Pleural Plaques compensation claims
It is not possible to claim compensation for pleural plaques in England and Wales.
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.
Current legal situation for claiming compensation
On 9 July 2008, the government published a consultation paper on pleural plaques. The consultation paper considers the issue as to whether changing the law of negligence would or would not be appropriate. One proposal which the government does however seem to be quite committed to is the need to improve understanding and raise awareness of the nature of this illness.
The government invited comments and views from all interested parties in relation to its various proposals by 1 October 2008. The government is committed to finding redress for people with this illness and expects to announce its decision soon. (For further information please read our latest news article.)
- On 25 April 2009 - Following the 2nd reading of the Bill in the House of Commons it has now been passed to a committee of cross-party MPs to examine in detail and propose any amendments
- On 24 April 2009 - The Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) Bill received its second reading in the House of Commons
- Case law - On 17 October 2007, the House of Lords rejected the claims of innocent victims of asbestos who received a pleural plaques diagnosis. They rejected the claims on the basis that they had not suffered a "compensatable injury". (For further background information please read our Guide
Call our helpline today on 0800 011 1166 or use our free, no obligation,
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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 011 1166 or complete our online enquiry form.
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