New rules on compensation pay-outs for asbestos-related illnesses mean those suffering will receive up to £54,000 more compensation for themselves and their families.
Going forwards, compensation paid out through the Government’s Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme, which compensates those suffering as result of asbestos exposure with a one-off lump sum payment, will increase to match 100 per cent of average civil claims. This figure has been increased from a current 80 per cent.
The scheme, which has paid out over £19million in its first ten months, sees its costs met by a levy imposed on the insurance industry. From 10th February, those diagnosed with these illnesses will benefit from the increases, which were initially scheduled for July last year.
The scheme has already proved invaluable to the hundreds of mesothelioma sufferers unable to recover compensation for their exposure due to issues with locating past employers or employer’s liability insurers. It can take many years for conditions such as mesothelioma to develop, sometimes as many as 40 years, so although most sufferers can claim damages via their employer’s liability insurance, it can sometimes be difficult to trace employers and insurance providers after all this time.
Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs and is caused by exposure to asbestos. Life expectancy after diagnosis is bleak and many cases of mesothelioma are terminal, with life expectancy following diagnosis as little as eight to nine months.
If you or a member of your family has suffered as a result of asbestos exposure and you would like to speak to us about your legal options, you can call us at any time on 0800 028 2060 or contact us via our website here. If you prefer, you can request a call at a time convenient for you here.