Asbestos pleural thickening claims
Compensation for asbestos related pleural thickening.
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 £101 million in compensation since 2005 for those with asbestos related disease.
- Nationally recognised asbestos disease specialists with decades of experience
- Access to specialist medical experts to support your claim
- Experienced in securing compensation for asbestos-related illness and bereaved families
- Dedicated support from initial enquiry through to settlement
- No upfront costs and claim through a no win no fee agreement
Starting your asbestos 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 a pleural thickening case:
- Obtain a medical report stating that you are suffering from pleural thickening. This report needs to be produced by a reputable respiratory disease expert who is accustomed to producing medico-legal reports for the court (not just any medical professional).
- Establish the exposure to asbestos occurred at a specific workplace or due to proximity to a particular asbestos related industry.
- 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 disease.
- 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 after a diagnosis 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 be helpful in an asbestos related disease claim. It is important that the tissue samples are preserved until the conclusion of the legal claim.
No win, no fee
No hidden or upfront costs. Clear, straightforward advice. Nothing to pay unless your claim is successful.
Over 30 years’ experience
We have helped thousands of clients claim compensation.
Fully regulated
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Pleural thickening claims FAQs
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.
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.
What are the 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
How much compensation 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.
To determine how much compensation you may be entitled to, make an enquiry with our friendly, expert team and arrange a free consultation.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Does pleural thickening always lead to mesothelioma?
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.
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.
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.
Can you get pleural thickening without asbestos exposure?
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.
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. 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.
What are the symptoms of pleural plaques?
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.
What benefits are available for pleural thickening?
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.
Making a asbestos pleural thickening claim
We understand how daunting it can feel to take the first step. Our specialist asbestos disease solicitors are here to guide you through every stage.
Getting in touch
Call us or complete our online form to receive free, confidential advice from one of our specialist asbestos disease solicitors. We will listen carefully to your circumstances, explain your legal options in clear and straightforward terms, and advise whether you have a pleural thickening claim and how we can help you move forward.
Supporting your claim
Our specialist solicitors will gather the evidence needed to support your claim, including medical records, employment records, witness statements, and expert medical and occupational evidence where required. They will establish how and when you were exposed to asbestos, identify those responsible, and assess the impact pleural thickening has had on your breathing, daily life and ability to work. Where appropriate, we can also seek an interim payment to help meet your immediate financial needs.
Securing compensation
Our solicitors work to secure the maximum compensation possible as quickly as possible. We aim to ensure you have the financial support you need for medical treatment, care, loss of earnings, travel expenses, and any other costs associated with your asbestos-related illness, helping to provide financial security for you and your family.
Contact us
If you would like advice regarding a serious injury or illness affecting you or a loved one, please complete the form and one of our experts will be in touch as soon as possible.
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Client story
Two compensation awards
In 2012, we secured a provisional damages award, and a subsequent award in 2020 for an increase in respiratory disability due to pleural thickening.
Our asbestos pleural thickening claims
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Mesothelioma claim secured after late diagnosis from asbestos exposure in the 1970s
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Six figure settlement: asbestos exposure leads to tragic loss
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£335,000 for former electrician within seven months of receiving instructions
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Two court awards for man suffering from pleural thickening
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Pleural thickening and effusion case settled for £150,000 gross
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Settlement for family of former employee of Benham & Sons Limited
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Settlement for widow for husband who suffered with pleural thickening during lifetime despite unsupportive post mortem
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£175,000 plus an indemnity for future immunotherapy treatment for Claimant resident in Australia who had an award for asbestosis and pleural thickening in 2016
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£35,000 for diffuse pleural thickening after asbestos exposure
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Compensation for lagger with pleural thickening
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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.
We are nationally acclaimed industrial disease lawyers. We are recognised as leading experts by legal ranking directories Chambers Directory and Legal 500.
We have an extensive and highly experienced asbestos disease team with proven skills to succeed in high value, complex and substantial cases.
Our award-winning solicitors are accredited for their expertise and secure maximum compensation settlements for our clients which make the best provision for their current and future needs.
We have long standing relationships with many agencies and charities that help people with asbestos related diseases, and their families, receive assistance and support.
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Our solicitors’ expertise in asbestos related disease claims and their dedication to improving the lives of their injured clients has been recognised by the legal profession and disability charities for over 30 years.
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