About Pleural Thickening

Pleural thickening can sometimes be referred to as diffuse pleural thickening. Both terms relate to an illness caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. When the fibres are inhaled, the lungs are affected and scarring and thickening often take place within the lining of the lungs.

When small areas of the lungs are scarred in this way, pleural plaques can form. This is a condition that can sometimes be tolerated with little residual impact. However, when there is more exposure, there is often more damage to the lungs, and this is known as diffuse pleural thickening. Diffuse pleural thickening can lead to debilitating and significant breathing difficulties in some patients which can occur in one or both of the lungs.

Asbestos Exposure

In many cases, asbestos exposure will have occurred for years to cause conditions like diffuse pleural thickening. Sometimes, the exposure could have happened decades ago, but the symptoms are only visible now. A characteristic of asbestos-related illnesses is late-onset symptoms. Therefore, when patients receive a diagnosis, their life expectancy can often decrease dramatically due to the fact that the disease has been quietly progressing for a long time without their knowledge.

How Much Compensation?

All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. Compensation is understood by looking at two specific factors: general damages and special damages.

General Damages

The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused are main factors that are used to determine how much general damage compensation you are owed. This will usually be determined by undergoing a medical examination, from which a report is created that highlights the length of time the injuries will take to heal as well as their severity. Our compensation calculator will give you an indication of how much general damage compensation you might be entitled to based upon your injuries.

Special Damages

In addition to receiving compensation for your injuries, you may be able to reclaim any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries. Compensation for financial losses is known as special damages compensation. This can include losses such as loss of earnings due to not being able to return to work, the cost of treatment as well as travel to treatment. It is important that you keep any receipts or evidence of additional losses in order for these to be reclaimed. With the exception of children, there is a three-year time limit on making a personal injury claim. This time limit begins from the date that the accident initially occurred. Therefore, you should contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to assess your case.

Making Personal Injury Claims

You may be entitled to compensation for a range of compensation claims under accident claims. Our experts will help assess your potential claim going forwards and provide you with proficient advice. Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your potential compensation claim today by ringing 0333 358 2345 or by filling out the online claims form.