Hospices in line to recover the cost of mesothelioma patient care

Companies which exposed their workers to asbestos as far back as the 1940s are set to foot the bill for hospice care of sufferers developing asbestos-related diseases in the future.

With more than 2,000 new cases every year the cost of care to hospices is extremely high and is likely to continue to climb over the next five years.

Now hospices have been given the green light to claim back these costs from companies who were responsible for causing asbestos-related diseases.

One of the country’s leading lawyers in the field of asbestos-related diseases, Michael Osborne from Moore Blatch Resolve, said a recent High Court case ruling that a company must contribute to hospice costs for a former worker exposed to asbestos will allow hospices to receive valuable funds for the care of patients.

“Hospices around the country provide vital care for patients and their families at a very difficult time,’’ said Michael. “The latest decision means that hospices will receive a valuable source of money that they can put towards patient care.’’

He said the High Court ruling had been appealed by the insurer involved in this particular case but that appeal has now been dropped, opening the door for Moore Blatch Resolve to work more closely with hospices - which are often charity funded - to seek payments to cover care.

“We already have one of the country’s leading teams working to secure compensation for sufferers and believe this ruling will become an integral part of the legal process for those involved.’’

Most of those diagnosed with asbestos-related mesothelioma are former workers at building sites, power stations and shipyards where asbestos was present before the potentially dangerous effects of it became known.

Asbestos-related cancer, also known as mesothelioma, takes years to develop with most suffers in their 60s or 70s when diagnosed.

For details of the Moore Blatch Resolve Asbestos claims team please visit www.mooreblatchresolve.com