Mesothelioma Compensation and PIP
Mesothelioma compensation can help patients and their families pay for the cost of treatment and other expenses. Compensation also offers financial security in the case of a patient's death.
A reputable mesothelioma lawyer will have a large database of asbestos-producing companies and can find responsible companies using evidence such as work history as well as diagnosis and exposure sites. Compensation may come from trust funds, lawsuits, or settlements.
Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme
DMPS is a compensation scheme for patients suffering from diffuse mesothelioma. It is designed to pay those who, whether negligently or in violation of statutory obligation, were exposed to asbestos in the workplace and who are not able to file a claim against their employer or its Employers' Liability insurance.
People who are diagnosed with the asbestos-related disease can apply for a lump sum according to their age when they were diagnosed. The current DMPS scheme was introduced on 25 July 2012 and is administered by Gallagher Bassett, but as from April 1, 2018, it will be administrated by TopMark Claims Management Ltd.
The DMPS scheme will pay those who are eligible for the Industrial Injuries Disablement benefit, or is the dependent of a person who has passed away due to asbestos-related disease. This includes those who are not qualified for a payout for mesothelioma under either the Pneumoconiosis Act of 2008 or the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme. If you are a dependent of a mesothelioma patient, you must submit your application within the 12 month of the date of death.
There are a few exceptions to the eligibility requirements for DMPS. These include those who have come in contact with asbestos on a secondary basis like washing their husbands' work clothes, environmental exposure or those who did not realize the way they came into contact with asbestos. The DMPS scheme will compensate these people, but it is important that they first consult a mesothelioma solicitor to see whether they can file a civil lawsuit against their former employers or their insurance companies.
DMPS will deduct from your compensation any other state benefits that you receive. DMPS money will be added to your civil case compensation. A mesothelioma attorney can help you get the maximum amount of compensation you can get in your case. The DMPS website states that you can apply yourself for an DMPS payment, but it's recommended that you consult a mesothelioma lawyer.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
This is a weekly allowance paid for people who are disabled because of an accident at work, or due to certain diseases linked to their work (but not self-employment). IIDB is a "no fault" scheme, which means that claimants don't have to prove their negligence in the courtroom. Instead, the Department for Work and Pensions will assess claims to determine if they qualify.
Depending on your level of disability, you could be compensated for the rest of your life or for a fixed period. A doctor will assess the extent of your disability and will take only into account the extent to which it is caused by the injury or illness that is related to work. A pre-existing condition won't be considered however, a doctor may assess your situation in the event that it becomes more severe.
The IIDB is not a means-tested benefit and is tax-free. It is available in addition to other incapacity benefits like Attendance Allowance or Exceptionally Serious Disablement Allowance. It is also a way to supplement a lump-sum payment that is paid in compensation for an injury or illness that occurred at work, such as mesothelioma.
If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease and you are unsure if you are eligible for benefits, you should speak to the Welfare Rights team of your local Citizens Advice bureau. If you are considering applying for benefits it is crucial to seek expert advice on welfare rights. Many people find the claims process complicated. The AdviceLocal postcode finder can help you locate a local welfare rights adviser.
Claimants and their representatives must be aware of scammers that try to trick people into handing personal information via text messages or emails. The government will never ask you to divulge your personal details by text message or email.
Diffuse Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payment (DMLP)
The Diffuse Mesothelioma Compensation Scheme (DMPS), is a compensation scheme which pays lump sums to patients with mesothelioma diffuse. It was established in 2014 to replace the scheme that had been set in 2008.
The DMPS is funded by an annual levy that insurance companies pay for employers' liability insurance. It is a demand-led system, and the levy is recalculated each year to reflect any increase or decrease in the number of applicants. The levies are collected by Tracing Services Ltd and distributed to successful claimants.
Diffuse mesothelioma is a type of asbestos-related cancer that affects the lung. It is a terminal disease and often incurs an unfavorable prognosis. The DMPS scheme is designed to assist those who are diagnosed with this cancer as soon as they can. It also helps the family members of a person who has died from mesothelioma and offers financial assistance to their family members.
The DMPS offers lump sum payments to those who were exposed to asbestos while at work. This is used to cover living costs and to help pay for the cost of treatments like chemotherapy and surgeries. The DMPS lump-sum amount is determined by the age of the person who is diagnosed with mesothelioma. This ranges from PS94,750 for people who are 37 years old and under to PS14,722 for individuals who are 77 years old or over.
DMPS was initially embraced by mesothelioma sufferers as a way to fill a compensation gap. But, four years later it is necessary to inquire whether it is doing enough to ensure that people who have been diagnosed with this asbestos-related cancer get the compensation that they deserve.
This is particularly true for other asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer. Currently, victims of these diseases who know the place they were exposed to asbestos but the employer has since been shut down and whose insurers are not able to be traced are unable to pursue a civil compensation claim.
This is unfair and something has to be done to change this. I recently consulted with a mesothelioma patient who was aware that she had been exposed to asbestos in Higham, Kent at British Uralite. Her father worked for the company and she remembers him coming home in his dusty work clothes. She was able to apply for a DMPS payment of PS18,675. She does not have any further settlement from her estate.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
You may be entitled to PIP payments if you suffer from mesothelioma or a different asbestos-related disease. This program assists with the additional costs that come from living with an illness or disability that is a long-term condition. It's specifically designed to aid those who require assistance to live a life of independence. It is a non-testing benefit and is paid to those who are or older. The amount you receive is based on your assessment result, which takes into account the severity of your illness as well as your requirements. You can get more information about PIP and how to apply via the DWP website. If you're unsure what to fill in your form, you can seek assistance from your local Citizens Advice Group or an MS Benefits adviser.
The first step in submitting for PIP is to submit your application to DWP with your medical evidence and two proofs of identity (a passport, UK driving licence, council tax bill or a housing association tenancy agreement). You will be asked to attend a PIP Assessment. The assessment can last up to an hour and may be conducted at your home or in a center. It's worth bringing someone from your family or a friend along to offer moral support. it's a good idea bring along your PIP claim form as well as medical evidence, and the DWP's "How your disability affects your life" questionnaire.
During the PIP assessment, a qualified healthcare professional will ask you questions about your health condition and how much help and care you require to complete certain tasks. You will be required to complete two tests that focus on your daily life and the other on mobility - and you will score points for each of the activities. You will be awarded a total four or more points to qualify for PIP.
If you are not satisfied with the decision made regarding your PIP assessment, you can request an obligation-based review by submitting a written request to the DWP. average compensation for mesothelioma claim is the first step before you can appeal to the Appeals Service. However, it is essential to seek advice prior to you contest your PIP assessment decision, since the outcome of this can be difficult to predict.