Pleural Thickening Claims – No Win No Fee Support You Can Trust
At Claims 24 Hours, we know how worrying it is to be told you have pleural thickening. You may have noticed breathlessness, chest tightness, or fatigue—and now you’re wondering how asbestos might be the cause.
We’re here to help you make sense of it all. Our role is simple: explain things clearly, guide you step by step, and secure the compensation you deserve—all on a no win, no fee basis.
What Is Pleural Thickening?
The lungs are wrapped in a thin lining called the pleura. Asbestos fibres, when breathed in, can damage this lining. Over time, the lining becomes scarred and thickened—making it harder for the lungs to expand.
There are two main types:
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Localised pleural thickening – limited to one part of the lung.
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Diffuse pleural thickening – widespread, covering large areas of the lung lining, and far more serious.
With diffuse pleural thickening, even normal daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or carrying shopping can feel difficult.
Symptoms of Pleural Thickening
Symptoms often build slowly, sometimes years after asbestos exposure:
- Shortness of breath, especially when active
- A tight, heavy feeling in the chest
- Persistent cough
- Reduced lung function (seen in breathing tests)
- Fatigue and weakness
These symptoms can get worse over time, especially if the thickening spreads. Some people are diagnosed during routine X-rays or CT scans before they even notice problems.
Who Can Claim Compensation for Pleural Thickening?
You could be entitled to claim if:
- You worked with or near asbestos (construction, shipbuilding, insulation, plumbing, factories, engineering).
- You were exposed at home—for example, washing asbestos-contaminated work clothes.
- You lived in or near buildings containing asbestos dust.
- You’re a family member claiming on behalf of a loved one who passed away.
Don’t worry if you can’t remember exactly when or where you were exposed—solicitors are skilled at tracking past employers, insurers, and workplace records, even from decades ago.
Pleural Thickening vs Pleural Plaques
Many people confuse the two:
- Pleural plaques: small patches of scarring. These are generally symptom-free and no longer claimable in England and Wales.
- Pleural thickening: scarring that spreads over a larger area, causes breathing issues, and is claimable.
This distinction is vital. If you’ve been diagnosed with plaques, you may not claim now—but if your condition worsens into pleural thickening, you could qualify later.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
Compensation depends on your symptoms, lifestyle changes, and financial loss.
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Mild cases: £10,000 – £20,000
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Moderate cases (where work or lifestyle is limited): £25,000 – £60,000
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Severe cases (serious breathlessness, daily care needs): £80,000 – £100,000+
Extra amounts may be added for lost wages, medical care, and travel expenses. Families may also claim for funeral costs and dependency support if the person has passed away.
Example settlements:
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£15,000 provisional award to a project manager, allowing for future claims if health worsened.
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£14,600 awarded to a sheet metal worker exposed to asbestos dust at work.
Other Financial Support You May Get
Aside from legal compensation, you may also qualify for:
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) – weekly tax-free payments.
- Government lump-sum schemes – fast-track one-off payments.
- Welfare benefits – like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance.
We can guide you on all of these, alongside your claim.
How the Claims Process Works
- Contact us – Call or use our quick online form.
- Free review – A specialist solicitor checks if you can claim.
- No win, no fee – You pay nothing unless you win.
- Gathering evidence – Medical tests, X-rays, breathing tests, plus work records.
- Building your case – Solicitors work with asbestos experts to prove your exposure.
- Settlement or trial – Most cases are settled without court.
- Payment – Compensation is paid, solicitor fees are deducted, and you keep the rest.
Why Choose Claims 24 Hours?
- No upfront fees – 100% risk-free.
- Specialist solicitors – We work only with asbestos experts.
- Clear language – No jargon, no confusion.
- Future-proof claims – Provisional damages mean you can claim again if health worsens.
- Support for families – We help partners, children, and dependents continue claims.
Time Limits for Claims
The law usually allows three years from diagnosis to make a claim. For family claims, the three years starts from the date of death.
It doesn’t matter if asbestos exposure happened decades ago—what matters is the date you were diagnosed.
If you think time is running out, get in touch straight away. Courts sometimes allow late claims, but starting early is always best.
Real-Life Example
A 68-year-old former builder was diagnosed with diffuse pleural thickening after struggling with breathlessness. His employer had shut down years ago, but solicitors traced their insurers. He was awarded £60,000 compensation, plus ongoing Industrial Injuries Benefit.
This shows how even cases from decades ago can still succeed.
FAQs
Can pleural thickening turn into mesothelioma or cancer?
Not directly—but people with pleural thickening have a higher risk of other asbestos diseases. Regular monitoring is important.
Can I still claim if I smoked?
Yes. Smoking doesn’t cause pleural thickening—only asbestos does.
What if I don’t know which job caused my exposure?
Solicitors can trace exposure using old records, job history, and insurance databases.
Will I need to go to court?
Most cases settle without court. If a hearing is needed, your solicitor will support you throughout.
Can I claim if I have no symptoms yet?
Yes. Some people are diagnosed on scans before symptoms begin. You may still qualify for provisional damages.
Can my family claim if I pass away?
Yes. Claims can continue after death, so your loved ones don’t lose out.
Conculsion
Pleural thickening is life-changing, but it doesn’t have to leave you without support. At Claims 24 Hours, we guide you gently through the claims process, secure fair compensation, and make sure you’re not left alone to cope.
With our no win, no fee promise, there’s nothing to lose—just the chance to get justice for the harm caused by asbestos.
👉 Contact us today to start your pleural thickening claim.