Pleural Plaques
Pleural Plaques
are small areas of thickening of the pleura often referred to as
“scarring of the lungs” or “asbestos scarring”. The
pleura is the lining around the lung. Pleural
plaques usually develop 20 years or more after exposure to
asbestos. They usually develop on the outer lining of the pleura
and so do not usually cause symptoms because being on the outer
layer they do not obstruct lung function.
The pleural plaques are an
indication on your lungs, visible by x-ray or scan, that you have
been exposed to asbestos. Typically plaques are more extensive, the
more asbestos someone has been exposed to and they may become
denser over time, making them more obvious on x-ray. If you have
pleural plaques there are very low risks that you may develop other
asbestos conditions. The risks arise because of the exposure to
asbestos and not because of the development of pleural plaques. The
pleural plaques just confirm your exposure; they very rarely
develop into anything symptomatic.
Compensation cannot currently be
claimed in the UK for pleural plaques. In October 2007 the Law
Lords in Johnston v NEI International Combustion Ltd and conjoined
cases unanimously decided to end the compensation of people
diagnosed with pleural plaques. The case upheld the earlier
decision of the Court of Appeal in 2006 and overturned 20 years of
earlier case law.
In response to the decision Hugh
James set up the Pleural Plaques Register. The
Register allows people to register their diagnosis of pleural
plaques along with their work history and asbestos exposure. If
they develop a more serious asbestos condition in the future their
case can be investigated more quickly.
Go to the Pleural
Plaques Register.
Pleural Plaques compensation scheme revealed by MOJ
On the 2nd August 2010, the
Ministry of Justice revealed the details of the long awaited scheme
for individuals who had attempted to claim compensation for pleural
plaques (as a result of asbestos exposure) prior to the 17th
October 2007. Click here to read
more
To find out more contact
us now on 029 2078 5971 or email asbestos@hughjames.com
Other asbestos related illnesses include:
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