our specialist asbestos disease solicitors for review.
In some cases, we may need to send your lung function test results to an expert respiratory consultant for a preliminary opinion to see if they would be able to support your claim for compensation.
Claiming In Scotland
Claiming Compensation For Pleural Plaques In Scotland
The position is different if you were exposed to asbestos in Scotland. Compensation can still be claimed in Scotland for pleural plaques. If this is the case, you will need to speak to a specialist asbestos disease solicitor in Scotland, as the law differs to that in England and Wales.
Guidelines For Claim
How Do You Trace Companies And/Or Insurance For My Asbestos Compensation Claim?
As we have been doing this work for many years, we have a database of companies and insurers we have already pursued. Together with Companies House and internet searches, we are able to find the majority of companies we look for.
Due to the often lengthy time from exposure to asbestos to when a claim is made, a lot of the companies responsible have ceased trading. In these cases, we have to find insurance for the relevant period of employment.
We are able to search the database at the Employers’ Liability Tracing Office and often trace relevant insurance cover. We also work in league with a network of other asbestos disease solicitors and share insurance information on a regular basis to assist sufferers and families in recovering the asbestos disease compensation they deserve.
How to Claim
How Do You Claim Compensation For Asbestos Related Diseases?
Once we have confirmed that you have symptomatic pleural plaques, along with a restrictive defect on your lung function, and we have identified the potential defendants and/or their insurers, we can begin your claim for compensation.
Speak to our team to find out whether you may be eligible to make a pleural plaques claim.
About Claim
Are Pleural Plaques Claims
Worth Pursuing?
The value of a pleural plaques claim is generally not very high. However, if you have pleural plaques with a restrictive defect and can make a claim, it is vital that you do so now.
There are time limits for bringing an asbestos disease compensation claim at Court. The time limit is three years from the date that you know or suspect you have a condition caused by your exposure to asbestos.
If you have the basis of a claim for pleural plaques, the clock starts running. If you do not pursue a claim at this time, you may be prevented by the Court from bringing a claim in the future, even if you were to develop a more serious asbestos-related condition such as mesothelioma.
If the claim were pursued now, a provisional settlement could be agreed. This would compensate you to a modest extent for the pleural plaques now, but leaving the door open to claim further compensation if your asbestos-related condition deteriorated in the future. It is, therefore, always advisable to pursue any claim at the earliest opportunity.
About Us
Why Choose Us For Your Asbestos Related Claim?
We are not a large, faceless organisation. Our small, dedicated team strive to provide a personal service to each and every one of our clients. You will speak to an expert asbestos disease specialist from day one.
Many companies will not take on pleural plaques claims, even when there is a restriction on a person’s lung function. They do not realise that these can be valid claims if the plaques are extensive. We have successfully pursued pleural plaques claims, not only recovering compensation for our clients now but also protecting their position by leaving the door open to claim further compensation, should their condition deteriorate in the future.
It is vital that you instruct a solicitor who is a specialist in asbestos disease compensation. This is a niche area of law, and our small team has a combined experience of over 30 years.
We pride ourselves on our exemplary client service. Don’t just take our word for it; you can read reviews from people we have already helped here.