What are pleural plaques?

Pleural plaques are a form of scarring of the outer lining of the lung. Although pleural plaques do not normally cause any symptoms they are an indication of previous exposure to asbestos. People diagnosed with Pleural plaques, often become anxious about whether they will develop a fatal asbestos-related illness in the future, such as mesothelioma.

Pleural plaques

Pleural plaques are a form of scarring of the outer lining of the lung. Although pleural plaques do not normally cause symptoms, they generally indicate previous exposure to asbestos.

People diagnosed with pleural plaques are understandably concerned they will develop a fatal asbestos-related illness in the future, such as mesothelioma.

In the past, people suffering from pleural plaques were able recover compensation. But a ruling in the House of Lords in 2007 means it is no longer possible for pleural plaques sufferers to recover compensation, although a new compensation scheme for pleural plaques sufferers allows victims to recover a one-off payment of £5,000. The victim must have started, but not completed, a compensation claim before 17 October 2007 to be eligible for the one-off payment of £5,000.

Pleural plaques and cancer

Pleural plaques by themselves are benign and cannot develop into cancer. They are an indication that a person has been exposed to asbestos.

There is evidence to conclude that individuals with pleural plaques have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Smoking is not a factor in the development of mesothelioma.

Recent cases

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Our pleural plaques experts

Our award-winning team believes in putting clients first. We are dedicated to achieving the best results possible and pride ourselves on our sensitive approach. Any of our pleural plaques experts below will be pleased to discuss your case and offer free advice over the phone.

Partner, Head of Asbestos Claims
Peter Williams

London, England

0330 460 6805

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Mesothelioma Claims Personal Injury
Partner
Andrew Morgan

London, England

0330 460 6737

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Mesothelioma Claims Personal Injury
Partner
Bridget Collier

Manchester, England

0330 460 6740

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Mesothelioma Claims
Partner
Dushal Mehta

London, England

0330 460 6751

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Mesothelioma Claims Personal Injury
Director
Shaheen Mosquera

London, England

0330 460 6817

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Mesothelioma Claims

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Our experience

We were one of the first firms to launch asbestos claims in the 1980s. Our partners have more than 30 years' experience, and we have recovered over £250m for victims of asbestos disease. We aim to recover the highest amount of damages in the shortest amount of time with the least stress and at no cost.

Our cases

We have sued almost every employer who has exposed their workers to asbestos. We have a database of 3000 companies who we have sued, with access to their insurance details, previous cases and previous witness statements.

Our heritage

We have been involved in the most important legal development in asbestos disease cases. We have taken cases to the Court of Appeal/House of Lords to change the law and asbestos disease sufferers. Most recently in the case of Bussey vs Anglia Heating Ltd.