PLEURAL PLAQUES COMPENSATION CLAIMS

There are a number of medical conditions associated with the ingestion and inhalation of asbestos fibres including asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and pleural plaques. All of these asbestos related diseases are caused by the action of microscopically small fibres of asbestos which become lodged in parts of the body. Asbestos related disease is dose responsive which means that risk usually increases as a result of the amount and duration of the exposure however it is not uncommon for symptoms to appear decades after exposure to even small amounts of asbestos. In all cases there is usually a very long latency period normally exceeding several decades which may extend to over 50 years between exposure and the appearance of symptoms.

Asbestos Related Disease

The two main types of asbestos are called ‘amphibole’ which is a straight fibre and ‘chrysotile’ which is a curly fibre. Chrysotile was the most commonly used form of asbestos in industry however it is water soluble and is capable of being cleared from the body to a large extent thereby ensuring that the amphibole form of asbestos which is not soluble to the same extent is most associated with asbestos related disease. Pleural plaques is effectively caused by fibrosis (scarring) of the pleura (lining of the lungs) and appears as a yellow or white thickening which may be calcified (hardened by retention of calcium). Pleural plaques is often symmetrical appearing in both lungs in a similar left and right configuration particularly between the 5th and 8th ribs, over the mediastinal pleura and on the dome of the diaphragm. Diagnosis is by x-ray and as many as 50% of those exposed to asbestos may suffer from some degree of pleural plaques.

Legal Action

Whether or not legal action can be taken for a pleural plaques compensation claim depends on the extent of the condition and whether or not there are any physical symptoms. Pleural plaques symptoms may include shortage of breath which of itself may stress a diseased respiratory system resulting in fatal consequences and whilst the condition is benign and does not lead directly to any of the more serious asbestos related diseases it is never the less indicative of an unhealthy degree of exposure to asbestos fibres often over a long period of time which might in itself lead to contraction of asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer. Whilst the condition may be present with no physical symptoms there will inevitably be a psychological element to receiving a positive diagnosis of pleural plaques which can lead to mental illnesses including post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

Specialist Solicitors

Our personal injury solicitors deal with legal action for asbestos related disease. If you would like to discus a potential pleural plaques compensation claim, whether or not you have any current symptoms just complete the contact form and a specialist solicitor will call you to give free advice with no further obligation. We operate the no win no fee scheme and compensation is paid in full. Win or lose there is no charge and there are no expenses to pay.