Pleural Plaques compensation claims
It is not possible to claim compensation for
pleural plaques in England and Wales at the present time. However, in Scotland,
The Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill enables
victims to continue to claim compensation through the courts for pleural plaques,
pleural thickening and asbestos-related conditions.
Government Scheme - Pleural Plaques
The government agreed to offer an extra-statutory payment of £5,000
for people with pleural plaques who had begun compensation claim cases before
the Law Lords’ ruling in October 2007 which effectively said that,
even though caused by exposure to asbestos, pleural plaques is not a condition that
sufferers are entitled to claim compensation for. The fund closed its doors to applications in August 2011.
Current legal situation for claiming compensation
On 25 February 2010 the government stated that it will not overturn the October
2007 House of Lords ruling regarding pleural plaques compensation claims. They have
however said that if new medical or other significant evidence were to emerge, the
government would reassess this situation.
What are Pleural Plaques?
They are the most common injury caused by exposure to asbestos
. They appear as a white or yellow thickening
on the pleura and are often found to be frequently bilateral (involving
both lungs) and symmetric in shape and size. They usually occur particularly on
the posterolateral chest wall between the 5th and 8th ribs, over the mediastinal
pleura and on the dome of the diaphragm.
Asbestos exposure
This condition typically develops 20-30 years after exposure and
appears more commonly if you have had exposure to asbestos heavily or over a long
period of time. They develop in, as many as, 50% of asbestos exposed workers,
but may also occur after low dose exposures.
Studies indicate that patients with extensive pleural plaques
do have restricted lung function. This is often presumed the result
of underlying asbestosis that x-rays have not detected.
Diagnosing this medical condition
Unlike pleural thickening, x-rays can easily detect the well defined
margins of pleural plaques.
Claiming compensation
If you would like to be added to our pleural plaques compensation database so we
can notify you when the legislation regarding compensation changes, please call
0800 634 1626 or complete our online enquiry
form.
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