Specialist Industrial Illness Lawyers Recover Care Costs As Part Of Asbestos Case
Specialist industrial illness lawyers from Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office have secured an award in relation to care costs on behalf of St Gemma’s hospice in Leeds of £18,712.92 as part of the claim on behalf of Wetherby asbestos victim, Henry Page.Henry, known as Sid to his family and friends, died of the asbestos cancer earlier in the summer of 2014 after a long period of illness where he was supported by staff at the hospice. At an inquest before the Coroner for West Yorkshire on 28 November 2014, a conclusion was recorded that he had died from an industrial disease.
Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell acting on behalf of the family of Sid, secured the substantial award in relation to the costs of his care at the Leeds-based hospice as part of his settlement from Belzona after investigations found he was exposed to asbestos when working on paint mixing in the 1970’s.
The award on behalf of the hospice 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 disease should contribute to the care costs of the hospice where the care was provided.
Sid’s widow Anne said “In just a few short weeks, Sid’s life was turned upside down. He was a man who was fit and well who loved to be the life and soul of the party. He loved his music and played the accordion. He became withdrawn and weak and but the staff at St Gemma’s provided invaluable support at a time when we needed it most.
“We are pleased that Irwin Mitchell was able to recover this money on behalf of St Gemma’s so that they can continue the vital work that they do.
“This is what Sid would have wanted - he could not have thanked the hospice enough for the support provided to him by the wonderful doctors and nurses.”
Workplace illness specialists at Irwin Mitchell work closely with 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.
Gail Chapman, Fundraising manager at St Gemma’s hospice said: “We are extremely grateful to Irwin Mitchell for ensuring that the full costs of the care given by St Gemma’s are included in any mesothelioma claim.Expert Opinion
In times where fundraising has become more difficult, I am very proud that we have once again 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 where possible they want to benefit the hospice where they were looked after by excellent carers and we will continue to assist wherever we can.”
Ian Bailey - Partner
“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.”