House Of Lords Denies Pleural Plaques Sufferers The Right To Compensation Claiming pleural plaques compensation on grounds of negligence 17.10.2007 The highest court in the UK, the House of Lords, has today announced that it will not overturn the law which prevents sufferers of pleural plaques from claiming compensation on the grounds of negligence. Despite a five day hearing earlier this year in the House of Lords, in which sufferers of pleural plaques argued that they should be compensated for the negligent exposure to asbestos they suffered, the law lords upheld the verdict passed by the Court of Appeal in January 2006. The law states that pleural plaque sufferers, whose cases have not yet been settled, will not be permitted to claim compensation. Pleural plaques are areas of thick scar tissue which form in the chest lining and diaphragm and are caused by asbestos exposure. Over time, this thickening of the pleural membrane, which lines the lungs, can make breathing difficult and can, in some cases, be accompanied by the development of other more serious respiratory diseases including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Adrian Budgen, head of the industrial diseases team with law firm Irwin Mitchell, commented: “I am extremely disappointed that the decision to deny pleural plaques sufferers’ access to justice has not been overturned by the House of Lords today. I represent many families who will be devastated by the news. “This decision will impact upon thousands of people who have faced emotional anguish since their diagnosis. Pleural plaques is a consequence of negligent exposure to asbestos. This exposure physically scars victims and is often a precursor to very serious, and sometimes fatal, disease.” Press contact James Clarke Press Officer +44 (0)161 838 3169 Email James Related articles 20.02.2019Handyman Devastated By Asbestos Cancer Diagnosis Calls On Ex-Butlins Filey Colleagues For Help 19.02.2019Light Aircraft Passengers At Risk Of Being Left Unable To Access Funds Due To Inadequate Insurance Rules 18.02.2019Irwin Mitchell In Birmingham Boosts Corporate Team With Partner Hire 18.02.2019Essex Teenager Seriously Hurt By Drink And Drugs Driver Issues Road Safety Plea 18.02.2019Legal Experts Urge Abuse Survivors Not To Suffer In Silence After Teaching Assistant Carl Jones Jailed For Sex Offences 15.02.2019Transgender Man Fights For Right To Be Recognised As Father On Child's Birth Certificate