10 Things You've Learned In Preschool, That'll Aid You In Mesothelioma Compensation Royal Navy
Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy
The Ministry of Defence changed its policy on the 16th of December to allow service personnel suffering from mesothelioma to choose between a lump-sum payment or a traditional war pension. But the decision did not apply to all veterans who had already been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Rhod Minall and Fred Palmer were also affected as they were exposed to asbestos in their military service or in civilian jobs. This was a huge injustice to their families and the people they loved.
The law has been modified
Mesothelioma is a severe form of terminal cancer that is triggered by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms can take several years to appear and, once diagnosed with the disease, sufferers are likely to live one or two more years.
It is a major step forward that the Government has made the decision to change the law. Beginning in April 2016, armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can choose select whether to receive their pension or to take a lump sum of up to PS140,000. This is a higher compensation than the average civil award.
Before the changes, veterans of the armed forces who were diagnosed with mesothelioma had access to the War Disablement Pension. It was a monthly income and was not appropriate for those suffering from severe long-term illnesses such as mesothelioma. Furthermore, it was not possible to receive lump sum compensation under the War Pension Scheme.
After extensive lobbying, which was supported by the Royal British Legion and Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum, the law has been changed to allow armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma to receive a lump sum of up to PS140,000, in addition to the traditional War Pension. The lump sum will also be tax-free.
Prior to this, a mesothelioma diagnosis would have qualified a person for a war-related disability pension of up PS32,000, regardless of whether they were divorced, single, or widowed. Civilians suffering from 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 veterans of the armed services diagnosed with mesothelioma who wish to pursue this option. It is also available to those who were exposed to asbestos both during their military service and in other circumstances also, referred to as "dual exposure".
Mesothelioma UK has already started helping former sailors and other military services personnel with mesothelioma claims. We can assist them to understand the new laws and what they mean. We can also assist them discover the best method of obtaining compensation. This could include tracing the companies that may be accountable for their exposure to asbestos.
The lump amount will be PS140,000.
Compensation is determined by a number of factors, such as the age of the person, their life expectancy following mesothelioma and the amount of care required. It also takes into account the impact mesothelioma's disease has affected family members and whether or not the person can continue to work.
Asbestos victims must seek compensation from asbestos exposure responsible parties. If they are who are unable to identify the responsible parties the government scheme will pay lump sums to those suffering of mesothelioma. The average amount is around PS144,000.
In the past, ex-servicemen who were diagnosed with mesothelioma would only 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 level of disability. However, it is considerably less than mesothelioma compensation for civilians, which can reach six-figures.
Fred Minall from Northampton who worked in the Royal Navy as a naval engineering officer between 1957 and 1964 has been informed that he has the right to a lump-sum payment of PS140,000 under the new law. He is suffering from mesothelioma, a debilitating lung condition caused by exposure to asbestos.
According to mesothelioma lawyers, Simpson Millar, this is a huge victory for patients with mesothelioma. The majority of Navy personnel, as well as many civilians, docked in US ports throughout their careers which exposed them to asbestos-related toxins. This is due to the widespread use of asbestos on American ships at the time. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not show up for years and leave veterans with a only a few options for compensation.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that veterans with Mesothelioma who have never received an amount of war-pension, will receive up to PS140,000 in 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, claiming compensation for mesothelioma will be deducted from any existing war pension an individual receives. It is imperative that anyone with mesothelioma who is thinking about applying for this payment seeks the advice of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to ensure that they are getting the best deal.
It's a win for the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion has delivered an enraged rebuke to the government over claims that it has reneged on its pledge to establish the military covenant in law. The charity has called on the responsible minister to explain the reasons for refusing to honor its pledge to veterans and has threatened to pull out of a number of forums in which it cooperates with the Ministry of Defence.
The Legion's interaction with the MoD is crucial but it has to be more efficient in order to ensure that the community is taken care of in a manner that is a real improvement to their lives. It is essential that the feedback loop within forums is improved in order that all issues that are not being addressed are recognized and the reasons for this are made clear.
The Royal British Legion, as the UK's largest and oldest Armed Forces Charity, is located at the heart of a larger network that offers support to members of the Armed Forces. They are also the organisation that is the most suited to understand the issues that those who serve and have served as well as their widows and widowers.
One of the biggest issues for mesothelioma patients is that they are frequently left without a financial security as a result of their disease. The compensation offered is usually not enough to cover the costs of living or medical expenses, and it is often not possible to get a mortgage.
Asbest was used in shipbuilding, as well as other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling with their ailments and the impact of their condition on their financial status.
However, there are a number of organizations that can assist in this. Mesothelioma lawyers can help secure legal compensation which can be used to pay to treat and for essential living expenses. In addition, mesothelioma victims may also file claims for compensation from companies who supplied them with asbestos products.
Veterans will be delighted.
The Ministry of Defence announced that Navy veterans suffering from mesothelioma will be able to get a lump-sum payment of PS140,000. The Ministry of Defence has announced that Navy veterans with mesothelioma will be able to access the lump sum of PS140,000.
Former service members who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma will be delighted by this news. The law has been changed to allow them to receive the same amount of compensation like civilians with mesothelioma cases.
The change was made due to an initiative by the Royal British Legion, and other groups. This led to the Prime Minster promising to examine the issue. The U-turn by the MoD will help many veterans who are dying, and could have qualified for a war pension to receive lump amount. This will provide them with the peace of mind they need as well as the financial assistance they need to live out the rest of their lives.
Asbestos is associated with mesothelioma. It can take years before symptoms begin to show up, but even a single exposure can increase the chance of developing the disease. The vast majority of mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos while at work, including in Navy shipyards. The UK law changed last year to permit people to sue employers if exposed to asbestos while working, but many veterans are still unaware that they can seek compensation from the government.
Mesothelioma is a debilitating disease that has no words to describe the way it has affected many lives. The decision by the government regarding how to address the unfair treatment of veterans is a huge victory.
But it's not enough to end the suffering of veterans who have mesothelioma 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 were employed on, veterans may be eligible to claim trust fund compensation against several different corporations. This can include large multinationals with a long track record of selling asbestos products to the US Navy or other branches of the military.