Leeds Law Firm Supports Local Hospices In West Yorkshire

Specialist asbestos lawyers from Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office have raised more than £70,000 for hospices in the West Yorkshire region over the last 12 months as part of their clients’ claims.

It follows a landmark ruling in a 2010 case led by Irwin Mitchell which found that the insurers of a company responsible for the death of a worker from asbestos should contribute to his or her hospice care costs.

One of the hospices who work closely with lawyers at Irwin Mitchell is St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds, which provides vital care and support for families who have been affected by cancer. They have a specialist team of staff and nurses who are available 24 hours a day for their patients.

Irwin Mitchell has also secured £32,154,20 for St Gemma’s Hospice to cover the care costs of former patients the firm has represented.

Expert Opinion

Following a groundbreaking ruling in 2010 won by Irwin Mitchell, our clients have been allowed to claim on behalf of the hospice for the care that was provided by them in their hours of need.

“In times where fundraising has become more difficult, I am very proud that we have been able to help our clients support the hospices where they received their care at the end of their lives.

“Our clients are always very clear that they want to benefit the hospice where they were looked after by excellent carers.

“Victims of asbestos-related diseases have faced many challenges to their access to justice over the past few years and the recent Mesothelioma Bill which passed through parliament is another missed opportunity to ensure that all victims of asbestos-related diseases can secure the settlements they deserve. We will continue to fight for access to justice on behalf of all our clients.”
Ian Bailey - Partner

Tracey Dick, Director of Business at St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds, commented: “We are extremely grateful to Irwin Mitchell for ensuring that the full costs of the care given by St Gemma’s is included in any mesothelioma claim.

“All of our care is given free of charge to patients and families but we have to raise the majority of our £9 million annual running costs through donations, legacies, fundraising initiatives and our chain of charity shops.

“The substantial contribution made through mesothelioma claims is a valuable contribution and ensures St Gemma’s can continue caring for local people with terminal illnesses.”

Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell acting for Jacqueline Prince, whose husband Robert died of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in 2012, also secured costs of more than £6,000 for the Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract, West Yorkshire where Robert was cared for.

Jacqueline, 66, said: “This is what Robert would have wanted. He could not have thanked the hospice enough for the support provided to him by the wonderful doctors and nurses.”