Morrish Solicitors LLP

Jade Spenceley ade Spenceley, Medical Negligence Solicitor, secured a £75,000 settlement for the family of a client whose lung cancer diagnosis was delayed. Reflecting on the case, Jade said: "This was a tragic case involving a delay in the diagnosis of lung cancer which shortened our client's life. While no amount of compensation can undo what happened or replace the valuable time lost with loved ones, I hope the settlement provides some recognition of the impact the delay had." Our client attended A&E with chest pain and was reassured there was no serious underlying condition. Months later, they were diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Independent medical experts later concluded that earlier diagnosis could have identified the cancer at stage 2 rather than stage 4. In those circumstances, treatment could have prolonged our client's life by around 22 months. Sadly, our client passed away 14 months after diagnosis. The Trust later accepted that the cancer should have been diagnosed approximately nine months earlier. This case is one of many where questions arise about whether earlier diagnosis could have led to different treatment options and a better outcome for the patient.

Can a claimant lose compensation for a genuine injury? Yes. Courts have the power to dismiss an entire personal injury claim where they find a claimant has been fundamentally dishonest, even if the injury itself is genuine. Fundamental dishonesty is not about an honest mistake. It can involve deliberately exaggerating symptoms, overstating financial losses or giving a misleading account of how an injury has affected daily life. If fundamental dishonesty is found, a claimant may lose all compensation, including damages they would otherwise have received for a genuine injury. They may also be ordered to pay the defendant's legal costs. Recent cases have highlighted the range of evidence that may be considered when assessing a claim, including social media activity, CCTV footage and medical records. Importantly, the courts do not expect claimants to be perfect. Genuine mistakes, forgotten dates and minor inconsistencies are not usually enough to amount to fundamental dishonesty. The focus is on those who knowingly exaggerate or provide misleading information. The courts continue to protect genuinely injured claimants, but they have shown little tolerance for dishonesty where it affects the value or outcome of a claim. Eleanor Monnelly, from our personal injury team, recommends making sure the information provided to solicitors, medical experts and the court is accurate, honest and kept up to date.

We have sadly been informed that there have been recent redundancies at EC English Cambridge Limited. Our Employment team is currently assisting former employees and advising them on their potential rights. This news will no doubt be distressing for those affected, many of whom may be wondering what their next steps are. Where the correct consultation process has not been followed, affected employees may be entitled to bring a Protective Award claim, with compensation of up to 180 days' pay potentially available. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4yzsDYf

Many people assume divorce automatically settles finances. It does not. The Final Order legally ends a marriage, but financial claims can remain open unless financial matters have been properly resolved. A financial settlement can help bring certainty for the future and allow both parties to move forward.

When workplace issues arise, having the right advice can make all the difference.

Employment law reform continues to take shape, with several notable developments expected from October onwards. Recent updates to the Employment Rights Act 2025 include consultations on employment status reform, increased protections for self-employed workers, changes to the whistleblowing framework and a revised draft Code of Practice on handling flexible working requests. The proposals under consultation could make it easier for individuals to establish worker status, strengthen protections for self-employed workers and introduce a financial reward scheme for whistleblowers who report economic crime. With a number of important developments taking place this October, now is a good time for both employers and employees to familiarise themselves with the latest proposals and upcoming changes. Read our regularly updated Employment Rights Act 2025 timeline for more: https://bit.ly/4sdS8eM

The average marriage now ends after 13 years. When a long marriage comes to an end, many people focus on the family home. Pensions, savings, family businesses and investments are jus as important and often overlooked. Long marriages can also mean finances have become more closely linked over time. One person may have reduced their working hours, raised children or put their career on hold, while the other continued building their income and pension. These factors can all be relevant when finances are divided. It is also important to remember that a divorce and a financial settlement are not the same thing. While no-fault divorce has made it easier to end a marriage, couples still need to decide what happens to their assets, pensions and future financial security As Noelle Heath, Partner and Head of Family Law, explains: "Longer marriages can mean greater financial complexity. These figures reinforce the need for couples to take a more holistic view of their finances rather than concentrating solely on the division of the most obvious assets." The same issues can arise for cohabiting couples. Many people are surprised to learn that living together for years does not automatically give them the same rights as a married couple if the relationship ends, thus planning ahead becomes even harder. Focusing on the wider financial landscape helps can protect you future.

Another fantastic review for associate solicitor, Carrie King!

Our client attended A&E with chest pain and was told there was no sign of a serious underlying condition. Months later, they were diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Expert evidence later showed that, had the cancer been identified during that initial hospital visit, treatment could have prolonged our client's life by around 22 months. Sadly, our client passed away 14 months after diagnosis. Following negotiations, Jade Spenceley secured a £75,000 settlement for the family. Reflecting on the case, Jade said: "While no amount of compensation can undo what happened or replace the valuable time lost with loved ones, I hope the settlement provides some recognition of the impact the delay had." Read the full case study: https://bit.ly/4s0oJWq