Plymouth law firm, GA Solicitors, has been welcomed by the British Lung Foundation as a mesothelioma patron.
The British Lung Foundation’s patron scheme brings together companies which have direct experience of mesothelioma and helps to fund vital research to fight the disease.
Accredited by Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), the Law Society Personal Injury Panel, and ranked in both Chambers & Partners UK and the Legal 500, GA’s personal injury team is one of the most established in the region. It includes a specialist team which undertakes claims related to all types of asbestos related diseases, such as asbestosis, pleural thickening and mesothelioma.
Partner and head of the specialist asbestos team, James Walsh, commented: “I have specialised in asbestos related diseases for the more than two decades and have seen first-hand the devastating effects on both the victims and their families.
“When we were invited to join the British Lung Foundation’s patron scheme we were pleased to be able to provide some level of support to prevent, treat and cure this terrible disease.
“Despite being at their highest ever rate, diagnosis figures are expected to continue to rise, peaking in around 2020. Secondary exposure is particularly on the increase and this is sadly so in Plymouth, where the dockyard was a significant employer in the 60, 70s and 80s. The gestation period for asbestos related diseases is substantial so these cases are only now coming to light.”
Ian Jarrold, Head of Research at the British Lung Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that GA Solicitors has become a BLF Mesothelioma Patron, and we’re grateful for their generous donation. It’s thanks to everyone who donates to the BLF, including our fantastic corporate partners, that we’re able to invest in much needed research, and give hope, help and a voice to patients with mesothelioma across the UK.”
With more than 200 years of heritage, GA Solicitors is a leading Plymouth law firm with 79 members of staff offering guidance across seven specialist departments: business; family; employment; dispute resolution; wills, trusts & probate; conveyancing and personal injury.