Mesothelioma - legal battles and intrusion after Dad passes

My Dad has mesothelioma, he was in the building trade for 40 odd years from the 1950's to the 1990's. I've instructed a solicitor who is an expert in this field and he's taken a statement from Dad.  But he's also explained to me that after Dad passes there will need to be a Coroners Inquest and probably a Post Mortem on Dad.  I'm a retired Police Officer (only retired last year) and I spent the last 16 years investigating murders, so I know exactly what happens at a PM. I've always said I wouldn't want one done on me if I died.  But now I'm having to deal with this possibility all on my own (my husband is a good listener). The Solicitor explained it is because we need a definite verdict that the mesothelioma killed Dad.  As he has a second lung cancer in the other lung, and the company we are seeking compensation from will argue that it wasn't the mesothelioma but the other cancer.  He also has a heart condition and 3 stents fitted.  Half of me says 'just forget the legal action' but then I think 'No they should pay', Mum's going to struggle financially as Dad brings in most of the money, even now. I can't discuss this with Mum & Dad and I think it's harder for me because I know too much about what happens!  To be honest I don't know if I'm coming or going at the moment. Constantly having to keep Mum up, shopping, liaising with nurses and GPs and Dad is deteriorating daily.  Has anyone else been through this at all?  

  • Hi SusieT,

    I'm sorry you've not had a reply to this post yet, although I can see you've chatted to a couple of other members more generally about your experiences on another thread. 

    I wondered if you would find it helpful to talk to one of our cancer information nurses about your concerns? They're just on the other end of the phone: 0808 800 4040 (Mon - Fri, 9am to 5pm).

    Hopefully, now that I've replied and pushed your post back to the top someone will be along soon to chat. It sounds like such a tough time for you and the family; I hope you can make some headway with the legal action. Do let us know how you get on if you feel able to.

    With best wishes,

    Helen
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi Susie

    I am not sure you can refuse to allow a post-mortem if the coroner's office or fiscal in Scotland consider it a reportable death.

    For our family it was taken out our hands (which helped with the guilt and horror of having it done) by officials. It delayed the funeral arrangements temporarily but for fairness and justice it is my opinion that your father (like mine - or his estate in the future) is entitled to it.

    Perhaps your policing experience has made it worse than for us, we had only our television ideas of autopsy to go on.

    We kept ourselves very distracted on the day of it and have barely talked about it since. But for me I know pathologists are professionals and my dad wasn't harmed in any way.

    Very best wishes for what lies ahead.

     

     

  • Apologies for noticing this was January18.

    For some reason the reply comment made me think it was current.

  •  Hi SallyB, 

    Thank you for your messages. I can't believe it was nearly a year ago as it still hurts so much. We've done all of the legal stuff, (Coroners court) and have raised a claim with a solicitor. 

    I'll post more tomorrow, I just wanted to say thank you for taking time to write to me. 

    Take care

    Susie