Government fails asbestos sufferers again with cut to funding levy for the mesothelioma scheme
The Government has reduced the funding for the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme by cutting the levy on employers liability insurers, which is a huge disappointment and frustration for sufferers and their families.
What do you do if you suspect poor medical care or medical negligence?
The vast majority of people treated by the NHS or through private healthcare services in England and Wales will be happy with their treatment and care.
However, this is not always the case where medical services are underfunded and understaffed, and as a result errors and omissions occur.
The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which provides medical services to around 570,000 of Worcester’s inhabitants, has been placed in special measures following a report published by the Care Quality Commission on 2 December 2015.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected the hospitals under care of the Trust in July of this year and found that overall; services provided by the hospitals were inadequate.
We would encourage anyone who suspects that an older person in care is being neglected or abused to contact their social services department without delay.
It is not just the obvious physical and psychological cases of abuse. The most common form of negligence in a care home environment is the simple neglect of basic care that leads to pressure sores, medication errors, falls, late referrals for treatment, dehydration and malnutrition.
World Cancer Day is a chance for the community to come together and support those living with cancer and help in the fight against the cruel disease.
As the World Cancer Day website states, the day is about reflecting on what you can do, make a pledge and take action.
Members of Birchall Blackburn Law and the National Asbestos Helpline will swap lycra cycling shorts for asbestos safety gear to ride more than 160 miles to raise funds for the cancer charity, Maggie’s.
On Friday February 12, a team from Birchall Blackburn Law and the National Asbestos Helpline will pull on protective masks, goggles and overalls to take it in turns to pedal 166 miles from Maggie’s Merseyside, based at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Wirral, to Maggie’s Swansea.
A Morecambe lawyer has bolstered her specialist Wills and probate expertise after securing a prestigious industry qualification.
Kris
tina Smith (pictured), who is partner at Victoria Street-based Birchall Blackburn Law, has obtained the Diploma in Trusts and Estates from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) after passing a rigorous assessment process.
A grieving family is asking for help from their mother’s former work colleagues who could help to prove where and when she was exposed to deadly asbestos dust and fibres.
Audrey Eva Chittock, from Abingdon, died from mesothelioma at the age of 75.
Campaigners, sufferers and their families have expressed their frustration following the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold a judgement that means many asbestos lung cancer victims will only recover a fraction of the compensation they are owed.
Asbestos specialist solicitors have been awaiting the Court of Appeal’s decision in the matter of ‘Heneghan v Manchester Docks and others’ for some time due to its potential impact on those who are diagnosed with asbestos related lung cancer.
Birchall Blackburn Law has helped a Preston man secure a £1.5m pay-out after he fell victim to life threatening health and safety negligence in the workplace.
The 61-year-old gentlemen sustained life changing injuries when he was struck in the face by a 35kg crane hook while operating complex machinery at his place of work in March 2010.
Don’t leave later life decisions in the hands of others
An elderly client law expert is urging people to act now to ensure their wishes are safeguarded in later life.
Kristina Smith, partner at Birchall Blackburn Law, warns that people across Lancashire risk leaving major finance and health decisions in the hands of strangers by not having a lasting power of attorney (LPA) in place.
A residential property law expert says more help for first time buyers should be addressed in this week’s budget.
Michael Foxford, partner at Birchall Blackburn Law, explained that while the key announcements in the Chancellor’s budget on Wednesday will surround the much-anticipated Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) changes, further support to help people get on the ladder is needed and could make a big difference.
A revolutionary rehabilitation pilot for Salford residents living with dementia is being led by the Salford-based brain injury charity, Brain and Spinal Injury Centre (BASIC).
The virtual reality system – called Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) – allows people to work through life-size interactive games and activities, which provide safe but physically challenging environments.
Lifetime ISAs ‘significant’ for first time buyers
A residential property law expert said plans for Lifetime ISAs announced by the Chancellor in Wednesday’s budget are a nod to the concerns of those in their 20s and 30s who cannot afford to buy a house.
From next month (April 2016) all veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of service in the army, navy and air force will be entitled to compensation.
Prior to the Government announcing the change in December, veterans suffering an injury or illness caused before 1987 could not sue the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
A leading law firm has been shortlisted for three awards at this year’s Lancashire Business Awards.
Birchall Blackburn Law, which has offices in locations including Manchester, Preston, Chorley, Leyland and Morecambe, has been nominated for the legal firm of the year award and employer of the year award, while partner Gill Graveson has been shortlisted for the female networker of the year award.
In a series of blogs with Dave Bowes, a Team GB paraclimber sponsored by Birchall Blackburn Law, we follow his fight back to fitness after a shoulder injury and gain insight into how his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) impacts on his aim to be ready for the Paraclimbing World Championships this September.
The Brain Charity has been given a £4,500 boost thanks to the generous supporters who attended its annual ‘High Tea and High Heels’ vintage tea party.
With the support of Birchall Blackburn Law, The Brain Charity held a tea party at Liverpool Town Hall as part of its activities to highlight Brain Awareness Week (March 18-20).
Brake, the road safety charity, is running a free webinar on Wednesday April 27 between 2pm and 3.30pm (GMT) to discuss the acute support needs of people bereaved suddenly.
Supported by Birchall Blackburn Law and under the title of ‘Understanding sudden bereavement: providing effective support to suddenly bereaved people’, the seminar will be presented by Dr Linda Machin PhD and will take place online.
A Lancashire hospice’s coffers have been boosted by more than £5,500 thanks to support from leading law firm Birchall Blackburn Law.
The firm teamed up with St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall, near Preston, for its annual Wills Week, waiving its will-writing fees in return for a donation to the charity.