Pleural Thickening Claims

Pleural thickening is a form of industrial disease that develops due to exposure to asbestos over a prolonged period. With this condition, the lining of the lungs becomes scarred, and as a result, you may experience difficulty breathing, chest pain and other symptoms.

Those who have worked in environments where asbestos has been used may be at risk of pleural thickening at some point. If you have developed this condition due to exposure to asbestos at work, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim against your employer.

Other factors may lead to the disease, such as injuries from accidents, tumours, infections, and some types of medication. Regardless of the cause, you can start a pleural thickening claim if you can prove the negligence of a third party.

To find out if you are able to claim, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser. You can also request a call back by entering your details into our online claim form.

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Table of Contents

• What is pleural thickening?
• Signs and symptoms of pleural thickening
• Pleural thickening diagnosis and treatment
• How does asbestos exposure cause pleural thickening?
• Who is at risk of pleural thickening?
• Are there other causes of pleural thickening?
• Employer duty of care to prevent asbestos-related diseases
• Can I make a pleural thickening claim?
• Can I claim for pleural plaques?
• How do I make a claim for compensation?
• Can I still claim if my employer is no longer trading?
• How much pleural thickening compensation could I receive?
• What are provisional damages?
• Time limits to start a compensation claim
• Can I claim compensation for losing a loved one due to pleural thickening?
• Do asbestos solicitors offer a no win no fee service?
• Start your personal injury claim today.

What is pleural thickening?

The pleura is a protective membrane surrounding the lungs. It is thin and moist and helps protect the lungs and support their function. The pleural membrane has two layers:

• Visceral pleura. This inner layer is directly attached to the surface of the lungs. It covers and protects the lung tissue.
• Parietal pleura. This outer layer lines the chest wall, diaphragm, and other structures within the chest cavity.

The space between these two layers is called the pleural cavity. It contains a small amount of pleural fluid, which acts as a lubricant, allowing the lungs to expand and contract smoothly during breathing.

Pleural thickening is a medical condition that can occur due to scarring, thickening or calcification of the pleura. The condition can cause severe discomfort and lead to more serious diseases, so swift diagnosis is essential for a successful treatment. There are several potential causes of pleural thickening, the most common being exposure to asbestos fibres at work.

There are two types of pleural thickening:

• Diffuse pleural thickening is widespread and affects a larger area of the pleura. It can restrict lung expansion and cause breathing difficulties.
• Focal pleural thickening refers to areas of localised thickening. It may be less severe but can still lead to respiratory symptoms and discomfort.

Whether or not a person diagnosed with pleural thickening may develop lung cancer is not predictable. However, it indicates that a person has been exposed to asbestos and may be at risk of developing any other form of severe asbestos related disease.

Signs and symptoms of pleural thickening

Symptoms of pleural thickening usually appear anywhere from several years to decades after exposure. The condition does not typically show any signs in the initial stages. However, once present, they do not improve and get worse over time and may include:

• Breathing difficulty. The thickening of the pleura can restrict the movement of the lungs, making it difficult to take deep breaths. That can result in shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
• Chest pain. Sufferers may experience chest pain or discomfort. This pain is often described as a dull, aching sensation and can feel worse with deep breaths or coughing.
• Dry cough. A persistent dry cough can be a symptom of pleural thickening. This cough does not produce mucus or phlegm.
• Fatigue. Difficulty breathing and reduced lung function can lead to fatigue and a reduced ability to engage in physical activities.
• A reduced lung function. As pleural thickening progresses, it can result in a decrease in lung function. That can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, causing symptoms like fatigue and, in severe cases, cyanosis (bluish discolouration of the skin and lips).
• Chest tightness. You may also experience a sensation of chest tightness or heaviness.

A person who suffers from pleural thickening may go on to develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Ongoing symptoms such as those above should be quickly assessed by a doctor and treated as soon as possible.

Pleural thickening diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of pleural thickening will typically begin with a physical exam to assess your overall health and listen to your chest for any abnormal sounds. Your doctor will also ask about any history of asbestos exposure and other potential causes of pleural thickening.

This step will be followed by investigations such as:

• A chest X-ray. X-rays can reveal anomalies in the lungs, such as pleural thickening.
• A CT scan. CT scans provide detailed images of the pleura and can help determine the extent and severity of the thickening.
• Pulmonary function tests. These tests assess lung function and can help determine how pleural thickening may affect your breathing.

If you have developed pleural thickening, the treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms and their impact on lung function. It is essential to keep in mind that any damage that has occurred is irreversible, and there is no cure for the condition. Treatment options may include:

• Regular monitoring to track any changes if symptoms are mild and do not impair lung function;
• If you are a smoker, your doctor will recommend you immediately stop smoking;
• Regular exercise improves overall lung function;
• Medication to help alleviate pain and discomfort;
• Pulmonary rehabilitation if the condition is affecting lung function and causes breathlessness;
• Oxygen therapy provides extra oxygen to breathe in if your symptoms are severe;
• In rare cases, doctors may consider surgery to remove part of the pleura.

If you have been diagnosed with focal or diffuse pleural thickening, you may be able to claim compensation. To find out if your case has merit, do not hesitate to call 0800 470 0474 for free legal advice.

How does asbestos exposure cause pleural thickening?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in the building and mining industries before 1999, when it was banned. Although this substance has many good features, prolonged exposure can cause severe diseases, including pleural thickening.

The respiratory system tackles dust inhalation daily, and large particles are caught in the nasal passages. However, asbestos fibres are so tiny they can easily pass through the filtration systems and enter the lungs.

Once inhaled, they can journey throughout the respiratory system to the alveoli. The particles can pierce the cell walls, enter the pleura, and lodge themselves here, causing scarring and inflammation. The pleura is the lining of the lungs and consists of two thin membranes which protect the chest cavity and help maintain lung function.

As a result of inflammation, the linings of the lungs can start becoming thick. Thickening of the pleura is an early warning sign that the person may be at risk of developing other forms of asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Pleural thickening can be harmless in some cases and is not as severe as mesothelioma. However, it can affect the lungs functioning abilities and cause shortness of breath.

Asbestos does not lead to immediate pleural thickening, and it can often take between 20 to 40 years from the first exposure before the condition begins to show.

Who is at risk of pleural thickening?

Those who were exposed to asbestos at work are most likely to develop the condition. Individuals who have worked in the following professions are most at risk:

• Construction workers
• Miners
• Waste management
• Boilermakers
• Electricians
• Carpenters
• Plumbers
• Pipefitters
• Firefighters
• Chimney sweepers
• Auto mechanics
• Shipbuilders

Family members of people who have worked with asbestos can also develop an asbestos-related disease such as pleural thickening. They could be exposed to asbestos dust from the clothes, skin or hair of their loved ones.

Asbestos was widely used in various products and construction materials until the 1980s when it was prohibited. Thus, nearly all structures constructed or renovated within this timeframe likely contain this material. Anyone who spent time inside or near such buildings may have had contact with asbestos and risk developing a related disease.

Are there other causes of pleural thickening?

The leading cause of pleural thickening is asbestos exposure. However, other factors can contribute to or cause this condition, although they are less common. These include:

• Lung infections such as tuberculosis and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis may cause inflammation of the pleura;
• Radiation therapy for lung cancer may lead to pleural thickening as a side effect;
• Some medications can also cause pleural thickening as a rare side effect;
• A blood clot in the lungs can interrupt blood supply and cause tissue to die. The healing process can cause pleural thickening;
• Benign and malignant tumours;
• Exposure to toxins or pollutants in the air;
• Severe chest injuries or surgery involving the pleura can sometimes result in pleural thickening during the healing process.

You can still make a pleural thickening compensation claim even if your condition is not an asbestos related illness. For example, you may be entitled to bring a claim if you developed diffuse pleural thickening due to:

• Medical negligence
• A road traffic accident caused by someone else’s negligence
• An accident at work
• A slip, trip and fall or another incident in a public place
• An assault or another violent crime

Employer duty of care to prevent asbestos-related diseases

Employers are legally bound by several workplace legislations to protect the health and safety of employees. When it comes to asbestos, their duties are mainly covered by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and include:

• Carry out risk assessments to identify the presence of asbestos;
• If the mineral is present, assess the risk of exposure to workers;
• Take steps to prevent or control asbestos exposure;
• Ensure that employees are adequately trained and informed about the risks and safe work practices;
• Provide regular health checks to detect early signs of related diseases if there is a significant risk of exposure;
• Supply appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and protective clothing;
• Establish proper decontamination procedures for workers and equipment;
• Have systems in place for dealing with emergencies, such as accidental releases or exposure incidents;
• Keep records of asbestos-related work, risk assessments, and health surveillance results;
• If there is potential for employees or others to be exposed to asbestos, employers must notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE);
• Inform contractors and others working on the premises about the presence of the mineral and any associated risks.

If your employer has failed to take reasonable measures to protect you from asbestos diseases, you may be able to make a claim. The asbestos lawyers we work with can help you secure pleural thickening compensation for your pain and suffering.

Can I make a pleural thickening claim?

Whether you have been diagnosed with pleural thickening due to asbestos exposure at work, a medical condition or an accident, you might be entitled to compensation if:

• Another party, such as your employer or a road user, owed you a duty of care
• They breached their duty by acting negligently
• You developed pleural thickening as a result
• You were diagnosed with the condition within the last three years

Your solicitor will be able to prove a duty of care by referring to the relevant legislation. Based on your case, this could be:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, for asbestos claims
• The Road Traffic Act 1988, if you were involved in a road accident
• The Occupiers Liability Act 1957 for accidents on public premises

If they can prove another party is at least partially at fault for your condition, your solicitor will help gather evidence to secure the maximum compensation on your behalf.

Can I claim for pleural plaques?

Pleural plaques are benign areas of thickened tissue in the membranes lining the lungs. These plaques are typically due to asbestos fibres and are considered a sign of past exposure. They do not cause symptoms, and there is no evidence you are more likely to develop an asbestos disease if you have them.

In light of these factors, it is not possible to claim compensation for pleural plaques in England and Wales. You can only claim if they develop into full pleural thickening, so our advice is to have regular check-ups to monitor the progress of your condition.

The legislation is, however, different in Northern Ireland and Scotland. If you have been exposed to the mineral in any of these regions, an expert asbestos solicitor could help you claim compensation.

How do I make a claim for compensation?

If you want to start a pleural thickening claim, the first thing you should do is contact us to speak with one of our partner solicitors. You can do this by calling 0800 470 0474 or requesting a call back today. They will offer you a free case assessment to determine if your claim has merit.

If the solicitor takes on your case, they will contact the defendant to inform them of your intentions to pursue a claim. They will also help you gather all the evidence you need to secure pleural thickening compensation, which could be:

• Medical records that detail your condition, diagnostic tests and treatments you received
• An independent medical report from a specialist about your symptoms, long-term care needs and prognosis
• Witness statements from co-workers and family members who can testify about your asbestos exposure or the impact of the condition on your daily life
• Detailed information about your employment history
• You should also keep records of any related expenses you incurred, such as receipts and invoices.

If you developed pleural thickening after an accident such as a slip, trip and fall or road collision, you could also use the following proof to support your claim:

• Photographs of the accident scene and any visible injuries
• Names and contact details of eyewitnesses who can state how your accident happened
• Your notes about the incident and how it has affected your life
• A police report if you were the victim of a violent crime
• You should also file an accident report if you were injured at work or in a public place and ask for a signed copy

If the defendant admits liability, your solicitor will negotiate the best amount of compensation for you. If they deny it, you may have to argue your claim before a judge. However, that is rarely the case, as more than 95% of all personal injury cases settle out of court.

Can I still claim if my employer is no longer trading?

Pleural thickening can take decades to develop and show symptoms after asbestos exposure. That means your former employer may have gone out of business by the time you received your diagnosis. The process may differ in such cases, but making a claim is still possible.

Since 1972, employers have a legal duty to hold liability insurance against personal injury claims from employees. If your former employer went bust or closed down, your solicitor will locate their insurer and secure the compensation you deserve from them.

Furthermore, you could still claim even if their former insurer ceased trading or cannot meet their financial obligations. In this case, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) may step in and pay your compensation. The FSCS is an independent scheme set by the government to handle claims for businesses whose insurer is insolvent.

How much pleural thickening compensation could I receive?

If you suffer from pleural thickening and believe the company you work for may have been at fault, you could be eligible to make a claim. How much compensation you are likely to receive will depend on the specifics of your case.

Personal injury compensation is awarded in two parts. Firstly, you will receive compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity you have gone through due to your injury. This award is known as general damages and includes an assessment of:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional and psychological distress
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Inability to engage in sports or other activities
• Reduced quality of life and life expectancy

Secondly, compensation can also include any financial losses you have incurred as a direct result of suffering from pleural thickening, such as:

• Medical bills for private treatments
• Prescription costs
• Travel expenses for doctor appointments
• Costs of care and assistance, even if provided by a loved one
• Rehabilitation and home adaptations to support your condition
• If you have taken time off work due to your illness or are no longer able to work, you would also be entitled to claim compensation for loss of wages and future earnings.

According to the guidelines published by the Judicial College, the amount awarded for general damages could be:

• Between £14,140 and £36,060 for moderate pleural thickening
• Between £36,060 and £99,330 for severe symptoms and impact on your life

What are provisional damages?

If you were diagnosed with pleural thickening, there is a risk you may develop a more serious asbestos disease, such as mesothelioma. As such, pleural thickening claims are routinely dealt with on a provisional damages basis.

In general, it is not possible to claim twice for the same injury. However, in case of pleural thickening, you can ask for further compensation if your condition worsens. Here’s how provisional damages for pleural thickening works:

• Initial compensation. You receive compensation for your current condition, which is pleural thickening caused by asbestos exposure. That covers the harm already suffered, including pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.
• Future risk. It is well-known that pleural thickening may increase the risk of developing more severe conditions. Thus, your solicitor may advise you to settle your claim on a provisional basis.
• Further compensation. If you later develop a more serious asbestos-related disease, you can seek additional compensation without the need to initiate a new legal claim.

Time limits to start a compensation claim

Pleural thickening can occur many decades after asbestos exposure. Even if a lung infection or chest trauma has caused it, it may still take months or years to show symptoms. Thus, the time limit to start a pleural thickening claim is three years after the date you received your diagnosis (date of knowledge).

The time limit is set by the Limitation Act 1980 and can be different than three years in certain circumstances:

• For children, the time starts to run only on their 18th birthday. Before that, a parent could claim for them at any time, regardless of the date of diagnosis.
• The time limit is suspended if the claimant cannot start legal proceedings due to a lack of mental capacity. That could be due to several reasons, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, a stroke or another condition affecting their mental capacity. In this case, a litigation friend could claim for them.
• If you lost a loved one due to complications from pleural thickening, you have three years to make a claim after their death.

Regardless of your circumstances, it is essential to start your claim as soon as possible. That will help your solicitor gather the evidence needed to secure compensation and ensure you do not miss any deadlines.

Can I claim compensation for losing a loved one due to pleural thickening?

Pleural thickening can impact lung function but is not otherwise a fatal condition. However, it indicates you may develop mesothelioma or another deadly illness later in life. If this happens and you lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to make a claim.

If you were a dependant of the deceased, you could claim for:

• The financial benefits expected from them, such as income, lost pensions, investments and other alternative revenues;
• The loss of services they provided, such as childcare, DIY projects and property maintenance;
• Funeral expenses, such as embalming the body and the cost of a memorial service;
• The financial losses your loved one incurred between the date of diagnosis and the date of death;
• A bereavement award of £15,120 for the pain and grief the passing of your loved one has caused you.

Do asbestos solicitors offer a no win no fee service?

If you have a valid claim, the solicitors we work with will offer you a no win no fee* agreement. That means you don’t have to pay any upfront fees to get legal representation from them. Furthermore, you won’t have to pay anything if your claim fails.

Your solicitor only receives a success fee if they secure compensation for you. This fee can be up to 25% of your award, and you will agree to it from the beginning. You do not have to worry about any hidden charges.

The no win no fee service also includes an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy. This will cover all the costs and disbursements incurred during litigation if you lose the case, such as:

• Court and counsel fees
• Paralegal and other staff time
• Police and medical reports
• Expert witness fees
• Barrister fees if the case goes to court

In a no win no fee claim, you only pay anything if and after you receive compensation. Your deductions include the cost of the ATE policy and the success fee paid to your solicitor. If you lose, you will not have to pay anything.

Start your personal injury claim today.

At InjuryClaims.co.uk, we work with a specialist team of asbestos solicitors who can help assess your claim during a free consultation. Your lawyer will work on a risk-free no win no fee service, which means you can start a claim without worrying about any upfront legal fees.

When you choose a solicitor to handle your case, they will not just take the risk out of making a claim. They will also ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injury to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. If your pleural thickening claim is not successful, you will not be left with any legal bills to pay due to the no win no fee guarantee.

To get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can request a call back using our contact form or call free on 0800 470 0474. A friendly solicitor will assess your claim without any cost to you, and if you have a valid claim, they will be happy to help you every step of the way.

Last edited on 8th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.