Diffuse pleural thickening compensation claims

Asbestos related pleural thickening is a scarring and hardening of the pleura caused by asbestos fibres reacting with the pleura. The pleura is a protective membrane surrounding the lung. It has two layers. It helps prevent damage to the lungs from the ribcage, as the two layers slide over each other when you breathe.

Exposure to asbestos dust can cause damage to the pleura as asbestos fibres can become lodged in it.

The thickening and hardening of the pleura caused by asbestos can extend over the pleura and this may make it difficult for the lungs to expand. The effect of this is to cause breathlessness. The condition is irreversible and may become progressively worse over time.

It usually takes many years to develop, typically about 20 years from exposure to asbestos dust.

Is asbestos the only cause of pleural thickening?

Asbestos is not the only explanation for the development of pleural thickening. Changes in the lung can also be caused by infections and injury, certain medications, a blood clot in the artery in the lung, radiotherapy and the early development of certain types of tumours. Occasionally people have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma only to find out at a later date that in fact they were suffering from pleural thickening.

It does not require a heavy exposure to asbestos dust to develop diffuse pleural thickening.

Pleural thickening usually does not cause a very severe degree of breathlessness and does not in itself result in the development of asbestos-related lung cancer or Mesothelioma. However persons who have developed pleural thickening are at an increased risk of going on to develop Mesothelioma, lung cancer and Asbestosis.

We have experience of acting for clients who have suffered from pleural thickening and have been successful in fighting their claims for compensation. If you are suffering from pleural thickening then it is important that your solicitor has the expertise and experience to act on your behalf. Our Industrial Disease team can help you.

Making an asbestos compensation claim

If you have been exposed to a heavy dose of asbestos dust and smoke cigarettes the Court is likely to conclude that the lung cancer has been caused by the combined effect of the two substances. This means that you will recover compensation for your disease, although the Court may well reduce the compensation to reflect the fact that your smoking has also played a part in causing the condition.

Sufferers from asbestos-related lung cancer can suffer persistent chest infections, increasing breathlessness, cough up bloodstained phlegm, suffer pain when coughing or taking a deep breath, suffer weight loss or notice a change in a longstanding cough.

There is a risk of the cancer coming back, even after surgery, and a small risk of going on to develop other asbestos related conditions. Treatments for lung cancer may include radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

Asbestos-related lung cancer cases are the most difficult kind of asbestos compensation claims to pursue through the Courts and sufferers need expert advice on whether they can successfully pursue a claim.

We have acted for many clients in helping them win their compensation claim for asbestos-related lung cancer. If you are suffering from this illness then it is important that your solicitor has the expertise and experience to act on your behalf. Our Industrial Disease team can help you.

Making an asbestos compensation claim

For further information about how Pannone can help you make a compensation claim for pleural thickening please click here.

To arrange a free discussion with an asbestos compensation solicitor click here or call us on 0800 0384 384. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.