Background
Asbestos was extensively used for many
different purposes both across industry and domestically
during the 20th century. As we are now fully aware this
posed a substantial risk to those exposed to the
material.
Whilst the dangers of being
exposed to
asbestos have been known about for many decades it
took far too long for action to be taken and industry
was slow to react. Many people are now suffering with
asbestos related
industrial
diseases.
Here we deal with Pleural Thickening:
The pleura is a two-layered membrane which surrounds
the lungs and lines the inside of the rib cage. Asbestos
fibres inhaled into lungs work their way out to the
pleura and may cause fibrosis or scarring to develop
there.
The "thickening" that then occurs takes two forms:
Diffuse pleural thickening which extends over a large
area and may restrict expansion of the lungs, leading to
shortness of breath, and;
Pleural plaques which are more localised areas of
thickening, that don’t usually affect breathing
See our asbestosis
compensation pages for more information on related
problems and read more on
asbestos laws in the UK and the
symptoms of
exposure to asbestos
Many thousands of sufferers are being diagnosed each
year and many may be entitled to both compensation and
benefits from the DWP. More on
lung disease claims and
mesothelioma
claims
Call our helpline today to find out if you or a
relative are able to claim no win no fee
asbestos compensation
We can also deal with personal injury
accident at work
compensation
Update -
HSE
warn that there is NO safe level of exposure to asbestos
Government told to speed up the legal process
currently assessing whether work related victims of
pleural plaques were entitled to compensation -
1st July 2008
Westminster legal advisers are trying to hammer out a
deal which will allow for sufferers to be compensated by
way of a one of payment (around £5000). At this point
case law falls in favour of insurers who say that the
condition itself is symptomless and does not prevent
people from working.
A full consultation document will be released soon
followed by a period of 12 weeks debate before further
progress will be made. Campaigners are unhappy at the
slow progress being made.
If your employer has failed to prevent or
safeguard against your injuries then you may be entitled
to make a claim.
asbestos
compensation case studies
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