Welcome news for mesothelioma sufferers

Welcome news for mesothelioma sufferers as Government plans to increase compensation under the Mesothelioma Scheme

On the 10^th February 2015 it was announced that the government intend to increase compensation payments under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS). This welcome announcement means that payments through the scheme will be increased to 100% of the value of the average civil claim whereas up until now it has only been about 80%. This potentially could increase some settlement values by up to £54,000. This increase will clearly provide further help for the families and victims of those suffering from mesothelioma which is a terminal cancer that can only be caused by previous asbestos exposure.

Graeme Chisholm of Novum Law comments “This is a welcome development in terms of the Mesothelioma Scheme and means that sufferers will be able to recover similar levels of compensation to those who are able to bring civil compensation claims. This will hopefully go some way to reducing any potential injustice and alleviate financial difficulties for any sufferers and their loved ones. There is still however, some areas where things still need to be addressed. The scheme currently only applies to those diagnosed with mesothelioma. It does not cover other serious asbestos illnesses such as asbestos related lung cancer or other fatal industrial illnesses. The scheme also does not cover mesothelioma sufferers who were exposed outside the workplace. The changes announced are however a positive step in the right direction.

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