Pleural thickening is a non malignant pleural disease and if you or a loved one suffers from this condition, our solicitors can help you make a compensation claim.
This is the term used to describe any non cancerous condition affecting the outer lining of the lung (the pleura) which can result in disabling afflictions like pleural thickening or pleural plaques. However, like the pernicious cancer mesothelioma, it can take decades for pleural thickening to become apparent after the initial exposure to the asbestos fibres which cause it.
What is the cause?
All these pleural diseases are a direct consequence of exposure to asbestos many years ago. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can cause scarring in the lung tissue, damaging local lung cells and gradually building up and increasing the extent of the scar tissue. This scar tissue cannot expand or contract like healthy lung tissue, so affected portions of the lung cannot perform the job of oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide.
What are the symptoms and who is at risk?
The symptoms usually begin at least 15-20 years after the initial exposure to asbestos and generally include persistent coughing, a shortness of breath (initially only after physical activity, but eventually while resting as well) that gets worse over time and tightness in the chest.
Problems usually begin gradually but can progress and get worse and become more debilitating over the space of several years. Symptoms of pleural thickening also include breathing difficulties and while these symptoms can progress and become more debilitating, the condition is not generally fatal.
Those most at risk are people who handled, used or came into contact with asbestos during their daily work. That could include people such as carpenters or electricians, miners, labourers working on building sites, merchant mariners and railway workers.
Getting compensation from a negligent employer
Your employer has a duty to protect your health and safety at work. If they have failed in that duty to protect you in the workplace you are well within your rights to bring a claim for compensation against them. You may be able to claim compensation from your employer who was negligently responsible for exposing you to asbestos.
You could have a case for claiming compensation from them, even if that company (or their insurer) is no longer in business.
As a general rule you usually have to start a claim within three years of when you knew you were suffering from an illness caused by asbestos exposure. This is usually taken to mean the date of diagnosis or the first 'date of knowledge' and does not mean three years from the time of asbestos exposure.
Why choose Shoosmiths Access Legal?
We are an independent firm of national solicitors - not a claims management company or intermediary - with 10 offices spread throughout the UK. Your needs are our priority. We can arrange meetings at your convenience and preference over the 'phone, at one of our offices or when needed at your home.
Why use our team?
We have approachable and experienced lawyers dedicated to helping those affected by industrial diseases. The team is headed by Sara Hunt who has more than 11 years experience in dealing with asbestos related cases and is well versed in utilising the fast track procedures to ensure cases are dealt with quickly and sensitively. She also represents families at Coroner's Inquests. Sara and the team actively support local groups in campaigning for better health and safety conditions in the workplace. We understand the importance of dealing with claims quickly and sympathetically. We work hard on your behalf to obtain compensation for your treatment, financial security and to fund any care you may require.
What to do next?
We provide free initial advice and can often pursue your claim on a no-win-no-fee basis. Please contact us online or call us on our free helpline on 03700 868 686 to discuss your needs in complete confidence. Home visits can be arranged or we'll happily chat through the options with you. The helpline is manned seven days a week and lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
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