The 3 Biggest Disasters In Mesothelioma Compensation Royal Navy History
Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy
On the 16th of December, 2015, the Ministry of Defence changed their policy to allow service personnel diagnosed with mesothelioma to decide whether to receive a lump sum or traditional war pension. The decision did not apply to all veterans who had been already diagnosed with mesothelioma.
This includes 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 for them and their families.
The law has changed
Mesothelioma is a severe type 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 expected to live for one or two more years.
The Government's decision to change the law is a major step in the right direction. In April 2016, veterans of the armed forces diagnosed with mesothelioma can choose to choose whether to receive a pension or an amount of lump sum up to PS140,000. This is a more substantial amount than the typical civil award.
Before the changes, veterans of the armed forces who were diagnosed with mesothelioma could only receive a War Disablement Pension. This was an income per month, which was not suitable for those suffering from serious chronic diseases like mesothelioma. Additionally 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 changed to allow veterans of the armed forces that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma to receive a lump sum up to PS140,000, addition to the traditional War Pension. The lump sum is tax-free.
Prior to this, a mesothelioma diagnosis could have qualified a person to receive a war disability pension of up PS32,000 regardless of whether they were divorced, single or widowed. Civilians who have mesothelioma, on the other hand are eligible for PS600,000.000 under the government's Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
The new law will apply to all armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma who want to take up this option. The law will also apply to those who've been exposed to asbestos during their service and outside it, also referred to as "dual exposure".
Mesothelioma UK has already started helping former sailors and other armed personnel of the military with mesothelioma lawsuits. We can assist them in understanding the new laws and the implications. We can also help clients to determine the best method of obtaining compensation. This includes tracing companies that could be accountable for their exposure to asbestos.
The lump sum will be PS140,000.
The level of compensation awarded to patients is determined by various factors, such as age, the impact mesothelioma has on the lifespan and the level of care needed. The amount of compensation awarded to sufferers is based on a range of factors including age, the impact mesothelioma will have on life expectancy and how much care they need.
Asbestos sufferers must seek compensation from the asbestos exposure responsible parties. If they cannot find the responsible parties, a federal program pays lump sums to mesothelioma victims. The average amount paid is approximately PS144,000.
In the past, ex-servicemen who were diagnosed with mesothelioma were able to be eligible for a war-related disability pension under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008. This is a monthly payout based on an individual's age and their level of disablement. However, it is a significantly smaller sum than the mesothelioma settlement for civilians that can exceed six figures.
Fred Minall from Northampton who served in the Royal Navy as a naval engineering between 1957 and 1964 was informed that he has the right to a lump-sum payment of PS140,000, as per the new law. He is suffering from mesothelioma, a debilitating lung condition caused by exposure to asbestos.
Simpson Millar, a mesothelioma lawyer, believes that this is a major victory for veterans suffering from mesothelioma. Most Navy personnel, along with many civilians, docked in US ports during their careers, where they were exposed to asbestos-related toxins. This is due to the widespread use of asbestos on American ships at the time. The signs of mesothelioma might not appear for decades leaving veterans with very limited compensation options.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that mesothelioma sufferers who have not been previously granted an entitlement to a war pension will now be offered a lump sum amounting to PS140,000. This is a significant increase from the current amount non-married mesothelioma veterans receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
However, this new payment will be deducted from any war pensions an individual receives. Therefore, it is crucial that anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma and thinking about applying for this new payment seeks advice from seasoned mesothelioma attorneys to ensure they get the best 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 urged the minister in charge to explain the reasons for not delivering on its promise to veterans and has threatened to withdraw from a variety of forums in which it engages with the Ministry of Defence.
The Legion's involvement with the MoD is important however, it must be more efficient to ensure that the community is treated in a way that is a real improvement to their lives. It is therefore essential that the feedback loop in forums is improved in order that all issues that are not being addressed are recognized and the reasons behind this are made clear.
The Royal British Legion, as the largest and most enduring Armed Forces Charity, is located at the heart of a national network that offers support to members of the Armed Forces. The Royal British Legion is the best organisation to understand the issues that confront those who served, their widows and orphans and their families.
One of the most significant problems for mesothelioma sufferers is that they are often left without financial security because of their illness. The compensation available is not always enough to cover living expenses or medical costs and mortgages are often impossible to obtain.
This is especially true for Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma since asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding and other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling to manage the symptoms of their illness and the impact it has on their financial position.
However there are a variety of organisations that can help in this. Mesothelioma lawyers can help secure legal compensation to be used for treatment and essential living expenses. Additionally, mesothelioma lawsuit compensation may also file a claim for compensation from the companies that provided asbestos-related products.
It will be a welcome sight for veterans
Navy veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma can now to receive an amount of PS140,000 in one lump sum according to 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 welcomed by the countless former military personnel who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The law has been modified to allow them to be paid the same amount as civilian patients who have a mesothelioma compensation claim.
The change was made due to a campaign by the Royal British Legion, and other groups. This resulted in the Prime Minister declaring that he would investigate the issue. The MoD's decision to change its policy will allow a lot of veterans who would have been eligible for pensions to choose a lump-sum. This will provide them with the peace mind they need and the financial security they require to live the rest of their life.
Asbestos exposure can be linked to mesothelioma. It can take years for symptoms to appear, but even a single exposure could increase the risk of developing the disease. The majority of mesothelioma sufferers were exposed to asbestos while at work, including in Navy shipyards. Last year, the UK law was changed to allow employees who were exposed to asbestos at work to sue their employers. However many veterans are not aware that they may be entitled to compensation from the government.
Mesothelioma is a devastating disease and there are no words to describe the way that it has affected so many lives. The decision of the government to address the unfair treatment of veterans of the military is a significant victory.
But it's not enough to end the suffering of mesothelioma patients and their families. They also need to seek compensation from the companies that supplied asbestos-related products to the military. Depending on the shipyards, bases, and ships they worked on, veterans may be in a position to file trust fund claims against various corporations. This could include a number of multinationals with been known to sell asbestos-related products to the US Navy and other branches of the military.