When you are exposed to asbestos fibres, you are at risk of developing pleural thickening. If you, or someone you love, has been diagnosed with pleural thickening due to asbestos exposure, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Speak to our specialist asbestos solicitors today.
Pleural thickening, which when sufficiently widespread is referred to as diffuse pleural thickening, is a benign (non-cancerous) condition that is often caused by exposure to asbestos fibres or dust. The particles that are inhaled cause a reaction within the lining of the lung that results in the development of thickening or scarring on the pleura, a thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and inner walls of the chest cavity, making it difficult for the lungs to expand properly.
In most cases, it can take at least 10 to 15 years for the first signs of pleural thickening to appear, though it can also take much longer than this.
No one should have to deal with the consequences of asbestos exposure alone. If you have been diagnosed with pleural thickening and you believe asbestos was the cause, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Our specialist pleural thickening claims lawyers can help you.
The symptoms of pleural thickening don’t usually develop until many years after exposure to asbestos dust, which can initially make identifying the cause of your symptoms difficult. However, if symptoms do develop, they may include:
Breathlessness
Chest pain
Persistent coughing
If you experience any of these symptoms and have previously been in contact with asbestos, you should speak to your GP as soon as possible with a view to undergoing appropriate investigations to secure a diagnosis. If it is found that asbestos has caused your condition, you should also speak to one of our specialist asbestos solicitors about making a claim for pleural thickening compensation.
What other illnesses are linked to pleural thickening?
There’s a risk that people suffering from pleural thickening may go on to develop another asbestos-related condition, including:
Mesothelioma
Asbestosis
Asbestos-related lung cancer
It should be noted that pleural thickening cannot progress or worsen into another asbestos-related condition but the condition itself can be progressive in some cases meaning that breathlessness and other symptoms caused by pleural thickening can worsen over time.
What treatment is available for pleural thickening?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for pleural thickening, though there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms as they present. Regular monitoring through x-rays and lung function tests will show progression, and if the disease does progress, treatment such as steroids or oxygen may be offered.
People with pleural thickening are usually advised to stop smoking and keep active, which may help with symptoms.
Am I eligible to make a pleural thickening claim?
If you have received a diagnosis of pleural thickening and believe it may have been caused by exposure to asbestos fibres, you could be entitled to make a claim for pleural thickening compensation.
We know that pursuing a claim can seem stressful and daunting, which is why our specialist asbestos solicitors are on hand to support you throughout your claim, making each step as simple and straightforward as possible.
To start a claim, simply give our team a call on 0330 041 5869 or request a call back using our online form. We’ll ask you a few questions and if you would like us to investigate a claim on your behalf we’ll arrange to meet with you in person to discuss your evidence and advise in relation to the claims process, so you will always know what is happening and what is required at each stage.
Throughout your claim, your solicitor will be on hand to answer any questions and provide compassionate support – from expertly handing the legal process to helping you access any benefits advice or treatment you may require.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s pleural thickening solicitors
At Slater and Gordon, we have a strong reputation for handling claims for asbestos-related conditions such as pleural thickening. We’ve been at the forefront of the fight for asbestos justice for decades, and many of our solicitors have led important law changes in the UK.
We're proud to partner with numerous asbestos charities, organisations and support groups across the United Kingdom who've vetted and approved us as genuine asbestos claim experts. We are proud to work with the national charity Mesothelioma UK, as well as local charities covering most of England and Wales, so no matter where a client is based within the United Kingdom, support is available.
We offer No Win No Fee agreements to all clients who have been diagnosed with pleural thickening and will not charge any additional fees, meaning you’ll get to keep 100% of your pleural thickening compensation if your claim is successful.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of industrial disease solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of asbestos claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our industrial disease experts today
Frequently asked questions about pleural thickening claims
How much compensation could I get for pleural thickening?
To advise you definitively on the possible level of compensation that may be recovered on your behalf, we will need to investigate the circumstances on your claim and obtain evidence on your behalf. This is because the level of compensation awarded is dependent upon a range of different factors, including your specific financial losses, mobility equipment needed, and the level of care required to support you in connection with your diagnosis.
To find out more about how much compensation you could be awarded, speak to our specialist asbestos solicitors; they’ll ask a few questions, and will be able to tell you if they think you have a case and what the next steps will be to better understand and provide detailed advice the value of your case.
Is there a time limit for making a pleural thickening claim?
Generally speaking, you have three years from the date you were diagnosed with pleural thickening to make a claim for compensation. This applies even if you were exposed to asbestos decades ago. You should contact us to discuss your claim as soon as possible after your diagnosis to give us the best chance to secure the information and evidence we will need to be able to progress your claim as a priority.
How much does it cost to make a pleural thickening claim?
We know that many people are concerned about the costs involved in making a claim which is why we are happy to confirm that the pleural thickening claims we take on are funded by a No Win No Fee agreement. This means that there are no upfront costs to making a claim, and you won’t have to pay any fees if your case is not successful, so there is no financial risk to you.
While asbestos exposure is a common cause of pleural thickening, this condition can also develop as a result of:
Infections
Tuberculosis
Radiotherapy
Certain tumours
Injuries sustained in accidents
Some types of medication
Can I make a claim for pleural plaques?
Unfortunately, if you’ve been diagnosed with pleural plaques, it is not possible to make a claim in England and Wales (though you may be able to make a claim if you are in Scotland).
Are there benefits available for people with pleural thickening?
Yes. There are several benefits available to people who have pleural thickening, including a one-off lump sum payment which you may be entitled to which under the Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers Compensation) Act 1979.
For more information about the benefits and payments you may be entitled to, read our Benefits and Payments guide.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson