Personal Injury Solicitors

The government has announced that Armed Forces veterans who contracted mesothelioma related to service can choose to receive lump sum compensation of £140,000.

Eligibility for lump sum compensation has now been extended – on 16 December 2015, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) changed the rules to allow veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma on or after that date to have the choice between a one-off, tax-free lump sum or regular, smaller payments.

The MoD has now extended the eligibility for the lump sum to those diagnosed before that date.

The War Pensions Scheme is open to veterans diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos during their military service prior to 6 April 2005.

Currently, the scheme provides a War Disablement Pension and supplementary allowances – and a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension for an eligible partner, paid for life.

Mesothelioma is a cancer mainly caused by exposure to asbestos up to 40 years or more before diagnosis – the disease is highly debilitating and there is a short life expectancy after diagnosis.

The changes to the scheme take steps to bring it in line with a similar scheme for civilians which provides lump sums – the changes have been made as a result of the government’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Covenant is a promise from the nation ensuring that those who serve and have served are treated fairly.

Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, Mark Lancaster, said:

“It is right that we do more to support veterans affected by this condition – it’s part of our commitment to our Armed Forces. This change will give them more choice and control.”

The Royal British Legion asked the MoD to consider offering lump sums to correct the disadvantage faced by some veterans, compared to civilians.

Chris Simpkins, director-general of the Royal British Legion, said:

“The government has done the right thing – and we appreciate the effort that has gone into accommodating the 60 people who were missing out.

“We are grateful to the MoD for taking our campaign seriously – and in doing so, providing a fair result to all those who contracted this terrible terminal cancer in the service of their country.”

Lump sums will be paid from 11 April 2016 – veterans choosing a lump sum whose claim is accepted prior to this date will receive the current allowances in the interim until the lump sum is paid.

The MoD’s Veterans Welfare Service is to contact all existing claimants to explain the new option and the choices available.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Mesothelioma Claims

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who have been diagnosed with work-related mesothelioma on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation against an employer or previous employer.

Mesothelioma claims have to be made within three years of diagnosis.

Duncan Lewis is also able to advise on mesothelioma claims where an employer may no longer be trading – and advises bereaved families whose loved one was diagnosed with late stage mesothelioma or was diagnosed at post-mortem on how to claim compensation.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Mesothelioma Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.





https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fair-compensation-for-veterans-with-cancer-caused-by-asbestos