Pleural Plaques

Asbestos-related Illness

Pleural Plaques, which develop on the lower chest walls and diaphragm at least 10 and more usually at least some 20 or more years after the first exposure to asbestos dust at work, are in themselves nothing more than a thickening of the membranes lining the chest wall.

Around 40% of people who have experienced regular exposure to Asbestos dust will develop Pleural Plaques. They are not in themselves a danger, as they present no symptoms and their existence may well have gone undetected for many years.

However, because their existence does indicate a history of exposure to Asbestos dust, they also put the sufferer at an increased risk of an Asbestos related disease developing subsequently.

Pleural Plaques may be visible to doctors on an x-ray. In these cases it has, in the past, been possible to recover compensation, either as a full and final settlement or on what is called a provisional basis - an award of a small sum of compensation, usually a few thousand pounds, with the right to seek a further award of compensation at a later date if the person is unfortunate enough to go on to suffer a more serious asbestos related disease.

Pleural Plaque News Stories

Clear Answers solicitors deal with a large number of asbestos-related disease cases each year. Details of some of these cases can be found in our News Section which is updated regularly.

Below are a selection of pleural plaques news stories. To view the full story click on the links beneath the description. Alternatively you can visit our News Section to view these stories and other successful personal injury compensation claims that Clear Answers solicitors have been involved in.

October 2007

House of Lords rules against claims of compensation for pleural plaques
The Law Lords have today rejected an appeal to allow compensation to be awarded to workers, negligently exposed to asbestos, who have been diagnosed with pleural plaques. This confirmed the decision, given in January 2006 by the Court of Appeal, that compensation could not be awarded by overturning a previously established right to claim. This right had existed for over 20 years. In almost all cases of pleural plaques the cause is due to exposure to asbestos through the negligence of an employer.
More about House of Lords rules against claims of compensation

Compensation for Pleural Plaques

A recent decision by the Court of Appeal indicated that compensation could no longer be awarded for pleural plaques alone. This decision was the subject of an appeal to the House of Lords in October 2007. Unfortunately, the appeal was rejected by the House of Lords on the grounds that pleural plaques do not constitute an injury and therefore people with pleural plaques are not entitled to compensation. They also ruled that a claim cannot be brought for anxiety caused by a diagnosis of pleural plaques.

Clear Answers' lawyers, specialising in asbestos-related diseases, are able to offer advice and guidance on claims and damages to anyone who has had the presence of Pleural Plaques confirmed.

Useful Website Links

For more information about the result of the Appeal to the House of Lords regarding compensation for those diagnosed with pleural plaques, please go to any of the following websites.

BBC News UK
Asbestos condition claims stopped

Times Online - UK
Workers lose fight for asbestos compensation

Guardian Unlimited - UK
Payouts ended for asbestos workers

Greenock Telegraph - Greenock, Scotland, UK
Workers set to lose cash fight

Seek Immediate Claim Advice

Notwithstanding the House of Lords’ decision mentioned above, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease.

If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Clear Answers to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for yourself. Telephone us now on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.