£9k compensation for 62 year old with pleural plaques

Compensation of £9,282 was awarded to a 62 year old man for pleural plaques caused by exposure to asbestos while working as a contractor over a 19 year period early in his working life.

See also:

Work accident compensation claims

Pleural plaques injury details

The claimant, who worked as a plater in a shipyard between the ages of 16 and 35, was exposed to asbestos fibres and dust during his employment. He was later diagnosed with pleural plaques at the age of 60.

Medical Impact: Although pleural plaques do not typically cause respiratory issues, the claimant faced a series of potential risks due to asbestos exposure. Medical experts assessed the following probabilities:

• 1% risk of developing pleural thickening
• 1% risk of developing asbestosis
• 3% risk of developing mesothelioma

Despite never smoking, which reduces the overall likelihood of lung malignancy, his life expectancy was reduced by an estimated 9 months due to asbestos exposure. Additionally, the diagnosis worsened an existing anxiety condition, which is a common psychological effect as people often mistake pleural plaques for more serious conditions like asbestosis or become distressed about the increased risk of asbestos-related diseases.

Allegation: The claimant argued that the defendants, his employers, had been negligent by failing to provide a safe working environment and exposing him to asbestos. He attributed the development of pleural plaques and his increased anxiety to their negligence.

Case settlement and conclusion

The case was heard at Newcastle County Court by Judge Walton.

The Judge found in favour of the claimant at a court hearing.

The Court awarded compensation of £6,500 for 'pain and suffering and loss of amenity (PLSA) adjusted to £9,282.1350 for the projected Retail Price Index (RPI) for future care.

Disclaimer

Case studies are for informational purposes only and aim to help prospective claimants understand the injury claim process. They are based on cases handled by Quittance panel solicitors or sourced from public court records.

Author:
Gaynor Haliday, Legal researcher

About the author

Gaynor Haliday is an experienced legal researcher and published author. She has had numerous articles published in the press and is a legal industry commentator.