Mesothelioma Compensation and PIP
Mesothelioma compensation can assist patients and their families pay for medical expenses and other expenses. Compensation also provides financial security in the event of the death of a patient.
A reputable mesothelioma lawyer will have an extensive database of asbestos-producing firms and can locate responsible companies based on evidence such as work history as well as diagnosis and exposure sites. Compensation can be obtained from trust funds and settlements, lawsuits, or settlements.
Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme
DMPS is a compensation scheme for patients suffering from diffuse mesothelioma. It is designed to compensate people who, either negligently or in breach of statutory duty, were exposed asbestos in the workplace and who are not able to file a claim against their employer or the employer's Employers' Liability insurer.
Those who are diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions are able to apply for a lump sum, depending on their age when they were diagnosed. The current DMPS was introduced on 25 July 2012. It is managed by Gallagher Bassett. However, from April 1st, 2018, TopMark Claims Management Ltd will administer the scheme.
The DMPS scheme pays anyone who receives Industrial Injuries Disablement benefit or is the dependent of a person who died due to an asbestos-related illness. This includes those who are not eligible for a payout of mesothelioma as outlined in the Pneumoconiosis Act of 2008 or the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme. If you are a dependent of a mesothelioma victim who has passed away, you must make your application within 12 months after their death.
There are mesothelioma compensation amounts to the eligibility requirements for DMPS. There are a variety of exceptions to the eligibility requirements for DMPS. These include those who were exposed to asbestos in a secondary way, for example, wives washing their husbands' clothing at work, or by exposure to the environment. The DMPS scheme will compensate these people however it is crucial to first speak with a mesothelioma solicitor to see if they could pursue a civil claim against their former employers and/or their insurance companies.
It is important to know that DMPS will subtract any other state benefits you are receiving from your payment. However, any money paid through DMPS will be added to the total compensation you receive in a civil matter. This is because a mesothelioma lawyer will assist you in obtaining the maximum compensation possible in your particular case. The DMPS website suggests that you could apply for an DMPS payment yourself, but it is recommended to apply with the help of a specialist mesothelioma solicitor.
Industrial Injuries Disability Benefit (IIDB).
This is a weekly benefit for those who have been disabled as a result of an accident or disease at work (but not through self-employment). IIDB is a no fault scheme, meaning that those who claim do not have to prove negligence through the court system. The Department for Work and Pensions assesses claims to determine if they are eligible.
Based on the degree of disability, you may be compensated for the rest of your life or for a set period. A doctor will determine the proportion of your disability and will take only into account the extent to that it is due to an injury or illness at work. Pre-existing medical conditions are not considered, but doctors can review their assessment if they are getting more severe.
The IIDB is not a means-tested benefit and is tax-free. It is available in addition to other related benefits for incapacity, such as Attendance Allowance and Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance. It is also a way to top up a lump sum payment that was received as compensation for an injury or illness like mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related illness and are wondering whether you're eligible for benefits, you should speak to the Welfare Rights team of your local Citizens Advice bureau. It is important to seek specialist welfare rights advice if you are considering submitting a claim as many people find the process to be complicated. The AdviceLocal postcode finder will help you locate a local welfare rights adviser.
Claimants and their representatives need to be aware of scammers who attempt to trick people into giving out personal details through text messages or emails. The Government will never ask you to divulge your personal information via text message or email.
Diffuse Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payment (DMLP)
The Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) is a compensation scheme set up in order to pay lump sums to patients with mesothelioma diffuse. It was established in 2014 and replaced an identical scheme that was established in 2008.
The DMPS is financed by an annual levy paid by insurance companies for employers"liability insurance. It is a demand-led system, and the levy is recalculated each year to reflect any change or decrease in the number of applicants. The levy collected by Tracing Services Ltd is distributed to successful claimants.
Diffuse mesothelioma can be described as a form of asbestos cancer which affects the lung. It is a fatal disease and often incurs a poor prognosis. The DMPS scheme was developed to help those diagnosed with asbestos cancer as soon as they can. It also assists family members of someone who has passed away from mesothelioma and offers financial assistance to their family.
Under the DMPS individuals who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace will be awarded an unspecified amount. This lump sum can be used for living expenses and to help pay for treatments such as chemotherapy and surgeries. The amount of the DMPS lump sum is contingent on the age of a person when they are 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 old or over.
When it first came out in the year 2000, the DMPS was welcomed by mesothelioma victims as a way to fill a gap in compensation. Four years later, it is time to ask if it is doing enough for patients diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers to receive the money they deserve.
This is especially relevant to other asbestos-related illnesses like lung cancer. The victims of these diseases who are aware of the location of their asbestos exposure, but the employer is no longer in business and whose insurance companies are unable to be located, are currently unable to start a civil compensation claim.
This is wrong and something must be done. I recently advised a mesothelioma patient who knew she was exposed to asbestos in Higham, Kent at British Uralite. She remembers her father working for the company, and coming home in dusty work clothes. She was eligible for a DMPS payment of PS18,675. She is not entitled to any other settlement from her estate.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
If you suffer from mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for an PIP payment. This program helps with the extra costs associated with living with a disability or long-term health condition and is designed to help those who require care to live a life of independence. This is a benefit that is not tested for means that is provided to people who are aged 16 or older. The amount you receive is based on your assessment results which is based on the severity of your illness and your requirements. Find out more about PIP and how to apply via the DWP website. If you're unsure how to fill in your application, seek help from an area Citizens Advice group or an MS benefits advisor.
You must submit your application for PIP to the DWP along with two proofs (a passport, UK Driving Licence, council tax bill, or the housing association's tenancy contract) of your identity. Then, you will be referred to take a PIP assessment. The assessment can take place at your home or at an office and can take up to an hour. You may wish to bring a family member or friend along for moral assistance. Additionally, you should bring your PIP claim and medical evidence along with the DWP questionnaire "How your disability impacts you".
In the PIP assessment, an independent healthcare professional will ask questions about how your health conditions affect you and how much support and care you require to carry out certain tasks. You will be asked to complete two tests that will focus on your daily life and the other on mobility - and you will be awarded points for each of the activities. You will receive a total of four or more points to be eligible for PIP.
If you're not satisfied with the outcome of your PIP assessment, you can ask for a mandatory review by sending an unwritten request to the DWP. This is the first step to take before you can appeal to the Appeals Service. However, it is essential to seek advice before you challenge your PIP assessment decision, because the outcome could be difficult to predict.