Pleural thickening is a serious lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos, either at home or in the workplace. It can cause symptoms like breathlessness, chest discomfort and even lasting lung damage, impacting your ability to work and enjoy daily life.
If you’ve been diagnosed with pleural thickening because of asbestos exposure, you could be entitled to compensation. Our experts at Injury Lawyers 4u can help you pursue pleural thickening claims on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning no upfront costs to fight for your compensation. Ready to make a claim? Get in touch with us today.
What is pleural thickening?
Pleural thickening is a lung condition where the lining around the lungs becomes scarred and thickened, limiting lung movement and causing breathing difficulties. It is often caused by past exposure to asbestos fibers.
Unlike more severe conditions like mesothelioma, which involves cancerous growth, pleural thickening itself is not cancerous but can still lead to serious health issues. Diffuse pleural thickening – a more severe form which affects the lining of the chest wall – can significantly impact quality of life by causing ongoing breathing problems and reducing lung function.
Early detection and managing exposure to asbestos are crucial to preventing further complications.
Can I claim compensation for pleural thickening?
Pleural thickening compensation claims can be made by anyone that has been diagnosed with the condition and believes it is linked to asbestos exposure caused by another’s negligence.
For example, if you believe you were exposed to asbestos while working because your manager or the building owner did not properly inform you of the hazard, you could have a work-related pleural thickening claim on your hands.
Common workplaces linked to asbestos exposure
While asbestos exposure has become less common today due to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it was and can be prevalent in the following industries:
- Construction and demolition
- Shipbuilding and dock work
- Railway maintenance
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Power stations and chemical plants
- Schools and hospitals
If you were exposed to asbestos in one of these industries, our industrial disease solicitors can help.
How much compensation could I receive?
Pleural thickening compensation amounts will vary case to case. Your final settlement will depend on the severity of your condition, any financial losses it has caused and its overall impact on your life.
In asbestos-related illness claims, settlements are made up of two parts – general damages and special damages.
- General damages — This covers the specific pain and suffering your illness has caused you.
- Special damages — This covers the financial implications of your illness, including medical costs, travel costs and any ongoing associated costs.
Typical compensation ranges from £12,000 to over £50,000 depending on your condition and any losses you’ve experienced. For a better idea of your general damages, try using our helpful compensation calculator.
How do pleural thickening claims work?
An asbestos exposure claim that focuses on pleural thickening will typically proceed as follows:
- Getting a diagnosis — Talk to your GP for a formal diagnosis and get a copy of the medical report.
- Get in touch — Contact Injury Lawyers 4u for a free, no-obligation consultation about your case.
- Gathering evidence — Get together all of your relevant medical records, employment history and witness statements that support your case.
- Building a case — Our asbestos compensation solicitors will investigate and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiations — Whether it’s with your place of employment or their insurance company, we aim to settle claims out of court, but will represent you in court if necessary.
No-win, no-fee asbestos claims
At Injury Lawyers 4u, our no-win, no-fee pleural thickening claims are designed to give everyone the chance for compensation after such a serious diagnosis. That means no upfront legal costs and you’ll only pay us for our time if the case is a success.
Why choose Injury Lawyers 4u?
If you want to pursue a pleural thickening claim through our experts at Injury Lawyers 4u, you’ll find a claim that is handled respectfully and with the utmost care and attention. With over twenty years of experience in injury law, we’ll always fight for your interests and aim for a better settlement throughout the process.
If you’ve been diagnosed with pleural thickening, contact Injury Lawyers 4u today for expert legal advice or give us a call on 0333 400 4445.
Frequently asked questions
What causes pleural thickening?
Pleural thickening is typically caused by long-term exposure to asbestos, particularly in industrial workplaces.
How long do I have to make a pleural thickening claim?
You usually have three years from the date of your pleural thickening diagnosis or when you become aware that the condition was work-related.
What if I don’t know when I was exposed to asbestos?
At Injury Lawyers 4u, our solicitors can investigate your employment history to identify any potential sources of asbestos exposure.
Can I claim if the company I worked for no longer exists?
Even if the company responsible for your asbestos exposure and subsequent diagnosis is no longer operating, we can still make a claim through their insurers.
Is pleural thickening life-threatening?
While not cancerous, pleural thickening can significantly impact lung function and quality of life. However, the condition all but confirms asbestos exposure, which can lead to cancers in later life.
Can I claim if I already claimed for a different asbestos illness?
Whether or not you can claim if you already claimed for a different asbestos illness will depend on your previous case. Talk to us for advice on this subject.