Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy

The Ministry of Defence changed its policy on the 16th of December to give service members suffering from mesothelioma the option of receiving a lump-sum payment 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 due to exposure to asbestos in their military service or in civilian positions. This was a huge injustice to their families and the people they loved.

The law has changed

Mesothelioma is a deadly, terminal cancer caused by asbestos exposure can take a long time to develop. The symptoms can take several years to manifest and, once diagnosed with the disease sufferers are likely to live for one or two more years.

The government's decision to alter the law is a huge step in the right direction. Beginning in April 2016, armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma will have the option to decide whether they want to receive a pension or to take an amount of lump sum up to PS140,000. This is significantly more than the average civilian compensation award.

Prior to the changes, veterans of the armed forces who were diagnosed with mesothelioma could claim a War Disablement Pension. This was a monthly income which was not suitable for people with serious chronic diseases like 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 changed to allow veterans of the armed forces who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma the right to a lump sum up to PS140,000, addition to the traditional War Pension. The lump sum is also tax-free.

Previously, a mesothelioma diagnosis could have earned a war-related disability pension of up to PS32,000 if the patient was unmarried or divorced. In contrast, civilians with mesothelioma can receive up to PS600,000. This is under the government's Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.

The new law will apply to all veterans of the armed services diagnosed with mesothelioma and who wish to pursue this option. The law will also be applicable to those who have been exposed to asbestos during their service and also outside of it, also referred to as "dual exposure".

Mesothelioma UK has already started helping former sailors and other military personnel with mesothelioma-related claims. We can help them to learn about the new law and what's involved. We can help them determine the best way to receive compensation. This includes tracing companies that are accountable for their exposure to asbestos.

The lump amount will be PS140,000.

The amount of compensation paid to sufferers is based on several factors, like age, the impact mesothelioma has on the lifespan and the level of care required. The amount of compensation awarded to sufferers is based on several factors including the age of the sufferer, the effect mesothelioma can have on life expectancy and the amount of care they require.

Asbestos sufferers must seek compensation from the asbestos exposure responsible parties. If they cannot find the responsible parties, a government program pays lump sums to mesothelioma patients. The average award is approximately PS144,000.

Former servicemen who were diagnosed with mesothelioma diffuse were able to claim an income for war-related disability under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 It is a monthly sum determined by the individual's age and the severity of their disability. However, it is much less than the mesothelioma settlement for civilians that can exceed six figures.

Fred Minall from Northampton who was a member of the Royal Navy as a naval engineer between 1957 and 1964 was informed that he has the right to a lump-sum payment of PS140,000 under the new law. He has mesothelioma - an incurable lung disease caused by asbestos exposure.

According to mesothelioma lawyers Simpson Millar, this is an enormous win for veterans with mesothelioma. The majority of Navy personnel, along with many civilians, were docked in US ports throughout their careers, where they were exposed to harmful asbestos fibres. This is due to the frequent use of asbestos in American ships during this period. Mesothelioma symptoms can take decades to show up, and as a result the patients are often left with fewer options for compensation.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that mesothelioma sufferers who have not been previously granted a war pension will be offered a lump sum amounting to PS140,000. This is a substantial increase over the amount that veterans who are not married with mesothelioma receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma scheme.

This new payment will be subtracted from the current war pension that a person receives. It is imperative that anyone with mesothelioma is thinking about applying for this benefit seeks the advice of an experienced mesothelioma compensation fund lawyer to ensure that they get the best deal.

It is a victory 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 make the military covenant a permanent part of in law. The charity has urged the minister in charge to explain the reason for refusing to honor its pledge to veterans and has threatened to withdraw of several forums in which it engages with the Ministry of Defence.

Engagement of the Legion with the MoD is vital however, it needs to be more efficient to ensure the community's needs are met in a manner that has a positive impact on their lives. It is important to improve the feedback loops in forums to ensure that any issues that are not addressed in a consistent manner are recognized and the reasons for this are explained.

The Royal British Legion, as the UK's biggest and oldest Armed Forces Charity, is located at the heart of a larger network of support for members of the Armed Forces. The Royal British Legion is the only organisation to comprehend the issues facing those who have served as soldiers, their widows and orphans, and their families.

One of the major problems for mesothelioma sufferers is that they are often left without any financial security as a result of their disease. The compensation available is not always enough to cover the living expenses or medical expenses, and mortgages are often impossible to obtain.

Asbest was used in shipbuilding as well as other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling to cope with their health issues and the impact of their condition on their financial situation.

However, there are a number of organisations that can help in this. For instance, mesothelioma attorneys can assist in obtaining legal compensation for sufferers. This can be used to pay for treatment or to cover the essential expenses of living. Additionally, mesothelioma patients can also make claims for compensation from companies who supplied them with asbestos products.

It will be welcomed by veterans

Navy veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma will be able to receive a lump sum of PS140,000 according to the Ministry of Defence has announced. The Ministry of Defence has announced that Navy veterans with mesothelioma are able to access the lump sum of PS140,000.

Former service personnel who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are sure to appreciate this news. The law has been changed so that they are paid a similar amount to civilian sufferers who have mesothelioma compensation claims.

The change came in response to a campaign by the Royal British Legion, and other groups. This led to the Prime Minister promising to examine the issue. The change made by the MoD will allow many veterans dying of illness, who could have been eligible for a war-related pension to receive a lump amount. This will give them peace of heart and the financial help they need to live the rest of their lives.

Asbestos exposure can be linked to mesothelioma. Although the symptoms can take a long time to show up, just one exposure can increase your risk. The vast majority mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos while working, which includes in Navy shipyards. The UK law changed last year to allow people to claim compensation from employers if they were exposed to asbestos while working, but many veterans are not aware that they can seek compensation from the government.

Mesothelioma has been a terrible illness that has affected many lives. The decision by the government regarding how to address the unfair treatment of veterans is a major victory.

But it's not enough to alleviate the suffering of veterans with mesothelioma or 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 several different corporations depending on where they worked, such as shipyards, bases, and ships. This can include large multinationals with a long track record of selling asbestos products to the US Navy or other branches of the military.