Mesothelioma Compensation and PIP
Mesothelioma compensation can help patients and families pay for treatment costs and other expenses. Compensation can also provide financial security in the event that a patient dies.
A good mesothelioma lawyer has a large database of asbestos-producing companies and can find responsible companies using evidence like work history, diagnosis, and exposure sites. Compensation can be obtained through trust funds or through lawsuits or settlements.
Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS)
DMPS is a compensation plan for patients with diffuse mesothelioma. It was designed to compensate those who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace, either negligently, or in violation of their statutory obligations, and who are unable to bring a claim against the employer or their Employers Liability insurance.
The age of the person diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease will determine if they're eligible for a lump-sum payment. The current DMPS was introduced on 25 July 2012. It is administered by Gallagher Bassett. However, as of 1st April 2018, TopMark Claims Management Ltd will administer the scheme.
The DMPS scheme will pay anyone who is receiving Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, or who is the spouse of someone who has died as a result of an asbestos-related disease and has not been eligible for a mesothelioma compensatory payment under the Pneumoconiosis Act or the 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Compensation Scheme. If you are the dependent of a deceased mesothelioma patient, it is required to submit your application within a 12 month of the date of death.
There are also a number of exceptions to the eligibility requirements for DMPS. mesothelioma compensation claims include those who come into contact with asbestos on a secondary basis such as wives washing their husbands work clothes, exposure to exposure to the environment, or those who did not know the way they came into contact with asbestos. These people will be compensated under the DMPS scheme, but they should first consult a mesothelioma lawyer to determine if they are eligible to make a civil claim against their former employers or insurers.
DMPS will subtract from your payment any other state benefits that you receive. However, any money paid to you under DMPS will be added to the total compensation you receive in a civil matter. This is because a mesothelioma lawyer can help you to get the maximum amount of compensation in your case. The DMPS website suggests that you can apply for a DMPS payment yourself, but it is recommended to do this with the help of a specialist mesothelioma solicitor.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
This is a weekly allowance paid to those who are disabled because of an accident at work or certain illnesses that are related to their job (but not self-employment). IIDB is a "no fault" scheme which means that those who claim are not required to prove their negligence in the court. Instead the Department for Work and Pensions will evaluate claims to determine whether they are eligible.
Depending on the severity of your disability, you could be compensated for the rest of your lifetime or for a predetermined period. A doctor will assess the proportion of your disability and take into consideration only the degree to the extent that it is caused by the work-related illness or injury. Pre-existing medical conditions are not considered, but doctors can review their assessment if they are getting worse.
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 Severe Disablement Allowance. It is also a way to top-up a lump-sum payment that is paid in compensation for an injury or illness that occurred at work, for example mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with a mesothelioma, asbestos-related pleural plaques or another disease, it is worth making contact with the Welfare Rights team at your local Citizens Advice bureau to see if you qualify for any benefits. It is important to seek expert welfare rights advice if you are considering submitting claims as many find the process to be complicated. The AdviceLocal postcode finder will help you find a local welfare rights adviser.
Claimants and their representatives need be aware of scammers who attempt to get people to divulge personal details via text messages or email. The government will never ask for your personal information through email or text messages.
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 created in 2014 and replaced the scheme similar to one that was set up 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-driven system and the levy will be recalculated each year to reflect any increase or decrease in the number of applicants. The tax collected by Tracing Services Ltd is distributed to successful claimants.
A type of asbestos cancer that affects the lungs is diffuse mesothelioma. It is a terminal disease and often incurs an unfavorable prognosis. The DMPS scheme is designed to aid those diagnosed with this asbestos cancer as soon as possible. It also offers financial aid to the family members of a deceased mesothelioma patient.
The DMPS offers lump sum payments to people who were exposed to asbestos while at work. It can be used to cover living costs and assist with the cost of treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. The DMPS lump-sum amount is determined by the age of a person diagnosed with mesothelioma. The amount varies from PS94.750 for those under 37 years of age to PS14.722 for those over 77.
When it first came out in the year 2000, the DMPS was a popular choice for mesothelioma patients as a means to fill in a gap in compensation. But, four years later, it must be asked whether it has done enough to ensure that people who have been diagnosed with this asbestos related cancer get the compensation that they deserve.
This is especially true for other asbestos-related diseases like lung cancer. The sufferers of these diseases who are aware of the location of their asbestos exposure but their employer has ceased to exist and whose insurance companies can't be located they are not able to file a civil compensation case.
This isn't right and something must be done. I recently consulted an individual who was diagnosed with mesothelioma and knew where she was exposed to asbestos at British Uralite in Higham, Kent. Her father worked for the company and she can recall him coming home in his smoky work clothes. She was able apply for a DMPS Payment of PS18 675. She does not have any further compensation from her estate.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP),
You may be entitled to PIP payments if you have mesothelioma or a different asbestos-related disease. This program helps with the additional costs that are associated from living with a disability or long-term health condition and is specifically designed to aid people who require daily care to live independently. It is a non-testing benefit that is available 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. Find out more about PIP and how to apply on the DWP website. If you're not sure the best way to fill out your form, you can get help from an area Citizens Advice group or an MS benefits adviser.
The first step to apply for PIP is to submit your application to DWP with your medical proof and two identification documents (a passport, UK driving licence, council tax bill or housing association tenancy agreement). You will then be invited for a PIP assessment. The assessment can take place at your home or the centre and could last up to an hour. It is worth taking a friend or family member along to offer moral support. it's a good idea bring along your PIP claim form along with medical evidence and DWP's "How your disability affects you" questionnaire.
During the PIP assessment, an independent healthcare professional will ask you questions regarding your medical condition and the amount of assistance and care you need to accomplish certain tasks. You will be asked to take two tests that will focus about your daily routine and the other on mobility - and you will earn points for each activity. You will receive a total of four or more points to be eligible for PIP.
If you're not happy with the decision you've been given regarding your PIP assessment, you can request an official review by sending a written request to the DWP. This is the first thing you need to do before you can appeal. However, it is important to seek out advice prior to deciding whether you want to challenge your PIP assessment decision, since the outcome of this can be difficult to predict.