• Expert legal guidance for pleural plaque claims under the law in Northern Ireland.
• Personalised support tailored for your circumstances.
• Clear, straightforward claim process.
• Strong record of securing fair pleural plaque compensation payouts.
• Free consultation to start your pleural plaque claim.

Pleural plaques are areas of thickened tissue on the lung lining, often resulting from inhaling asbestos fibres.

Like many asbestos related diseases, pleural plaques take many years to develop – typically around 20 to 30 years after initial asbestos exposure.

While pleural plaques are not harmful in themselves, they can lead to an increased risk of more serious conditions related to asbestos. In Northern Ireland, pleural plaques are notably common among those with a history of working in environments where asbestos was present, with a Chest Clinic study finding 1 in 5 people over the age of 40 had pleural plaques.

Pleural plaques themselves usually do not cause symptoms. They are benign and typically do not affect lung function or cause pain.

For this reason, pleural plaques are often discovered unexpectedly during routine X-ray tests or CT scans, particularly in individuals with a history of asbestos exposure.

Despite this, it’s essential for those with pleural plaques, particularly if they have a history of asbestos exposure, to monitor their health closely and report any new respiratory symptoms to a healthcare provider, as they may indicate other more serious asbestos-related diseases.

Pleural plaques in Northern Ireland, and other areas of the UK, are primarily caused by asbestos exposure. This exposure is most common in trade industries where asbestos was widely used for its insulating and fire-resistant properties.

Individuals at risk of developing pleural plaques are therefore those working in roles like construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. If you’ve worked for any of the following business in Northern or Southern Ireland, you could be at risk:

• Harland & Wolff, Belfast
• Harland & Wolff subcontractors, including Cork Insulation, Union Insulation, Andersons Insulation, Dicks Asbestos & Insulation, Darlington Insulation, Cape Contracts, Cape Insulation, Anchor Insulation, Capper Pipe Services, Henry Nelson Ltd and Mersey Insulation.
• Coolkeeragh Power Station, Londonderry
• West Twins Power Station, Belfast
• Courtaulds, Carrickfergus
• DuPont, Maydown Industrial Estate
• Carrington Viyella Carpets/Cyril Lord/Donaghadee Carpets Limited. Donaghadee
• Goodyear Tyres, Craigavon
• Ulster Printworks, Newtownards
• Irish Fertiliser Industries/ Richardsons Fertilisers, Belfast

Second-hand exposure also poses a risk, especially for families of asbestos workers, who may carry home asbestos fibres on their clothing, hair or tools. Residents living near asbestos-related industries or in homes built with asbestos materials are also at risk, even without direct occupational exposure.

We’ve streamlined our pleural plaques compensation claim process, ensuring our solicitors manage every aspect of your claim with the utmost care and professionalism. When making a pleural plaque claim with us, you can expect the following steps:

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Start your pleural plaques compensation claim by getting in touch with our solicitors for free. We’ll discuss your history of asbestos exposure and your condition to evaluate your claim’s viability.

Step 2: Gathering Information
Next we’ll compile information about your asbestos exposure, focusing on the timeline and environments that contributed to your pleural plaques. This will include documenting your employment history and identifying potential asbestos exposure sites.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
A medical evaluation will then be arranged to assess the extent of your pleural plaques and their connection to asbestos exposure. This will establish the medical basis for your claim and outline potential future health implications.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Our experienced solicitors will negotiate to secure a fair pleural plaque compensation amount that reflects your individual case, potential related health issues and the impact on your life.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
Upon successfully negotiating your claim, we’ll ensure the compensation for your pleural plaques is processed efficiently, so you receive your funds as soon as possible to move forward with greater financial security.

Pleural plaques compensation in Northern Ireland can be claimed through the pleural plaques compensation scheme. Since January 2012, this scheme compensates individuals for the potential future health risks and psychological impacts, despite pleural plaques being asymptomatic.

Compensation is awarded based on individual circumstances, and will be split into “general damages” and “special damages”:

• General Damages – These are awarded for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity directly related to your pleural plaques. They compensate for the physical and psychological impact of your condition, considering how it affects your daily life and well-being.
• Special Damages – This compensation covers specific financial losses and expenses you’ve incurred or will incur due to your condition. This can include medical bills, travel costs to medical appointments, lost earnings, and any other related expenses.

In Northern Ireland, when making a pleural plaques claim, you can typically expect to receive between £3,500 and £50,000 in general damages. However, this is just a guideline and only accounts for general damages; your total compensation, including special damages, is likely to be higher, reflecting your individual circumstances and the broader financial impact of your condition.

Here at Reid Black, our team is highly experienced in asbestos-related illness claims. We’ll bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure your pleural plaque case is handled with care and respect. Unlike larger firms, we offer a tailored approach, focusing on your unique circumstances to secure the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take advantage of your free initial consultation to discuss starting a pleural plaques compensation claim. Our solicitors will offer the expert guidance and support you need to proceed confidently with your claim.