Claim for pleural plaques in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament passed an act in 2009 which allowed people in Scotland who'd developed pleural plaques as a result of exposure to asbestos at work to claim compensation. This act was challenged but the decision was upheld by the UK Supreme Court in 2011.

What are Pleural Plaques?

Pleural plaques are scarring on the pleura, which is the protective membrane surrounding the lungs. The scarring is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres, over a long period of time, which lodge in the pleura. Pleural plaques are not dangerous in themselves and don't become cancerous.

What are the symptoms of pleural plaques?

In the majority, pleural plaques don't cause any symptoms, although some people diagnosed with pleural plaques have described slight breathlessness, and pain or discomfort when they're breathing.

How are pleural plaques diagnosed?

Pleural plaques are usually diagnosed following an X-ray or CT scan. However, where there are no symptoms, pleural plaques are often found by accident when undergoing tests for another reason.

Who can claim for pleural plaques?

In 2007 the House of Lords ruled that anyone who had been exposed to asbestos during the course of their employment and had developed pleural plaques would no longer be able to claim compensation as it was not considered a compensatable injury.

In 2009 the Scottish Parliament passed an act allowing Scottish people to claim compensation for pleural plaques if they've been exposed to asbestos in Scotland. This means that in England and Wales, you're no longer able to claim compensation for pleural plaques.

However, if you were exposed in Scotland you can. Our pleural plaque solicitors are here to help, contact us about beginning a compensation claim.

Can pleural plaques develop into a more serious asbestos related illness?

Although pleural plaques can't develop into a more serious asbestos related illness, if you've been diagnosed with pleural plaques, this means that you have been exposed to asbestos and inhaled asbestos fibres and therefore the risk of developing another asbestos illness increases.

Other more serious asbestos related conditions include:

• Mesothelioma
• Asbestos related lung cancer
• Asbestosis
• Pleural thickening

However, once your GP knows about your condition, it's likely that they'll arrange to carry out regular tests and monitor you to check for early signs of other asbestos related conditions.

What should I do if I've been diagnosed with pleural plaques and was exposed in England or Wales?

Although you're no longer able to make a claim for pleural plaques compensation in England and Wales, Slater and Gordon keep an Asbestos Register for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos. This is so, in the event that you do go on to develop a serious asbestos condition, we'll have the right information to start your pleural plaque claim straight away.

Therefore, if you've worked with asbestos in the past, please complete our Asbestos Register.

Asbestos register

Begin a pleural plaque compensation claim

If you've been diagnosed with pleural plaques and you live in Scotland, or you've been diagnosed with pleural plaques as a result of exposure to asbestos at work in Scotland, contact us today about claiming pleural plaques compensation. Our pleural plaque solicitors will take details of your condition and your exposure to asbestos and will provide expert advice on making a claim.

Slater and Gordon offer No Win No Fee agreements for pleural plaques compensation claims, meaning if your case is unsuccessful, you won't have to pay a penny and therefore, there'll be no financial risk to you.

Contact us on 0330 041 5869 or online here to speak to a pleural plaque solicitor.