Inhalation of asbestos dust is commonly associated many years later with the development of several benign and malignant diseases of the lung and the interior lining of the chest wall, otherwise known as pleura.
The following are several different types of diseases that can be caused by exposure to asbestos dust.
- Pleural plaques (scarring of the lining of the lungs).
- Bilateral pleural thickening which is fibrosis of the pleura.
- Asbestosis-fibrosis of the lungs caused by asbestos dust.
- Lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The Court of Appeal has recently decided that people suffering from pleural plaque injury are now no longer eligible for compensation. It has now been held that employers and their insurers should therefore not be held liable if workers are found to be suffering from pleural plaques, even if it is clear that they were the result of being exposed to asbestos. The Court of Appeal took the unusual step of giving permission to appeal to the House of Lords without even being asked. This decision has now been appealed to the House of Lords and it is possible that they may overturn this decision and decide that this disease could still be compensated.
Clients with asbestos related diseases are entitled to claim compensation under common law from the firm where exposure to asbestos occurred.
At KSH Law Firm, we can investigate your claim on a 'No win, no fee' basis.
All initial enquiries are dealt with free of charge.
For more information contact Catherine Irvine on 0191 232 5232.