Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy
The Ministry of Defence changed its policy on the 16th of December to allow service personnel with mesothelioma the option to receive the lump-sum amount or a traditional war pension. The decision did not apply for all veterans who were already diagnosed with mesothelioma.
This included Rhod Palmer and Fred Minall, who were exposed to asbestos while in their military service as well as in civilian jobs. This was a huge injustice to them and their families.
The law has changed
Mesothelioma is a virulent form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms can take years to show up and, after being diagnosed with the disease sufferers are expected to live one or two more years.
It is a significant step forward that the government has taken the decision to amend the law. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may opt to receive a pension, or a lump sum of up to 140 000 francs. 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 claim the War Disablement Pension. It was an income that was regular and monthly, and was not suitable for those suffering with serious long-term illnesses such as mesothelioma. The War Pension Scheme did not provide lump-sum compensation.
After extensive lobbying, which was backed by the Royal British Legion and Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum, the law has been modified to allow veterans of the armed forces diagnosed with mesothelioma to receive a lump sum amounting to PS140,000 in addition to a traditional War Pension. mesothelioma compensation scheme will be tax-free.
Previously, a mesothelioma diagnosis was a valid reason to receive an income from wartime disability of up to PS32,000 in the event that the patient was single divorced, widowed or divorced. Contrary to this, civilians diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive up to PS600,000 in the government's Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
All veterans of the armed forces diagnosed with mesothelioma will be able to opt for this option. The law will also apply to those who have been exposed to asbestos during their military service and outside it, also referred to as "dual exposure".
Mesothelioma UK is already helping former soldiers, sailors and other service members with their mesothelioma lawsuit. We can help them understand the new laws and what they entail. We can help them determine the best method to receive compensation. This could include tracing companies who are responsible for their asbestos exposure.
The lump sum amount will be PS140,000
The amount of compensation given to patients is determined by several factors, like age, the impact mesothelioma has on life expectancy and the level of care required. It also takes into account the impact mesothelioma has caused on family members as well as whether or not the individual is able to continue working.
Asbestos sufferers should seek compensation from the people responsible for their exposure to asbestos. For those who are who are unable to identify the responsible parties, a government-sponsored scheme pays a lump sum to victims of mesothelioma. The average amount paid is approximately PS144,000.
Former servicemen diagnosed with mesothelioma diffuse were eligible to claim an income for war-related disability under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 This is a monthly amount that is based on the person's age and the severity of their disability. However, this is a significantly smaller sum than mesothelioma compensation for civilians, which can reach 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 under the new law. He has mesothelioma - an incurable lung disease caused by asbestos exposure.
According to mesothelioma lawyers, Simpson Millar, this is an enormous victory for mesothelioma patients who have suffered from the disease. The majority of Navy personnel and a large number of civilians, were docked at US ports throughout their careers in which they were exposed to harmful asbestos fibres. This is due to the widespread use of asbestos in American ships during this period. Mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to show up and, as a result the patients are often left with fewer options to seek compensation.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that mesothelioma patients who have never received a war pension will be offered a lump sum amounting to PS140,000. This will be a significant improvement over the current amount that non-married veterans with mesothelioma receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma scheme.
However, this new payment will be taken from any war pensions an individual receives. Therefore, it is essential that anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma who is considering applying for this new payment seeks the advice of experienced mesothelioma solicitors to ensure they receive the right deal.
It is a victory for the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion has issued an angry critique of the government for not keeping its promise to legislate the military covenant. The charity has demanded that the minister explain why the government is not honouring its commitment to veterans. It has also threatened to pull out of several forums where it has been working with the Ministry of Defence.
The Legion's interaction with the MoD is crucial, but it needs to be more efficient to ensure that the community is looked after in a way that makes a real difference to their lives. It is essential that the feedback loop in forums is improved to ensure that all issues that are not being addressed are understood and the reasons behind this are made clear.
As the country's oldest and largest Armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion is at the center of the national network that provides assistance to members of Armed Forces and their families. The Royal British Legion is the most effective organisation to comprehend the issues facing those who have served as soldiers, their widows and orphans and their families.
Patients with mesothelioma are usually left without financial security is one of their most pressing issues. The compensation available is not always enough to cover living expenses or medical costs, and mortgages are usually difficult to get.
Asbest was used in shipbuilding, as well as other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling to cope with their symptoms and the effects of their condition on their financial situation.
There are several organisations which can help. Mesothelioma lawyers can assist in obtaining legal compensation to be used to pay for treatment and living expenses. In addition, mesothelioma victims can also make claims for compensation from the companies that provided asbestos-related products.
Veterans will be happy
Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma will be able to avail a lump sum of PS140,000 as the Ministry of Defence has announced. The Ministry of Defence has announced that Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma will be able to access the lump sum of PS140,000.
Former service members who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are sure to appreciate this news. The law has been changed to allow them to receive a similar amount of compensation as civilians who have mesothelioma cases.
The change is a result of a campaign by the Royal British Legion and other groups, which led to the Prime Minister agreeing to look at the issue. The decision by the MoD will allow many veterans dying of illness, who would have qualified for a war-related pension to choose the lump sum. This will provide them with the peace of mind they need and the financial security they require to live the rest of their life.
Asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma. Even though symptoms can take years to show up, just one exposure could increase your risk. The majority of mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos while working, and this includes in Navy shipyards. The UK law was changed last year to allow people to claim compensation from employers if they were exposed to asbestos in the workplace however, many veterans aren't aware that they can seek compensation from the government.
Mesothelioma is a debilitating disease and there are no words to express the way it has affected many lives. The decision of the government on how to handle the unfair treatment of veterans is a major victory.
But it's not enough to end the suffering of mesothelioma patients and their families. They also need to seek compensation from companies that supplied asbestos products to the military. Veterans may be able to file trust fund claims with a variety of different corporations depending on where they worked, including bases, shipyards, and ships. This can include large multinationals that have a long tradition of selling asbestos products to the US Navy or other branches of the military.