The 3 Most Significant 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 the option of choosing whether to receive a lump sum or traditional war pension. The change was not applicable to all veterans 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 huge injustice to their families and the people they loved.
The law has been changed
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that is triggered by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms can take years to manifest and, once diagnosed with the disease sufferers are expected to live a few more years.
It is a significant move that the Government has decided to change the law. Beginning in April 2016, veterans of the armed services diagnosed with mesothelioma can choose to decide whether they want to receive their pension or receive a lump sum amounting to PS140,000. This is significantly higher than the average civilian compensation award.
Before the changes, armed forces veterans who were diagnosed with mesothelioma were able to receive the War Disablement Pension. This only provided an income per month that was not appropriate for those suffering from severe long-term illnesses such as mesothelioma. The War Pension Scheme did not allow lump-sum compensation.
After intensive lobbying, supported 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 that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma to receive lump sums of up to PS140,000 in addition to the traditional War Pension. The lump sum will also be tax-free.
Previously, a mesothelioma diagnosis could have earned a war disablement pension of up to PS32,000 if the patient was single divorced, widowed or divorced. In contrast, civilians with mesothelioma can receive up to PS600,000 under the government's Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
All members of the armed forces who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are eligible to choose this option. The law will also apply to those who've been exposed to asbestos during their military service and outside it, also known as "dual exposure".
Mesothelioma UK has already started helping former sailors and other military services personnel with mesothelioma claims. We can help them understand the new laws and what they mean. We can also assist them discover the best method to get compensation. This can include tracing the companies that may be accountable for their exposure to asbestos.
The lump sum will be PS140,000.
Compensation is determined by a range of variables, including age, life expectancy after mesothelioma as well as the amount of care needed. The amount of compensation paid to patients is determined by a range of factors, including age, the effect mesothelioma has on life expectancy, and the amount of care they require.
Asbestos victims have to seek compensation from the asbestos exposure responsible parties. However, for those who are unable to identify the responsible parties the government scheme will pay lump sums to those suffering of mesothelioma. The average amount awarded is about PS144,000.
In the past, ex-servicemen who were diagnosed with mesothelioma would only be eligible for a war-related disability pension under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008. It is a monthly sum based on the individual's age and the severity of their disability. This is a smaller amount than the mesothelioma civil settlement, which can be in the six figures.
Fred Minall, 74 from Northampton Fred Minall, 74, from Northampton, who was an engineer for the naval branch of the Royal Navy between 1957 and 1965, has now been told that he'll be entitled to a lump sum of PS140,000 under the new law. Mesothelioma is an incurable lung disease that is caused by asbestos exposure.
Simpson Millar, a mesothelioma lawyer, believes that this is a major victory for veterans suffering from mesothelioma. Most Navy personnel, as well as many civilians, docked in US ports throughout their careers which exposed them to harmful asbestos fibres. This is due to the extensive use of asbestos in American ships at the time. Mesothelioma symptoms can take decades to show up and, as a consequence the patients are often left with limited options to seek compensation.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that veterans with mesothelioma who were not previously awarded an entitlement to a war pension will now receive an amount of lump sum up to PS140,000. This is a significant increase over the current amount non-married mesothelioma veterans receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
The new payment will be taken out of the current war pension that an individual receives. Therefore, it is essential that anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma and contemplating applying for this payment seeks the advice of experienced mesothelioma lawyers to ensure they receive the best deal.
It's a win to the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion has delivered an enraged rebuke to the government over claims that it has not acted on its promise to establish the military covenant in law. The charity has demanded that the minister explain why the government isn't honouring its commitment to veterans. It has also threatened to pull out of a number of forums where it has been working with the Ministry of Defence.
The Legion's engagement with the MoD is crucial but it has to be more efficient to ensure that the community is treated in a way that can make a difference to their lives. It is therefore vital that the feedback loop in forums is improved in order that all issues that are not being addressed are understood and the reasons for this are explained.
As the UK's oldest and largest Armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion is at the heart of the national network that provides assistance to members of Armed Forces and their families. They are also the organization that is best placed to understand the challenges that those who serve or have served, as well as their widows and widowers.
Patients with mesothelioma are often left with no financial security is among their biggest concerns. The amount of compensation offered isn't always enough to cover the living expenses or medical costs and mortgages are usually difficult to get.
Asbest was used in shipbuilding, among other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling with their symptoms and the effects of their condition on their financial situation.
However there are a variety of organizations that can assist with this. For example, mesothelioma lawyers can assist in obtaining legal compensation for patients, which can be used to pay for treatment or to cover essential living expenses. In addition, mesothelioma victims may also file an application for compensation from companies who supplied asbestos-containing products.
Veterans will welcome it
The Ministry of Defence announced that Navy veterans suffering from mesothelioma will be able to receive a lump-sum payout of PS140,000. This will allow them to receive substantial financial support to ease the financial pressure that mesothelioma causes their families.
This news will be welcomed by the thousands of former military personnel who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The law has been modified so that they can be paid the same amount as civilian patients who have mesothelioma compensation claim s.
The change is a result of campaigning by the Royal British Legion and other groups, which led to the Prime Minister agreeing to look at the issue. The U-turn by the MoD will help many veterans who are dying, and could have been eligible for a war pension to pick lump sum. This will give them the peace of mind they seek and the financial security they require to live the rest of their life.
Asbestos is associated with mesothelioma. Although symptoms can take a long time to show up, just one exposure can increase your risk. The vast majority of mesothelioma sufferers were exposed to asbestos while at work, including at Navy shipyards. In the year 2000, the UK law was changed to permit employees who were exposed to asbestos while at work to sue their employers. However many veterans are not aware that they could be eligible for compensation from the government.
Mesothelioma is a debilitating disease that has no words to express the way it has affected many lives. The decision by the government on how to handle the unfair treatment of veterans is a huge victory.
However, it's not enough to stop the suffering of mesothelioma patients and their families. They also need to seek compensation from companies that supplied asbestos products to the armed forces. Veterans may be able to file trust fund claims with a variety of different corporations depending on where they worked, which could include shipyards, bases, and ships. This could include a number of multinational corporations that have a history of selling asbestos-related products to the US Navy and other branches of the armed forces.