Mesothelioma Supporting Sufferers & Their Families

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1 Mesothelioma Supporting Sufferers & Their Families INJURY & NEGLIGENCE SPECIALISTS

2 Injury & Negligence My solicitors were professional at all times but still had so much kindness and compassion for my mother-in-law during her sad loss. Quote about Pannone part of Slater & Gordon, from Mrs T, Bolton

3 WELCOME TO PANNONE PART OF SLATER & GORDON When choosing a law firm, what do you look for? Quality service? Great reputation? Specialist solicitors at the top of their profession? Or simply friendly and approachable people? We offer all of these things. We focus on providing the highest standard of service with a personal touch that makes the difference. Our clients describe us as honest, professional and committed and in the words of the Legal 500 independent legal guide, we are excellent in every way, and never falter in support and availability. Our lawyers are easy to talk to and will keep you fully updated with no legal jargon. Whether you are entitled to legal aid, no win, no fee or legal expenses insurance, we ll find a way to fund your case and fight for you. This booklet details the additional services which we can provide for you when dealing with mesothelioma. Call us on to set up a free consultation. Richard Scorer National Manager of Serious Injury 03

4 Injury & Negligence When you re diagnosed with mesothelioma, everything changes. It s our aim to reduce the burden by helping you deal with as many practical issues as possible. Pauline Chandler, Principal Lawyer Pauline Chandler, Principal Lawyer

5 WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU When diagnosed with mesothelioma everything changes. Not just for the sufferer but also for their family. The news can be both shocking and devastating for everyone concerned, making it difficult to deal with everyday living. The Industrial Disease Team have specialised in cases of mesothelioma for many years and understand just how much life can change when delivered this dreadful news. It is our aim to make life as easy as possible for the whole family. We are here to help reduce the burden of dealing with a whole range of practical issues such as benefits advice, ensuring you have the correct care etc. We will be with you every step of the way with our understanding, support and advice, wherever we can be of assistance. 05

6 Injury & Negligence I m here to provide you with the benefits help and advice you need and will continue to be here for you throughout your case. Angela Wright, Welfare Benefits Advisor Angela Wright, Welfare Rights Advisor

7 HELP WITH BENEFITS When diagnosed with an illness like mesothelioma, the chances are that your entitlement to benefits will not be at the forefront of your mind. However, your financial position can be a concern and one more worry you could really do without. Angela Wright, our dedicated benefits and welfare rights advisor, is here to help put your mind at ease and tell you all need to know about what you are entitled to. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to apply for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit together with a one off lump sum payment from the government. Angela is able to advise you, help you complete the forms and continue her assistance with any ongoing queries you may have. Angela will also advise you on whether or not you are entitled to other benefits, such as: Housing Benefit Council Tax Benefit Attendance Allowance Disability Living Allowance Carers Allowance Pension Credit Employment & Support Allowance If you are entitled to any of these benefits, we can help you make the applications. 07

8 Injury & Negligence PROTECTING YOUR BENEFITS It is sometimes an additional worry that if you do receive compensation, it will affect your benefits and you can worry that you may end up in a worse off financial position as a result of receiving compensation. If your case is not handled by an experienced team with years of experience, you may find yourself in a difficult position. However, we have years of experience in these cases and we can ensure that your benefits are protected from any compensation you receive. We have a dedicated Trusts team who will provide you with specialist advice and can arrange for you to have a Personal Injury Trust set up to ensure that any compensation you receive does not affect your benefits income. I am so grateful for the kind, compassionate and efficient way in which my solicitors dealt with Geoff s claim Quote about Pannone part of Slater & Gordon, from Mrs C, Derbyshire

9 TAKING CARE OF YOUR CASE Given that mesothelioma drastically changes everything for the sufferer and their family, it is extremely important that you choose a solicitor who is experienced in mesothelioma cases to ensure that the case progresses both quickly and efficiently, with the best possible settlement. The Industrial Disease team have specialised in these cases for many years. We understand the impact that mesothelioma has on you and your family. We have a team of specialists who can take care of very aspect of your case and will make sure you get the best available service. We will visit you at home to advise you on your case and will answer any queries or concerns you have to set your mind at ease. As we are specialists in this area, we know how to progress cases in the quickest way possible as we will ensure your case is heard by a judge who specialises in mesothelioma claims. In cases where the other side admit negligence, we can get you a substantial interim payment to assist with the purchase of equipment and care. 09

10 Injury && Negligence Negligence Injury We ll work to ensure that you get the best care available. Richard Copson, Principal Lawyer Richard Copson, Principal Lawyer

11 ENSURING YOU RECEIVE THE CARE THAT YOU DESERVE It is always important to ensure that those suffering with disabilities or health problems get the help and support they need. This is particularly important for those diagnosed with mesothelioma as they often face significant changes in their circumstances and care needs. Richard Copson is our specialist Disability Rights Advisor who together with his team, will work to ensure that the best possible care is available, not only to make life more comfortable for the sufferer, but also less stressful for the family. Richard understands the difficulties which can be faced when dealing with the authorities. It may be disputes which have occurred when trying to decide on the best care possible to live as independent a life as possible. Richard and his team can work on your behalf to ensure that the disputes are resolved to your satisfaction, that you are assessed properly and that the local authority provide you with the correct care package, including any aids or equipment to make life easier for you. Carers of people with disabilities or health problems are often family members, without whom the social and healthcare support systems would simply collapse. Richard and his team can ensure that the importance of the carer is recognised and not overlooked during the care assessment and planning process, as it is the carer s input which is often needed to provide the clearest picture of the needs of those they care for. Whatever your concerns about your rights, Richard and his team are here to help and advise you. 11

12 Injury & Negligence We understand the difficult tasks that you face and are here to support you. Gillian Hitchen, Principal Lawyer Gillian Hitchen, Principal Lawyer

13 MAKING PLANS Although it is a difficult task to face for mesothelioma sufferers, many wish to plan for the future of their family and provide peace of mind. There are sometimes concerns that in the future you may not be able to manage your day to day affairs as a result of your illness, such as managing your finances and making important health and welfare decisions. We have a specialist Wills and Trusts team who are able to provide you with the best advice available and if you do eventually decide that you wish for your affairs to be managed by someone you trust, such as a family member, we can make all the arrangements on your behalf. Our specialist Wills and Trusts team are also very experienced and understanding when preparing Powers of Attorney and Wills for those suffering with mesothelioma. They are on hand to answer any of your queries and help wherever they can. 13

14 Injury & Negligence They always had patience when I spoke to them and I would certainly consult them again for advice and help Quote about Pannone part of Slater & Gordon, from Mr B, Reading

15 CONTACT US Highest quality advice (ranked in top tier by leading independent legal guides Chambers and Legal 500) Free no obligation consultation Experienced specialist solicitors partners who are Leaders in their field Range of funding options including no win, no fee National UK coverage and home visits For more information, or to discuss your claim, please contact us on alicia.rendell@pannone.co.uk Pannone part of Slater & Gordon have offices nationwide. To find your local office visit For further information, please go to:

16 For more information, please contact Alicia Rendell on or Slater & Gordon (UK) LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.