Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy
The Ministry of Defence changed its policy on 16 December 2015 to allow service personnel suffering from mesothelioma to choose between a lump-sum payment or a traditional war pension. The change did not apply to all veterans already diagnosed with mesothelioma.
This includes Rhod Palmer and Fred Minall, who were exposed to asbestos in their military service as well as civilian jobs. This was a major injustice for them as well as their families.
The law has been amended
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of terminal cancer that develops from exposure to asbestos. The symptoms can take years to manifest and, once diagnosed with the disease, sufferers are likely to live one or two more years.
The Government's decision to change the law is a significant step forward. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can opt to receive a pension, or a lump-sum of up to 140 000 francs. mesothelioma compensation scheme is significantly more than the average civilian compensation award.
Before the changes, members of the armed forces diagnosed with Mesothelioma only had access to an War Disablement Pension. However, this only provided an income that was regular and monthly, and was not appropriate for those suffering with serious long-term illnesses such as mesothelioma. The War Pension Scheme did not allow lump-sum compensation.
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, in addition to the traditional War Pension. The lump sum is also tax-free.
A mesothelioma diagnosis previously could have earned a war-related disability pension of up to PS32,000 if the patient was single, divorced or widowed. However, civilians who have mesothelioma may receive up to PS600,000. This is under the Government's Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
The new law will be applicable to all armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma and who wish to pursue this option. The law will also be applicable to those who have been exposed to asbestos during their military service and also outside of it, also known as "dual exposure".
Mesothelioma UK has already started helping former sailors and other armed personnel of the military with mesothelioma lawsuits. We can help them to learn about the new law and what's involved. We can help them determine the best way to receive compensation. This could include tracing businesses that are accountable for their asbestos exposure.
The lump sum will be PS140,000.
Compensation is determined by a range of variables, including age, life expectancy after mesothelioma as well as the amount of care needed. The amount of compensation paid to sufferers is based on a range of factors such as age, the impact mesothelioma will have on life expectancy and how much care they need.
Asbestos victims should seek compensation from the people responsible for their exposure to asbestos. For those who are unable to locate the responsible parties, a government program will pay lump sums of money to mesothelioma sufferers. The amount that is awarded is approximately PS144,000.
In the past, ex-servicemen who were diagnosed with mesothelioma were able to receive a war disabled pension under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008. It is a monthly sum that is based on the person's age and the severity of their disability. This is a much 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 engineering officer between 1957 and 1964 was informed that he is entitled to a lump-sum payment of PS140,000, as per the new law. He is suffering mesothelioma which is an incurable lung condition that is caused by exposure to asbestos.
Simpson Millar, a mesothelioma lawyer, says that this is a major victory for veterans who have mesothelioma. Most Navy personnel, as well as many civilians, anchored in US ports during their careers which exposed them to harmful asbestos fibres. This is due to the widespread use of asbestos on American ships in the current. Mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to show up, and as a result, veterans are often left with fewer options for compensation.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that veterans with Mesothelioma who had never received a war-pension will receive up to PS140,000 in a lump-sum payment. This is a significant improvement on the current amount that non-married veterans with mesothelioma receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma scheme.
However this new payment will be deducted from any existing war pension that an individual is entitled to. This means it is crucial that anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma who is contemplating applying for this payment seeks advice from seasoned mesothelioma attorneys to ensure they get the right deal.
It is a win for the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion has issued a stinging criticism of the government over not keeping its promise to legislate the military covenant. The charity has asked the responsible minister to explain why it is refusing to honor its pledge to veterans and has threatened to withdraw of a number of forums in which it engages with the Ministry of Defence.
Engagement of the Legion with the MoD is crucial however, it needs to be more productive to ensure the community's needs are met in a manner that has a significant impact on their lives. It is essential to improve the feedback loop on forums to ensure that issues that aren't addressed in a consistent manner are recognized, and the reasons for this are made clear.
The Royal British Legion, as the UK's biggest and oldest Armed Forces Charity, is at the centre of a larger network that offers support to members of the Armed Forces. The Royal British Legion is the only organization to understand the challenges that confront those who served, their widows and orphans, and their families.
The fact that mesothelioma patients are usually left without financial security is among their main issues. The compensation that is available is usually not enough to cover the costs of living or medical expenses, and it's typically not feasible to get a mortgage.
Asbest was used in shipbuilding in addition to other Naval activities. This has left many veterans struggling to manage the symptoms of their illness and the impact on their financial situation.
There are a variety of organizations that can assist. Mesothelioma lawyers can help secure legal compensation to be used for treatment and essential living expenses. In addition, mesothelioma sufferers may also file claims for compensation from companies that supplied asbestos-containing products.
It will be welcomed by veterans
Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can now to avail a lump sum of PS140,000 according to the Ministry of Defence has announced. The Ministry of Defence announced that Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma will be able to access an amount of PS140,000 in a lump sum.
Former service members who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma will be delighted by this news. The law has been changed so that they are paid a similar amount as civilian sufferers with a mesothelioma compensation claim.
The change is the result of campaigning by the Royal British Legion and other groups, which led to the Prime Minister agreeing to investigate the issue. The change made by the MoD will allow many veterans who are dying, and would have qualified for a war-related pension to pick a lump sum. This will give them the peace of mind they seek as well as the financial assistance they need to live out the rest of their life.
Asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma. Even though symptoms can take a long time to develop, even one exposure could increase your risk. The majority of mesothelioma sufferers were exposed to asbestos at work, including in Navy shipyards. In the past year, the UK law was amended to permit employees who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace to sue their employers. However, many veterans are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation from the government.
Mesothelioma is a debilitating illness that has affected many lives. The decision of the government to address the unfair treatment of veterans of the military is a huge victory.
However, it's not enough to end the suffering of mesothelioma patients as well as their families. They also need to seek compensation from companies that supplied asbestos-related products to the military. Veterans may be able to file trust fund claims against a variety of different corporations, based on the place they worked, such as bases, shipyards and ships. This can include large multinationals who have a long history of selling asbestos products to the US Navy or other branches of the military.