A common source of anxiety for those diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition such as mesothelioma is how their families will cope financially and practically should their illness have a negative impact on their life expectancy and/or ability to earn and provide services.
The team at HASAG has been committed to helping both those suffering from asbestos-related conditions and their families for nearly 20 years. Their aims include, but are not limited to, ensuring that patients have their full benefits entitlements, creating a friendly and compassionate support network, and providing the services of a dedicated nursing expert and access to high quality counselling services.
In addition, the job of the specialist solicitors on HASAG’s panel is to support patients not only in claiming compensation on their own behalf, but also for their families.
Of course, when a loved one is diagnosed with an asbestos condition, financial compensation is usually very far down the list of priorities. However, a successful legal claim should provide funds for private care, treatment and equipment, with the aim of easing at least some of the burden in dealing with the physical and emotional impact of a serious illness.
Further, some of those financially dependent on the patient are entitled to claim for loss of dependency on that patient’s earnings/income, including pension. A specialist lawyer will ensure that everything is taken into account, including, where the patient was still working, the possibility of promotion or career advancement opportunities, and any fringe benefits such as car allowance, private medical care etc.
The object of the exercise is to put dependants back in the financial position they would have been in had their loved one not developed an asbestos condition. We will, for example, ask about any gifts of luxury items, such as money for family weddings, birthday and Christmas presents that the patient would automatically have provided.
We also take into account the cost of past and future loss of services which the patient is no longer able to provide, such as child minding, domestic chores, bookkeeping and finances, painting and decorating, home maintenance and DIY, driving, gardening, and any care required.
We routinely act on behalf of spouses/partners, but also investigate losses sustained by other family members.
For example, it is not uncommon for a patient to have been looking after a partner with a disability and/or grandchildren or adult children with additional needs. Where such dependants do not have capacity to bring a legal claim on their own behalf, either because they are under 18, or have a condition which affects their ability to manage their own affairs, Court approval is necessary before the claim can be finalised, and it is important that specialist lawyers are instructed to ensure that the appropriate advice is given and the evidence is optimally presented so that the process is as straightforward as possible.
Experienced lawyers will understand that each claimant is an individual, and that each case has different nuances, and tailor their approach accordingly. Timing can also be very important, and it is vital to ensure that all those affected are properly advised and consulted.
While HASAG’s panel solicitors are independent, we work alongside the HASAG team to ensure that their high standards and holistic approach in supporting patients and their families are maintained.
