Mesothelioma Compensation and PIP

Mesothelioma compensation can assist patients and their families pay for the cost of treatment and other expenses. Compensation also offers financial security in the event of a patient's death.

A mesothelioma lawyer with experience has extensive databases of asbestos-producing companies and can locate the responsible companies based on evidence such as work history, diagnosis and exposure sites. Compensation can be obtained through trust funds, lawsuits or settlements.

Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS)

DMPS is a program that compensates patients suffering from mesothelioma that is diffuse. It was designed to pay those who, through negligence or in breach of their statutory obligation, were exposed to asbestos in the workplace and who are not able to file a claim against their employer or the Employers' Liability insurer.

People who are diagnosed with the asbestos-related condition are able to apply for a lump sum payment, depending on their age when they were diagnosed. The current DMPS scheme was introduced on July 25, 2012 and is administered by Gallagher Bassett, but as of 1 April 2018 the scheme will be managed by TopMark Claims Management Ltd.

The DMPS scheme will reimburse anyone receiving Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, or who is the dependent of someone who has died as a result of an asbestos-related condition and is not eligible for a mesothelioma compensation payout under the Pneumoconiosis Act or the 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Compensation Scheme. If you are a dependent of a mesothelioma patient who has died you must submit your application within 12 months after their death.

There are also a number of exceptions to the eligibility requirements for DMPS. There are a variety of exemptions to the DMPS eligibility criteria. This includes those who were exposed to asbestos in a second way, for example, when wives washed their husbands' clothes at work, or by exposure to environmental factors. The DMPS scheme will compensate them however it is crucial to first speak with an expert mesothelioma lawyer to determine whether they can pursue a civil claim against their former employers and/or their insurance companies.

It should be noted that DMPS will deduct any other state benefits you're receiving from the amount you receive. DMPS money will be added to your civil case's compensation. This is because a mesothelioma attorney can assist you in obtaining the maximum government compensation for mesothelioma victims possible in your particular case. The DMPS website suggests that you apply for a DMPS payment yourself, but it is recommended that you do this with the assistance of a specialist mesothelioma solicitor.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

This is a weekly benefit for those who are disabled as a result of an accident or disease at work (but not through self-employment). IIDB is a "no fault" scheme meaning that the claimants do not have to show negligence in the court. The Department for Work and Pensions examines claims to determine if they qualify.

Based on the degree of disability, you may be paid either for life or for a fixed time. A doctor will determine the amount of disability and will only consider the degree that it is due to an injury or illness that is related to work. Pre-existing medical conditions are not taken into consideration, however, doctors may reassess if they become worse.

IIDB is a not-means-tested and tax free benefit. It can be paid on top of other benefits for incapacity, such as Attendance Allowance or Exceptionally Serious Disability Allowance. It is also a way to supplement the lump sum amount which was paid as compensation for an injury or illness like mesothelioma.

If you are diagnosed with a mesothelioma, asbestos-related pleural plaques or another disease, you should consider calling the Welfare Rights team at your local Citizens Advice bureau to see whether you are eligible for benefits. It is crucial to seek out specialist welfare rights advice if you are thinking about filing an application as many find the process complex. The AdviceLocal postcode finder can help you locate a local welfare rights advisor.

Claimants and their agents should be aware of scammers that try to trick people into handing personal information to them via email or text messages. The government mesothelioma compensation will never request 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 plan that pays lump sums to those with diffuse mesothelioma. It was launched in 2014 and replaced an identical scheme that was established in 2008.

The DMPS is funded by an annual levy which insurers pay to cover employers the liability insurance. It is a demand-led system and the levy is adjusted annually to reflect any change or decrease in the number of applicants. The tax is collected by Tracing Services Ltd and distributed to successful claimants.

A type of asbestos cancer that can affect the lungs is called diffuse mesothelioma. It is a fatal disease with a low chance of recovery. The DMPS scheme was designed to help people who have been diagnosed with asbestos cancer as quickly as they can. It also offers financial aid to the family members of a deceased mesothelioma patient.

The DMPS offers lump sum payments to those who have been exposed to asbestos while at work. This can be used to cover living costs and assist with the cost of treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. The amount of the DMPS lump sum depends on a person's age when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. The amount ranges from PS94.750 for those under 37 years old, to PS14.722 for those who are over 77.

When it was first introduced, the DMPS was a popular choice for mesothelioma victims as a way to fill the gap in compensation. But, four years later, it must be asked whether it has done enough to ensure that those who have been diagnosed with this asbestos related cancer receive the compensation they deserve.

This is particularly the case with other asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer. The sufferers of these diseases, who know the location of their asbestos exposure but whose employer is no longer in business and whose insurance companies are unable to be found, are currently unable to start a civil compensation claim.

This is unfair and something must be done to change this. I recently advised 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 returning home in his dirty work clothes. She was able apply for a DMPS Payment of PS18 675. However, she is not eligible for further compensation from her estate.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP),

If you are suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for a PIP payment. This scheme helps with the extra expenses that are associated from living with disabilities or a long-term health condition and is designed to assist people who require daily care to live a life of independence. It is a non-testing benefit that is offered to people who are 16 or over. The amount you get is determined by the assessment you make, which takes into consideration the severity of your illness and your requirements. You can find more information about PIP and how to apply via the DWP website. If you're unsure how to fill out your application, ask for help from a local 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 a housing association tenancy contract) of your identity. You will be asked to attend a PIP Assessment. The assessment can take place at your home or in an office and can be as long as an hour. It's worth bringing someone from your family or a friend to provide moral support, and it's a good idea to bring 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 assistance and care you require to perform certain tasks. You will be required to complete two tests - one about your daily routine and the other on mobility and you will earn points for each of the activities. You must score four or more points in order to qualify for the PIP.

If you aren't satisfied with the decision of your PIP assessment If you are unhappy with the decision, you can request an official reconsideration by writing an email to the DWP. This is the first step to take before you can appeal to the Appeals Service. It is essential to seek advice before challenging your PIP assessment, since the outcome may be uncertain.