Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy
The Ministry of Defence changed its policy on the 16th of December to allow service personnel suffering from mesothelioma to choose between the lump-sum amount or a traditional war pension. But the decision was not applicable to all veterans who had already been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Rhod Minall and Fred Palmer were also affected, due to exposure to asbestos during their military service, or in civilian jobs. This was a massive injustice to them and their families.
The law has been amended
Mesothelioma is a fatal and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure can take a long time to develop. The symptoms can take years to manifest and, once diagnosed with the disease, sufferers are expected to live for one or two more years.
It is a major step forward that the Government has made the decision to amend the law. Beginning in April 2016, veterans of the armed forces diagnosed with mesothelioma will have the option select whether to receive their pension or a lump sum of up to PS140,000. This is a significantly greater amount than a typical civil award.
Before the changes, veterans of the armed forces who were diagnosed with mesothelioma were able to be eligible for the War Disablement Pension. This only provided a monthly income that was not appropriate for people with serious long-term diseases such as mesothelioma. In addition it was not possible to receive lump sum compensation under the War Pension Scheme.
After intense lobbying, and aided by the Royal British Legion, Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum and the Royal British Legion, the law was amended to give veterans of the armed forces that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma access to lump sums of up to PS140,000, addition to the traditional War Pension. The lump sum will be tax-free.
Prior to asbestos mesothelioma compensation , mesothelioma patients was a valid reason to receive a war disablement pension of up to PS32,000 in the event that the patient was unmarried or divorced. Civilians who have mesothelioma, however, can receive up PS600,000.000 under the government's Diffuse Mesothelioma program.
The new law will apply to all armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma who wish to take up this option. It is also available to those who were exposed to asbestos during their armed forces service and also outside of it also, referred to as 'dual exposure'.
Mesothelioma UK is already helping former soldiers, sailors and other armed service personnel with their mesothelioma claims. We can assist them to understand the new laws and what they mean. We can also assist clients to determine the best method of obtaining compensation. This could include tracing the companies that are accountable for their exposure to asbestos.
The lump sum will be PS140,000.
The level of compensation awarded to sufferers is based on various factors, like age, the impact mesothelioma has on life expectancy and the level of care required. The amount of compensation given to sufferers is based on a range of factors including age, the effect mesothelioma can have on life expectancy and the amount of care they require.
Asbestos victims must seek compensation from those accountable for their exposure to asbestos. For those who are unable to locate the responsible parties, a federal program pays lump sums to mesothelioma patients. The average amount is around PS144,000.
Former servicemen who were diagnosed with mesothelioma diffuse weren't able to claim a pension for war disability under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 This is a monthly amount determined by the individual's age and degree of disability. This is a smaller amount than the civilian mesothelioma settlement, which is in the six figures.
Fred Minall from Northampton who served in the Royal Navy as a naval engineer between 1957 and 1964 was informed that he has the right to a lump-sum payment of PS140,000 under the new law. Mesothelioma is an incurable lung disease caused by asbestos exposure.
According to mesothelioma attorneys, Simpson Millar, this is an incredible win for veterans with mesothelioma. The majority of Navy personnel, along with many civilians, docked in US ports during their career, where they were exposed to asbestos-related toxins. This is due to the widespread use of asbestos on American ships at this time. The signs of mesothelioma might not be apparent for a long time, leaving veterans with limited compensation options.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that mesothelioma sufferers who have never received an entitlement to a war pension will now be offered an amount of lump sum up to PS140,000. This is a significant increase over the amount that non-married mesothelioma veterans receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
This new payment will however be subtracted from the current war pension that an individual receives. Therefore, it is essential that anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma who is contemplating applying for this payment seeks the advice of experienced mesothelioma lawyers to ensure they get the right deal.
It is a victory for the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion has delivered a stinging rebuke to the government over claims that it has reneged on its commitment to establish the military covenant in law. The charity has demanded that the minister explain why the government is not honoring its pledge to veterans. It has also threatened to pull out of several forums in which it has been working with the Ministry of Defence.
The Legion's involvement with the MoD is important but it has to be more effective to ensure that the community is being taken care of in a manner that can make a difference to their lives. It is therefore essential that the feedback loop within forums is improved to ensure that any issues that are consistently not addressed are identified and the reasons for this are made clear.
As the country's oldest and largest Armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion is at the core of a national network that provides assistance to members of the Armed Forces and their families. They are also the group that is best placed to understand the challenges faced by those who are serving and have served as well as their widows and widowers.
Patients with mesothelioma are usually left without financial security is one of their most pressing worries. The compensation that is available is often not enough to cover the costs of living or medical expenses, and it is usually not feasible to obtain a mortgage.
Asbest was used in shipbuilding in addition to other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling to cope with the symptoms of their illness and the impact it has on their financial health.
There are several organisations which can help. Mesothelioma attorneys can help secure legal compensation that can be used for treatment and essential living expenses. Patients with mesothelioma can also claim compensation from companies that supplied asbestos-containing products.
It will be a welcome sight for veterans
The Ministry of Defence announced that Navy veterans suffering from mesothelioma will be able to receive a lump-sum payout of PS140,000. The Ministry of Defence has announced that Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to access a lump sum of PS140,000.
This news will be welcomed by the thousands of former military personnel who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The law has been amended so that they are paid the same amount as civilian patients who have mesothelioma compensation claims.
The change came about due to an initiative by the Royal British Legion, and other groups. This led to the Prime Minster agreeing to investigate the issue. The MoD's u-turn will allow many dying veterans who were eligible for pensions to opt for a lump-sum. This will provide them with the peace mind they require and the financial support they require to
