Mesothelioma Fund of Last Resort Update

 By Helen Childs.  24th April 2015

A leading asbestos claims lawyer has welcomed the Government's announcement yesterday to increase the payments to mesothelioma sufferers who make a claim under the Mesothelioma Fund of Last Resort.

Mesothelioma Gov Fund

Mesothelioma is an aggressive asbestos related cancer that develops decades after an individual was exposed to asbestos. By then, their employers will frequently have gone out of business and they may experience difficulty in tracking down their employers insurers.

Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma after July 2012 who found themselves in this position would have been able to make a claim to the government's fund of last resort. This would have paid them 80% of the average compensation payable to someone of that age.

When the scheme was introduced it was criticised for only paying out 80% of average settlements. It has now been announced that for anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma on or after 10th February 2015 this figure will increase to 100% of the average payout.

Feedback From Our Solicitors

Helen Childs, a leading asbestos lawyer with RWK Goodman solicitors in Oxford/Bath/Swindon has welcomed the news. However, she urges anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos related illness to seek legal advice, or run the risk of being undercompensated.

She says

" The government's decision to increase the payments to mesothelioma sufferers is welcome. However, the scheme falls far short of a comprehensive safety net for people suffering from asbestos related illnesses. It only applies to individuals with mesothelioma for example, leaving those with lung cancer or asbestosis uncompensated.

In addition, the figures it bases the average payouts on fall a long way short of the normal settlements for someone making a civil claim, leaving desperately ill people and their families tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket. Mesothelioma sufferers who make a claim under the scheme are also required to repay all benefits they have received out of their settlement monies.

In a normal civil claim it would be unusual for all benefits to be deductible, and the difference usually runs into thousands of pounds. Whilst no amount of compensation can compensate those afflicted with asbestos related illnesses, anyone diagnosed with an asbestos related illness should seek legal advice from a specialist lawyer who can guide them through the minefield of the claims and the benefits system and ensure they receive the maximum compensation in the shortest time "

It is still worth calling us to find out whether you can make a civil claim - ie trying to locate an insurer. Even if you are convinced that the companies you worked for have gone out of business, our solicitors may still find a way.

You may not be the first person that has been exposed to asbestos in the way that you have - someone else may have already claimed under similar circumstances, in which case you should be OK to claim. If you would like some advice, call on the number below and ask for Kathy or Warren

Mesothelioma FreePhone 0800 923 0046
Asbestos Claim Form

Author

Helen Childs

Helen Childs

Lead Solicitor

Helen is our lead solicitor and a partner at Royds Withy King Solicitors. Helen is recognised as a Leading Lawyer by the Legal 500, where she is described as an exceptional partner with a huge capacity for work and an unerring willingness to fight for her clients and an excellent knowledge of asbestos litigation..   Read more >

< Back to Latest News Index Page

Asbestos Callback Request

 

Apil Accredited