If you have received a diagnosis of pleural plaques and believe that this is attributable to exposure to asbestos in the workplace or some other setting for which another party might be deemed liable, it may be possible to claim pleural plaques compensation. Glasgow and Scotland-wide based personal injury lawyers, Thompsons, can help you secure the maximum possible settlement. For more information on how we can help seek redress from any employer who contributed to your asbestos exposure, even if it has ceased trading, call us today on 0800 0891 331.
Non-malignant pleural disease
Pleural plaques is a type of non-cancerous condition called non-malignant pleural disease. Non-malignant pleural disease affects the outer lining of the lung. The most serious form of the condition is known as diffuse pleural thickening. Almost all cases are caused by asbestos exposure and if you have received diagnosis it is vital that you consider where you might have suffered asbestos exposure in the workplace.
Time limits
Under the Statute of Limitations it is vital that you begin your claim for compensation within three years of the date at which you received diagnosis.
Unfortunately, if more than three years has elapsed since this time, you will be unable to claim compensation, so it is essential that you seek legal advice at the earliest convenient opportunity.
Pleural plaques, some statistics
Statistics from the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) reveal that over the past ten years the number of pleural plaque claims received has been fairly consistent, with an average of 430 new cases per year over the last decade.
However, these figures do not reveal the full extent of diagnosis in Scotland and Britain. For example, although the IIDB received only 425 such claims in 2014, chest physicians in the same year diagnosed 580 new cases of non-malignant pleural disease, the vast majority of which were pleural plaques.
Another problem with quantifying pleural plaques cases is the fact that the condition can sometimes be asymptomatic (showing no evidence of disease); as such the condition's true prevalence is likely to be much higher than reported.
Pleural plaques claims in Glasgow
Although there is no direct link between the presence of pleural plaques and the development of other diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma, the presence of plaques is indicative of a level of exposure to asbestos consistent with a high risk of developing one of these illnesses.
If you would like to consider your right to pleural plaques compensation, whether the exposure occurred in Glasgow or some other part of Scotland (but not England or Wales), call Thompsons Solicitors today on 0800 0891 331.
