PLEURAL PLAQUES :: ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASE

One of the most common asbestos related diseases is pleural plaques which occurs when asbestos fibres become lodged in the respiratory tract causing inflammation and triggering an immune response that does nothing to address the problem but instead leads to the formation of fibrous tissues in the lungs. This condition can develop following brief exposure to small amounts of asbestos however those exposed to greater amounts of asbestos for longer periods are more prone to suffer from pleural plaques. Diagnosis of pleural plaques can occur several decades after exposure and if you do develop pleural plaques it most probably from exposure at an earlier place of employment rather than your more recent places of employment.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0870 174 0140

Workers most at risk of developing pleural plaque or any other asbestos related disease are those that worked in asbestos manufacturing factories or in factories using materials containing asbestos fibres. Manufacturing processes often resulted in the release of asbestos fibres into the atmosphere allowing them to be inhaled by factory workers. Construction workers are also at risk since concrete, roofing sheets, flooring slabs and insulation materials used to all contain asbestos. Workers in the automobile industry who worked in the assembly line are also at risk due to the asbestos in the brake linings of cars.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0870 174 0140

Since 2006 it has not been possible to pursue a claim for compensation for pleural plaques in the United Kingdom courts due to the fact that the condition is symptom free with no obvious health deterioration. Should the law revert to its previous state our specialist personal injury solicitor will again pursue these potential compensation claims.