Pleural Thickening Claims
Pleural Thickening
Thompson & Co. have acted for clients in many Pleural Thickening Claims over the years.
Pleural Thickening is sometimes referred to as “pleural fibrosis”. Either term may be combined with the word “diffuse” (e.g. “diffuse pleural fibrosis”). This simply means that the area affected is widespread.
What Causes Pleural Thickening?
When microscopic asbestos fibres become lodged in the lungs they can cause inflammation of the “pleura” (i.e. the thin, transparent membrane that covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest walls). Even with long-standing or severe inflammation, often only a slight amount of scar tissue remains after complete healing. However the lung occasionally becomes encased in a thick fibrous layer that limits chest wall motion and impairs the function of the lungs.
Pleural Thickening – Symptoms
You can become breathless and suffer pain as a result of this condition. It might deteriorate over time.
Pleural Thickening can affect one lung or both lungs, and can result in significant disability if it is extensive. It will generally take 10 years after first exposure to asbestos to develop. Alternatively it may not prove disabling or produce significant physical symptoms but is the cause of great anxiety.