
Positive news for sufferers of the fatal asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma as the scheme set up to help those who can’t pursue civil proceedings get compensation has finally been launched.
The final part of the Mesothelioma Bill was passed through the House of Commons in January and now the Payment Scheme is in place to compensate victims of diffuse mesothelioma who were exposed to asbestos, either negligently or in breach of statutory duty by their employers, and were unable to bring a claim.
Online applications are now being accepted by submission through the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme website or alternatively victims, or those acting on behalf of victims, or eligible dependants of a sufferer who has since passed away can submit their application, along with any documentary supporting evidence, by post.
The application process, once assessed and accepted, will take up to six weeks from the submission date and the final payment tariff is still waiting approval in parliament so as soon as it is available full details will be available under the payment tariff tab on the website.
There is also an eligibility checklist on the website to help those victims of the industrial disease who are unsure on whether they qualify.
Gallagher Bassett has been chosen as scheme administrators to run and oversee the scheme on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.