PLEURAL PLAQUES
These are areas of scarring in your lungs caused by the presence of asbestos fibres. They occur most commonly on the lower chest walls and on the diaphragm. Pleural plaques are present in up to 40% of people who have had regular asbestos exposure. Pleural Plaques are not in themselves detrimental to your health and are not thought to cause any respiratory or other problems.
Over time however, pleural plaques become calcified and can then be seen on x-rays. Calcified pleural plaques develop between 15 and 20 years after exposure to asbestos fibres.
The presence of pleural plaques demonstrates previous exposure to asbestos. People with pleural plaques are in a high risk category of developing other asbestos-related conditions.
THE LEGAL ISSUES
At present it is not possible to obtain financial compensation simply for the presence of pleural plaques if your exposure to asbestos took place in England or Wales. The position may change soon. Compensation is however available even now for other asbestosis-related conditions often associated with Pleural Plaques which may not have been recognised by your doctor.
For people exposed to asbestos in Scotland the law has already been changed reinstating an entitlement to compensation for those with pleural plaques.
If you have pleural plaques please do contact us. We can, at no cost to you, prepare your case now. This will ensure you receive recognition and compensation as soon as the law that applies to England and Wales changes.
