Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy
The Ministry of Defence changed its policy on 16 December 2015 to give service members suffering from mesothelioma to choose between an amount in lump sum or a traditional war pension. The change was not applicable for all veterans who were already diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Rhod Minall and Fred Palmer were also affected because they were exposed to asbestos during their military service or at civilian jobs. This was a major injustice for them and their families.
The law has been amended
Mesothelioma is a virulent form of cancer that is triggered by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms can take several years to show up and, after being diagnosed with the disease sufferers are only expected to live one or two more years.
It is a major step forward that the Government has decided to amend the law. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can opt to receive a pension or a lump sum of up to 140 000 francs. This is a greater amount than a typical civil award.
Prior to the changes, veterans of the armed forces who were diagnosed with mesothelioma were able to claim mesothelioma benefits through a War Disablement Pension. This only provided a monthly income, which was not suitable for people with serious long-term diseases such as mesothelioma. In addition, it was not possible to access lump sum compensation under the War Pension Scheme.
After a long-running campaign, aided by the Royal British Legion, Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum and the Royal British Legion, the law was changed to allow veterans of the armed forces that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma the right to lump sums of up to PS140,000 in addition to the traditional War Pension. The lump sum is tax-free.
Prior to this, mesothelioma diagnosed could have qualified someone for a war-related disability pension up to PS32,000, regardless of whether they were divorced, single, or widowed. Contrary to this, civilians diagnosed with mesothelioma are eligible for up to PS600,000. This is under the Government's Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
All veterans of the armed forces diagnosed with mesothelioma will be eligible to choose this option. It is also accessible to those who were exposed to asbestos both during their time in the armed forces and outside of it also, referred to as "dual exposure".
Mesothelioma UK has already started helping former sailors and other armed personnel with mesothelioma-related claims. We can assist them to understand the new laws and what they entail. We can also assist them in determining the best method to receive compensation. This may include tracing companies who are responsible for their asbestos exposure.
The lump sum amount will be PS140,000
Compensation is determined by a number of factors, including the age of the person, their life expectancy following mesothelioma and the amount of care required. The amount of compensation awarded to sufferers is based on various factors including the age of the sufferer, the effect mesothelioma will have on life expectancy, and the amount of care they require.
Asbestos sufferers should seek compensation from the people responsible for their exposure to asbestos. If they cannot locate the responsible parties, a federal program pays lump sums of money to mesothelioma sufferers. The amount that is awarded is around PS144,000.
Former servicemen diagnosed with mesothelioma diffuse were entitled to an income for war-related disability under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 It is a monthly sum determined by the individual's age and the severity of their disability. This is a smaller amount than the mesothelioma for civilians settlement, which is in the six figures.
Fred Minall from Northampton who was a member of the Royal Navy as a naval engineering officer between 1957 and 1964 has been informed that he is entitled to a lump-sum payment of PS140,000, as per the new law. He suffers from mesothelioma, a debilitating lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos.
According to mesothelioma attorneys, Simpson Millar, this is an enormous victory for patients with mesothelioma. The majority of Navy personnel, as well as many civilians, docked at US ports throughout their career where they were exposed to harmful asbestos fibres. This is due to the frequent use of asbestos in American ships during this time. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades and leave veterans with a only a few options for compensation.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Mesothelioma patients who had not previously been awarded an amount of war-pension, will be offered up to PS140,000 as a lump-sum payment. This is a substantial improvement over the current amount that non-married veterans with mesothelioma receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma scheme.
However, this new payment will be deducted from any war pensions an individual receives. As mesothelioma compensation scheme , it is crucial that anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma and thinking about applying for this new payment seeks advice from seasoned mesothelioma solicitors to ensure they get the best deal.
It is a victory for the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion has issued an angry critique of the government for allegedly not keeping its pledge to legislate the military covenant. The charity has urged the minister in charge to explain why it is not delivering on its promise to veterans and has threatened to withdraw of a number of forums in which it cooperates with the Ministry of Defence.
Engagement of the Legion with the MoD is vital, but it must be more effective to ensure that the community's needs are met in a way which makes a real impact on their lives. It is essential that the feedback loop in forums is improved so that any issues that are consistently not being addressed are recognized and the reasons for this are clearly explained.
As the UK's oldest and largest Armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion is at the center of a national network that provides support to members of the Armed Forces and their families. The Royal British Legion is the best organisation to comprehend the issues facing those who have served as their widows or orphans and their families.
One of the biggest problems for mesothelioma sufferers is that they are frequently left without any financial security because of their disease. The amount of compensation available is usually not enough to cover the costs of living or medical expenses, and it is typically not feasible to get a mortgage.
Asbest was used in shipbuilding, in addition to other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling to cope with their ailments and the effects of their illness on their financial situation.
However, there are a number of organisations that can help with this. Mesothelioma lawyers can help secure legal compensation to be used to pay for treatment and living expenses. Mesothelioma sufferers may also seek compensation from companies that supplied asbestos products.
Veterans will be happy
Navy veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma can now to access a lump sum of PS140,000 according to the Ministry of Defence has announced. The Ministry of Defence has announced that Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma will be eligible to access an amount of PS140,000 in a lump sum.
This news will be greeted 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 sufferers who have a mesothelioma compensation claim.
The change is a result of the campaigning of the Royal British Legion and other groups, which resulted in the Prime Minister agreeing to look at the issue. The change made by the MoD will help many veterans dying of illness, who could have been eligible for a war-related pension to pick the lump amount. This will provide them with the peace mind they seek as well as the financial assistance they need to live out the rest of their life.
Asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma. Although symptoms can take a long time to manifest, even one exposure can increase your risk. The vast majority of mesothelioma sufferers were exposed to asbestos while working, including in Navy shipyards. Last year, the UK law was amended to allow workers who were exposed to asbestos at work to sue their employers. However, many veterans are unaware that they could be eligible for compensation from the government.
Mesothelioma is a debilitating cancer and there aren't words to describe the way that it has affected so many lives. The decision of the government on how to handle the unfair treatment of veterans is a major victory.
However, it's not enough stop the suffering of mesothelioma patients as well as their families. They'll also have to seek compensation from the companies who supplied the military with asbestos-based products. Veterans may be able to file trust fund claims against a variety of different corporations depending on where they worked, which could include bases, shipyards, and ships. This could include multinational corporations with a long track record of selling asbestos products to the US Navy or other branches of the military.