Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy

The Ministry of Defence changed its policy on 16 December 2015 to allow service personnel with mesothelioma the option of receiving an amount in lump sum or a traditional war pension. The decision, however, was not applicable to all veterans who had been diagnosed with the disease.

This included Rhod Palmer and Fred Minall, who were exposed to asbestos during their military service and in civilian jobs. This was a massive injustice for them as well as their families.

mesothelioma compensation for family members has changed

Mesothelioma is a severe form of terminal cancer that develops from exposure to asbestos. It can take decades before symptoms are evident and once diagnosed, many sufferers have a life expectancy of just one or two years.

It is a significant move that the Government has decided to amend the law. From 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 of up to PS140,000. This is a significantly greater amount than a typical civil award.

Before the changes, armed forces veterans who were diagnosed with mesothelioma could claim the War Disablement Pension. It was a monthly income and was not suitable for those suffering from severe long-term illnesses such as mesothelioma. Furthermore, it was not possible to access lump sum compensation under the War Pension Scheme.

After a long period of lobbying, 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 access to a lump sum amounting to PS140,000, in addition to a traditional War Pension. The lump sum will be tax-free.

Prior to this, a mesothelioma diagnose would have qualified a person to receive a war disability pension up to PS32,000, regardless of whether they were divorced, single or widowed. Contrary to this, civilians diagnosed with mesothelioma may receive up to PS600,000. This is under the Government’s Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.

The new law will be applicable to all armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma who wish to avail this option. It is also accessible to those who were exposed to asbestos 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 help them to be aware of the new law and the issues involved. We can help them determine the best way to get compensation. This could include tracing companies that are responsible for their asbestos exposure.

The lump sum amount will be PS140,000

The amount of compensation given to sufferers is based on several factors, like age, the impact mesothelioma has on the lifespan and the level of care needed. The amount of compensation paid to sufferers is based on a range of factors, including age, the impact mesothelioma can have on life expectancy, and the amount of care they require.

Asbestos sufferers should seek compensation from those accountable for their exposure to asbestos. For those who are unable to find those responsible the government scheme will pay a lump sum to victims of mesothelioma. The average award is approximately PS144,000.

Prior to this, ex-servicemen diagnosed with mesothelioma were able to be eligible for a war-related disability pension under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008. This is a monthly payment that is based on the person’s age and degree of disability. But, it’s a significantly smaller sum than civilian mesothelioma compensation, which can reach six-figures.

Fred Minall from Northampton who served 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, as per the new law. He is suffering mesothelioma which is an incurable lung condition caused by exposure to asbestos.

According to mesothelioma lawyers Simpson Millar, this is a huge victory for patients with mesothelioma. Most Navy personnel, like many civilians, anchored in US ports during their careers which exposed them to asbestos-related toxins. This is due to the widespread use of asbestos on American ships in the current. The symptoms of mesothelioma may take years to show up, and as a result, veterans are often left with fewer options to seek compensation.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Mesothelioma patients who have not previously been awarded an amount of war-pension, will be offered up to PS140,000 as a lump-sum payment. This is a significant increase from the current amount that non-married mesothelioma veterans receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.

This new payment will however be deducted from the existing war pension an individual receives. As a result, it is important that anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma considering applying for this new payment gets advice from experienced mesothelioma attorneys to ensure they get the right deal.

It is a win for the Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion has issued an abrasive critique of the government for failing to keep its promise to legislate the military covenant. The charity has asked the minister to explain why the government isn’t honoring its pledge to veterans. It has also threatened to withdraw from various forums that it has worked with the Ministry of Defence.

Engagement of the Legion with the MoD is crucial, but it must be more effective to ensure that the community’s needs are met in a manner that has a significant impact on their lives. It is important to improve the feedback loops in forums to ensure that any problems that aren’t addressed in a consistent way are identified, and the reasons for this are explained.

As the oldest and largest Armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion is at the heart of a national network that provides assistance to members of the Armed Forces and their families. They are also the organization that is best placed to comprehend the challenges that those who serve, have served and their widows and widowers.

One of the major issues for mesothelioma patients is that they’re often left without any financial security because of their illness. The compensation that is available is typically not enough to cover the costs of treatment or living expenses, and it is usually not feasible to obtain a mortgage.

Asbest was used in shipbuilding among other Naval activities. This has left many veterans struggling with the symptoms of their illness and the impact it has on their financial health.

However there are a variety of organizations that can assist in this. For instance, mesothelioma lawyers can assist in obtaining legal compensation for patients, which can be used to pay for treatment or the essential expenses of living. Patients with mesothelioma can also claim compensation from the companies that supplied asbestos-containing products.

Veterans will be delighted.

The Ministry of Defence announced that Navy veterans suffering from mesothelioma will be able to receive a lump-sum payout of PS140,000. The Ministry of Defence has announced that Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to access an amount of PS140,000 in a lump sum.

Former service personnel who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma will welcome this news. The law has changed to allow them to receive the same amount of compensation like civilians with mesothelioma cases.

The change was made as a result of a campaign by the Royal British Legion, and other groups. This resulted in the Prime Minister agreeing to investigate the issue. The U-turn by the MoD will help many dying veterans, who could have qualified for a war-related pension to pick a lump amount. This will provide them with the peace mind they require and the financial support they require to live the rest of their lives.

Asbestos is linked to mesothelioma. It can take a long time before symptoms begin to show up but even a single exposure could increase the likelihood of developing the disease. The vast majority of mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos at work, including at Navy shipyards. The UK law was changed last year to permit people to claim compensation from employers if they were exposed to asbestos while working, but many veterans are still unaware that they are able to seek compensation from the government.

Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that has impacted many lives. The decision of the government on how to handle the unfair treatment of veterans is a major victory.

However, it is not enough to end the suffering of veterans who have mesothelioma as well as their families. They will also have to seek compensation from companies that supplied asbestos products to the military. Based on the shipyards, bases, and ships they worked on, veterans may be able to claim trust fund compensation against various corporations. These could include large multinationals who have a long history of selling asbestos-related products to the US Navy or other branches of the military.