With approximately one in every two people likely to receive some form of cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, cancer can touch the lives of all of us. Here at Oliver and Co, the importance of advocating for those suffering after a cancer diagnosis is something which we recognise both professionally and personally.
Our teams work diligently to find justice for clients
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) states that ‘more than one third of cancer cases can be prevented and another third can be cured if treated properly’. Our Clinical Negligence and Industrial Disease departments work diligently to find justice for clients who have been affected by preventable and curable cancers. Compassion and competence are championed in these legal areas at Oliver and Co and our teams work hard to attain the level of justice that we believe any client suffering from the effects of cancer deserves.
Who may have a claim?
We seek compensation for claimants who have suffered as a result of preventable or curable cancers due to negligence, such as exposure to asbestos, misdiagnosis or mistreatment, or due to a delayed diagnosis of cancer. This can include compensation for:
- Avoidable pain and suffering
- Care and assistance – often clients have required care during their illness and treatment, usually from their loved ones
- Loss of earnings which they may have suffered as a result of being unable to work due to their illness or whilst having treatment
- Travel expenses for appointments which may not have been otherwise necessary
- Costs of equipment to assist them around the home
- Medication/private treatment costs
- Funeral expenses – if the patient has died and this was avoidable
- Dependency – if the patient’s death was avoidable and they have left behind dependents (such as partners or young children) who relied on them financially and in terms of day-to-day life
Mesothelioma
The Industrial Disease department at Oliver & Co deals with a wide range of cases including claims for asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer which develops in the lining of certain organs in the body after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is incurable and terminal.
Heading the team at Oliver and Co, armed with over 30 years of experience, are husband and wife duo, James and Helena Cameron. Backed by a carefully selected and dedicated team, their work is praised by clients, citing their extensive knowledge and unwavering compassion and support through times which are both emotionally and physically challenging.
The biggest Mesothelioma claim in UK history
Amongst countless other successful claims, 2021 saw the Industrial Disease team successfully deal with a mesothelioma case which awarded the claimant over several million pounds in damages; the biggest mesothelioma claim in UK history at that time.
In addition to legal representation and advocacy, the team dedicate much time and effort into raising money and awareness of the dangers of being exposed to asbestos and the diseases which can develop as a result. Over £40,000 has been raised to date for Macmillan Cancer Support and awareness campaigns have been organised, such as lighting up the Chester Eastgate clock ‘Blue for Meso’, and our radio campaigns mark our recognition for the impact of the disease.
Missed or delayed cancer diagnosis
Clinical negligence occurs when healthcare, provided by professionals, falls below the legal standard required of medical practitioners. Our Clinical Negligence team, unfortunately, hears daily of cancer cases which have been aggravated by missed or delayed diagnoses or mistreatment. The Clinical Negligence team here at Oliver and Co is comprised of highly skilled and experienced staff, including the head of department, Linda Schermer-Jones. Linda is dual qualified, having qualified as a doctor in 1995 and as a solicitor in 2005.
Sadly, mistakes in the medical field are more common than we would like to believe and can have devastating and sometimes fatal consequences. Missed and delayed diagnoses of cancer can mean our clients suffer severe and invasive treatments and psychological turmoil, as a direct result of medical negligence, which otherwise could have been avoided. Our team work with a deep compassion and understanding of the direct and collateral damage these mistakes can have for clients and their families. They work closely and personally with their clients, building trusting relationships, maintaining confidentiality and providing reassurance and support wherever they can. The mission is to seek justice for their clients with empathic dedication in order to obtain an admission of liability or judgment against the accused party and compensation which reflects the client’s suffered adversity.
No win, no fee
We understand that the impact of cancer cannot solely be addressed by monetary compensation. However, we also recognise the associated personal and pecuniary costs of these potentially life-limiting diseases, and the considerable benefits that an admission of wrongdoing by the negligent party can have for those affected. We maintain that the fight for justice should remain paramount and thus conduct all of such cases on a no win-no fee basis.
Preparing for the future
Our Wills and Probate department at Oliver & Co partner with both Cancer Research UK and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in offering a free Will service to clients. These initiatives allow individuals to make a Will without any legal fees to pay but, instead, encourage a donation to the charities, either directly or within the Will itself. In both cases, we often assist people, or loved ones of individuals, who may have been affected by illnesses, including cancer and support them to put a Will in place, giving them peace of mind for the future.
Supporting good causes though our Will clinics
With over £10,000 raised through our Will clinic with the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and continued donations to CRUK through the Free Will Scheme, we feel so privileged to be able to support such incredible organisations and those who rely on them and the work they do.
Clatterbridge Cancer charity – our charity of the year
Our chosen charity of the year for 2022/2023 is The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. Clatterbridge is an organisation which is solely dedicated to the cancer cause; funding vital research into the latest therapies and innovations in cancer treatment. As a firm, through various events such as monthly challenges, bake sales, bike rides and raffles, we have raised £3,126.00 (so far) to help support Clatterbridge to continue the amazing work they do, providing medical and personal support to cancer patients and their families across the Wirral and Merseyside.
World Cancer Day
Saturday 4th February 2023 marks World Cancer Day, a dedicated international awareness day led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The mission of the UICC is to ‘support the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, to promote greater equity’, and ’to eliminate cancer as a life-threatening disease for future generations’.
What can you do to support World Cancer Day?
- You may wish to make a donation to a chosen Cancer Charity. Alternatively, you may wish to amend your Will to incorporate a donation, if this is something you wish to consider, please contact our offices and we will help to make this happen for you.
- You can follow our social media for notice of any upcoming fundraising events which you may wish to support.
- You can share this article on your social media or LinkedIn to raise awareness for World Cancer Day and the work that is done to support those affected.
If you, or someone you know, has been impacted by any of the issues discussed in this article, please do contact us. We are here for you, to recognise your plight, support you and to advocate for your legal right to justice. Please contact us on 01244 312 306 or email us at law@oliverandco.co.uk.
