Industrial disease

Pleural Plaques Claims in Northern Ireland

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1. Pleural Plaques

What is Pleural Plaques?

Pleural plaques are a form of scarring of the lining of the lungs. They are caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once widely used in construction and other industries. One of the qualified solicitors in the MMW Claims team will be able to advise you on whether you may be able to claim for this condition.

Pleural plaques are a common condition in Northern Ireland. A study by the Northern Ireland Chest Clinic found that 1 in 5 people over the age of 40 had pleural plaques. The prevalence of pleural plaques is higher in people who have worked in industries where they were exposed to asbestos. You may still be able to claim against an employer who is no longer trading. The expert solicitors at MMW claims will be able to ascertain if you have a claim by tracing insurance history for old companies.

Pleural plaques do not usually cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, they can cause pain, shortness of breath, and a dry cough. Pleural plaques can also increase the risk of developing other asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

There is no cure for pleural plaques. However, there are treatments that can help to relieve symptoms. These treatments include pain medication, oxygen therapy, and surgery to remove the plaques.

If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to see a doctor for regular check-ups. This will help to detect any early signs of asbestos-related diseases. You should speak to a member of the MMW Claims team today.

2. Symptoms 

Symptoms of Pleural Plaques

Pleural plaques usually do not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, they can cause:

Pain in the chest

Shortness of breath

A dry cough

3. Risk Factors

Risk Factors for Pleural Plaques

The main risk factor for pleural plaques is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once widely used in construction and other industries. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can damage the lungs and cause a number of health problems, including pleural plaques.

4. Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Pleural Plaques

Pleural plaques are usually diagnosed with a chest X-ray. The X-ray will show a white, smooth area on the lining of the lungs. In some cases, a CT scan may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. If MMW Claims are pursuing a claim on your behalf, we will obtain an expert report from a specialist Doctor confirming that you have pleural plaques and that it is related to your former employment.

5. Treatment

Treatment of Pleural Plaques

There is no cure for pleural plaques. However, there are treatments that can help to relieve symptoms. These treatments include:

Pain medication

Oxygen therapy

Surgery to remove the plaques

6.  Prevention

Prevention of Pleural Plaques

The best way to prevent pleural plaques is to avoid exposure to asbestos. If you work in an industry where you may be exposed to asbestos, you should wear protective clothing, such as a respirator.

If you have received a diagnosis of pleural plaques speak to a member of the team at MMW Claims to find out if you can claim against a former employer.

What happens next?

1
Step one
Fill out our simple online form and wait for one of our qualified solicitors to call you
2
Step two
Speak with one of our qualified solicitors to get a deeper understanding of your claim eligibility.
3
Step three
Receive your FREE no-obligation claims assessment and further personalised advice on how to make your claim.

Get Expert Legal Advice before you make a claim

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