Lawyers To Discuss Landmark Case Which Secured Vital Funds For Hospice

Specialist lawyers will be building on their recent success securing funds for a Leeds hospice which helps care for victims of asbestos-related diseases by hosting a seminar exploring end of life issues.

Asbestos lawyers from law firm Irwin Mitchell were able to recover a vital £28,000 settlement for St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds to cover costs incurred while a man suffering from mesothelioma was cared for during his final months before he passed away.

This case, brought by the family of a man who worked at a brewery in Leeds, follows the landmark ruling in 2010 led by Irwin Mitchell which found that a company responsible for the death of a worker from asbestos should contribute to their hospice care costs.

Leading lawyers from Irwin Mitchell will be discussing the case and other issues such as legal assistance for patients with asbestos-related diseases, wills and lasting powers of attorney and a patients’ right to refuse treatment at the seminar at St Gemma’s Hospice, based at Harrogate Road in Moortown, on 12 March 2013.

Ian Bailey, a partner and industrial disease expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office, will discuss how patients suffering from asbestos-related diseases can receive legal help.

Ian said: “At Irwin Mitchell we see too often the devastating impact asbestos-related illnesses can have not just on the victims exposed to the deadly dust, but also their families who have to endure seeing their loved ones suffer from these terminal diseases.

“The landmark case in 2010 was significant, not just for Irwin Mitchell, but also for St Gemma’s and other hospices who care compassionately for so many people suffering from asbestos-related illnesses.

“We are really proud of this case and to be leading the way in this field so hopefully we will inspire others to try and recover hospice costs at the seminar, particularly as during these difficult economic times every penny counts for charitable organisations.”

The event will also include presentations from Gillian Coverley, a partner from Irwin Mitchell’s wills, trust and probate team, and Conor Maguire, a solicitor from the firm’s public law department, who will talk about a patients’ right to refuse treatment.

There will also be a question and answer session, an opportunity to see more of the facilities at St Gemma’s as well as networking lunch.

Gail Chapman, fundraising manager at St Gemma’s Hospice, said: “Like all the donations we receive, the money Irwin Mitchell helped secure for us will be wisely spent and will help us continue our vital work.

“The team at Irwin Mitchell have the expertise and determination to lead the way and help us, and other hospices, receive the funds they need to continue to provide care to people dealing with a terminal illness. I’m sure people will really learn a lot about hospice care and end of life issues at the conference.”

The event will run from 12.30pm until 4.30pm and anyone interested in attending should contact organiser Michela De Paola on 0114 2744179 or email michela.depaola@irwinmitchell.com.