Mesothelioma Compensation and PIP
Mesothelioma compensation can assist patients and their families pay for treatment costs and other expenses. Compensation also provides financial security in the event of a patient's death.
A mesothelioma lawyer with experience has large databases of asbestos-producing companies. They can identify the responsible companies based upon evidence like work history, diagnosis and exposure sites. Compensation can be derived from trust funds, lawsuits, or settlements.
Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS)
DMPS is a compensation plan for patients with diffuse mesothelioma. It is designed to compensate those who, through negligence or in breach of statutory duty, were exposed to asbestos at work and are unable to bring an action against their employer or the Employers' Liability insurance.
The age of the person who is diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness will determine if they are eligible for a lump-sum payout. The current DMPS scheme was launched on 25 July 2012 and is administered by Gallagher Bassett, but as beginning on April 1, 2018, it will be administrated by TopMark Claims Management Ltd.
The DMPS scheme will pay anyone who is a recipient of the Industrial Injuries Disablement benefit or is the spouse of a person who passed away due to asbestos-related disease. This includes those who are not eligible for a payout of mesothelioma under either the Pneumoconiosis Act of 2008 or the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme. If average compensation for mesothelioma claim are the spouse of a mesothelioma sufferer who has passed away you must submit your application within 12 months after their death.
There are also a number of exemptions to the eligibility requirements for DMPS. There are also a number of exceptions to the DMPS eligibility requirements. This includes those who were exposed to asbestos in a secondary manner, like when wives washed their husbands' clothes at work, or by environmental exposure. The DMPS scheme will pay these people however it is essential to first consult a mesothelioma solicitor to see whether they are able to pursue a civil claim against their former employers and/or their insurance companies.
DMPS will subtract from your pay any other state benefits that you are entitled to. DMPS money will be added to the civil case compensation. This is because a mesothelioma attorney can assist you in getting the most compensation you can in your particular case. The DMPS website says that you can apply yourself for a DMPS Payment, but it's recommended that you seek out a mesothelioma specialist lawyer.
Industrial Injuries Disability Benefit (IIDB).
This is a weekly allowance paid for those who are disabled due to an accident at work, or due to certain illnesses related to their work (but not self-employment). IIDB is a "no fault" scheme meaning that the claimants are not required to prove negligence in court. The Department for Work and Pensions evaluates claims to determine whether they qualify.
Depending on your level of disability, you may be paid either for the rest of your life or for a set time. A doctor will determine the percentage of disability and will only consider the extent that it is caused by an injury or illness that is related to work. Pre-existing medical conditions are not taken into consideration, however, doctors may review their assessment if they are getting more severe.
The IIDB is not a means-tested benefit and is tax-free. It can be paid in addition to other incapacity benefits, such as Attendance Allowance or Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance. It can also be used to increase a lump sum payment that was received in compensation for a work-related injury or disease like mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease and are wondering whether you're eligible to receive benefits, you should contact the Welfare Rights team of your local Citizens Advice bureau. If you're thinking of applying for benefits it is crucial to seek expert advice on welfare rights. Many people find the claims process difficult. Find a local welfare rights adviser by using the AdviceLocal postcode searcher.
Claimants and their agents should be aware of scammers trying to trick people into handing personal information to them via email or text messages. The government will never request you to divulge your personal information via text message or email.
Diffuse Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payment (DMLP)
The Diffuse Mesothelioma Compensation Scheme (DMPS) is a compensation plan that pays lump sums to those with diffuse mesothelioma. It was established in 2014 to replace a similar scheme that was put in 2008.
The DMPS is funded by a levy that is paid annually by insurance companies for employers the liability insurance. It is a demand-led system and the levy will be recalculated each year to reflect any change or decrease in the number of applicants. The levy that is collected by Tracing Services Ltd is distributed to successful claimants.
A type of asbestos cancer that can affect the lungs is called diffuse mesothelioma. It is a terminal disease and often incurs a low prognosis. The DMPS scheme is designed to aid those diagnosed with this cancer as soon as they can. It also provides financial support to the family of mesothelioma patients who have passed away.
The DMPS offers lump sums to those who have been 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 surgery. The DMPS lump-sum amount is determined by the age of a person when diagnosed with mesothelioma. This ranges from PS94,750 for those who are aged 37 and less to PS14,722 in the case of those who are 77 years or over.
DMPS was initially embraced by mesothelioma patients as a solution to fill a gap. Four years later, it is time to inquire if it has done enough to help those diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers to receive the money they are entitled to.
This is especially true for other asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer. The sufferers of these illnesses who know the location of their exposure to asbestos, but their employer has ceased to exist and whose insurance companies can't be found they are not able to file a civil compensation case.
This isn't right and something needs to be done. I recently counseled a woman who developed mesothelioma. I knew where she was exposed to asbestos at British Uralite in Higham, Kent. She recalled her father working for the company, and he returning home in soiled work clothes. She was able apply for a DMPS payment of PS18 675. However, she isn't eligible for additional compensation from her estate.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP),
If you suffer from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you could be eligible for a PIP payment. This scheme is designed to assist with the additional costs of living with a long-term illness or disability. It also assists those who require daily care to be able to live independently. It is a no-cost benefit that is offered to those who are or older. The amount you receive is determined by your assessment result that takes into consideration the severity of your illness as well as your requirements. You can get more information about PIP and how to apply on the DWP website. If you're unsure the best way to fill out your form, you can get help from the local Citizens Advice group or an MS benefits advisor.
The first step in submitting for PIP is to send your application to DWP with your medical proof and two ID documents (a passport, UK driving licence, council tax bill or housing association tenancy agreements). You will be invited to an PIP Assessment. This can be at your home or at a centre and may be as long as an hour. It's a good idea to bring someone from your family or a friend to provide moral support, and it is a good idea to bring along your PIP claim form along with medical evidence and DWP's "How your disability affects your life" questionnaire.
At the PIP assessment, an independent health professional will ask you questions about how your health condition affects you and the amount of help and care you require to complete certain tasks. You will be given two tests, one on daily living and one on mobility. You will receive points for each test. You will receive a total of four or more points to qualify for PIP.
If you're not satisfied with the decision of your PIP assessment You can request an automatic reconsideration by sending an email to the DWP. This is the first step to take before you can appeal to the Appeals Service. It is important to get advice prior to challenging your PIP assessment, as the outcome could be erratic.