Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy
On the 16th of December, 2015, the Ministry of Defence changed their policy to allow military personnel diagnosed with mesothelioma the option of choosing whether they want to receive a 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 in their military service or in civilian jobs. This was a massive injustice for them and their families.
The law has changed
Mesothelioma is a severe form of terminal cancer that develops from exposure to asbestos. It can take a long time before symptoms are evident and, once diagnosed, the majority of sufferers will live for a minimum of only one or two years.
It is a major step forward that the Government has decided to change the law. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may decide to receive a pension or a lump sum of up to 140 000 francs. This is a significantly higher compensation than the average civil award.
Before the changes, armed forces veterans who were diagnosed with mesothelioma could only receive a War Disablement Pension. This was a limited benefit that only offered a regular monthly income and was not suitable 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 diagnosed with mesothelioma access to an amount of lump sums 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 to receive a war disability pension up to PS32,000, regardless of whether they were divorced, single, or widowed. Civilians suffering from mesothelioma on the other hand, can receive up PS600,000.000 under the government's Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
All members of the armed forces who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma will be eligible to opt for this option. It will also be accessible to those who were exposed to asbestos both during their military service and 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 law and what's involved. We can help them determine the best method to receive compensation. This includes tracing companies that may be responsible for their exposure to asbestos.
The lump sum amount will be PS140,000
Compensation is determined by a number of factors, such as age, life expectancy following mesothelioma and the amount of care needed. It also takes into account the effect mesothelioma's cancer has caused on family members as well as whether or not the person can work.
Asbestos victims must seek compensation from those responsible for their exposure to asbestos. However, for those not able to locate the responsible party, a government-sponsored scheme pays a lump sum to victims of mesothelioma. The average amount is around PS144,000.
Prior to this, ex-servicemen diagnosed with mesothelioma would only be eligible for a war-related disability pension under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008. It is a monthly payment that is based on the age of the individual and the degree of their disability. However, this is much less than civilian mesothelioma compensation that can exceed six figures.
Fred Minall from Northampton who was a member of the Royal Navy as a naval engineering between 1957 and 1964 has been informed that he is entitled to a lump sum payment of PS140,000 under the new law. Mesothelioma is an incurable lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos.
According to mesothelioma attorneys, Simpson Millar, this is an enormous win for veterans with mesothelioma. The majority of Navy personnel, as well as many civilians, were docked at US ports throughout their career in which they were exposed to harmful asbestos fibres. This is due to the extensive use of asbestos on American ships in the current. Mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest and, as a consequence the patients are often left with limited options for compensation.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that veterans with mesothelioma who have not been previously granted an army pension will be offered a lump sum amounting to PS140,000. This is a significant increase over the current amount non-married mesothelioma veterans receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
This new payment will be taken out of the current war pension that an individual receives. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma who is considering applying for this type of payment seeks advice from an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to ensure they get the best price.
claiming compensation for mesothelioma is a win 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 promise to enshrine the military covenant in law. The charity has called on the minister responsible 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 cooperates with the Ministry of Defence.
Engagement of the Legion with the MoD is essential but it has to be more productive to ensure that the needs of the community are met in a manner that has a positive impact on their lives. It is therefore vital that the feedback loop within forums is improved in order that any issues that are not being addressed are recognized and the reasons are clearly explained.
The Royal British Legion, as the UK's largest and oldest Armed Forces Charity, is situated at the heart of a larger network of support for members of the Armed Forces. They are also the organisation that is the most suited to understand the issues faced by those who serve and have served as well as their widows and widowers.
Patients with mesothelioma are usually left without financial security is among their main issues. The amount of compensation offered isn't always enough to cover the living expenses or medical costs, and mortgages are typically difficult to obtain.
This is particularly true for Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, because asbestos was utilized in shipbuilding and other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling to manage the symptoms of their disease and the impact it has on their financial situation.
There are several organisations that can help. Mesothelioma lawyers can help secure legal compensation that can be used to treat and for essential living expenses. In addition, mesothelioma sufferers can also make a claim for compensation from companies who supplied them with asbestos products.
It will be welcomed by veterans
Navy veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma can now to avail an amount of PS140,000 in one lump sum as the Ministry of Defence has announced. The Ministry of Defence has announced that Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to access an amount of PS140,000 in a lump sum.
This news will be greeted by the countless former service personnel diagnosed with mesothelioma. The law has been amended to allow them to be paid a similar amount to civilian sufferers with a mesothelioma compensation claim.
The change is a result of a campaign by the Royal British Legion and other groups, which led to the Prime Minister agreeing to examine the issue. The MoD's U-turn will allow many dying veterans who would have been eligible for a pension to receive a lump sum. This will give them peace of heart and the financial help they need to live the rest of their lives.
Asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma. Even though symptoms can take decades to manifest, even one exposure could increase your risk. The vast majority mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos while working, which includes in Navy shipyards. Last year the UK law was amended to allow employees who were exposed to asbestos at work to sue their employers. However, many veterans are unaware that they may be eligible for compensation from the government.
Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer and there aren't words to express the way that it has affected so many lives. The government's decision to address the unfair treatment of veterans of the military is a significant victory.
However, it's not enough stop 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 file trust fund claims against a variety of different corporations depending on where they worked, which could include bases, shipyards and ships. This can include a variety of multinationals with a history of selling asbestos-related products to the US Navy and other branches of the armed forces.