Many people rarely deal with a solicitor, perhaps once or twice to make and change a Will, or to handle their conveyancing.

When someone is diagnosed with Mesothelioma, they are faced with a maelstrom of emotions, ranging from anger, depression, shock to resignation. A diagnosis of Mesothelioma is a tragic, life changing event, not just for the patient but for his or her family as well.

Nobody really wants to go through the legal process out of choice but if you have to, it is important you feel confident your solicitor has the right experience to achieve the best outcome in the Mesothelioma claims process.

So why bring a claim?

Two main reasons in my view.

First, financial necessity. Mesothelioma victims’ chief concern is often not for themselves but for their spouse of many years, who are quite often financially dependent on their wages and pension income. Bringing a successful compensation claim for Mesothelioma at least ensures their loved ones need not be left in financial difficulty.

The second is the legacy viewpoint. Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. Regrettably, it continues to be classified as a type of lung cancer, rather than the unique condition which, unlike other lung cancers, is invariably caused by exposure to asbestos. People with Mesothelioma often tell me of how important is for them to leave a legacy as a result.

There are two main ways a Mesothelioma sufferer is referred to a solicitor.

• The first is for the patient to randomly select from a list of law firms handed out on a sheet of paper at the hospital.
• The second is usually via a Mesothelioma Victim Support Group.

At Webbers Mesothelioma Solicitor I deal with both health professionals and support groups.

One group which I have been privileged to be involved in, from their very early days, is the Hampshire Asbestos Support and Awareness Group (HASAG). Although based in Southampton, they provide help and support to anyone affected by Mesothelioma, wherever they may live. They have even assisted someone as far away as New Zealand. See their informative website: www.hasag.co.uk.

The main point is that it is vital that someone with Mesothelioma is referred to a genuine specialist solicitor. If not referred by a support group then people often make their own enquiries. Increasingly, families affected by Mesothelioma turn to the Internet, which has its uses and advantages. However, it is often an advertising forum and certainly not failsafe.

A Webbers Mesothelioma Solicitor Example Case…

An example that springs to mind is a lady called Rose, who contacted me following her father’s Mesothelioma diagnosis. They had already been to a large law firm in Central London who were specialists in the area of Mesothelioma compensation claims. The case was not straightforward. The client was self employed for most of his life and his exposure to asbestos occurred from asbestos contained within the fabric of the building from which he traded. His claim therefore was against the landlords.

The previous law firm, despite their expertise and size, referred Rose to an inexperienced junior clerk. He told the client that they could not proceed as he was self employed. The law firm did not want to consider a claim against the landlords and closed their file. The family felt they had been fobbed off and refused to take no for an answer.

They approached me and I agreed to take the case on for Rose’s father.

It was a difficult matter and court action was necessary. Nonetheless a favourable settlement was achieved, without the need for the client to go to Court. Rose’s family finally got the justice they deserved, emphasising the importance of choosing a genuine Mesothelioma Claims Specialist Solicitor.

Please contact us at Webbers Mesothelioma Solicitors for a confidential discussion.