TWO Plymouth solicitors have been nationally accredited as asbestos disease specialists by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Partner James Walsh and associate lawyer John Messham both work for North Hill-based Wolferstans.
They are among just 15 lawyers nationally, and only ones west of Bristol, awarded this specialist qualification for asbestos disease litigation.
This accreditation scheme, running now for 15 years, confirms lawyers have achieved a high standard of expertise, competence and excellence in dealing with mesothelioma- and asbestos-related disease litigation.
"James and John should be congratulated as applicants must prove themselves before becoming accredited," said APIL president John Spencer.
"People who have sustained injuries because someone else did not take proper care are already vulnerable, especially so when asbestos has been involved.
"The APIL accreditation shows who they can trust and who is an expert in this specialised area of law."
Mr Walsh and Mr Messham have also been appointed as national assessors by APIL to examine and assess lawyers in other firms wanting to obtain the accreditation.
This involves a detailed audit and examination of applicants' skill in asbestos litigation.
Mr Walsh and Mr Messham have more than 50 years of combined experience dealing with asbestos-related litigation, and have dealt with hundreds of cases, recovering millions of pounds for sufferers of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
"Our asbestos disease team has grown in the past decade," said Mr Walsh. "John and I are proud to achieve this national recognition and will continue to offer clients and their families the care and support they deserve."
