MESOTHELIOMA COMPENSATION UK: There are two types of payment that you can claim for.
One is the diffuse mesothelioma payments (the ‘2008 scheme’). The other type is the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS).
Diffuse Mesothelioma Definition
Diffuse malignant mesothelioma is defined as a form of cancer. The disease devastates the linings of the vital organs as well as other sensitive regions throughout the body.
The term ‘diffuse’ relates to the way that the disease spreads-out ‘sheets’ of cancerous and malignant cells.
Note: Claiming DMPS is for those who cannot find the employer responsible for their contact with asbestos (or the insurer).
Mesothelioma Claim Amounts
Mesothelioma Payment Scheme 2008
The amount of mesothelioma compensation you can get depends on whether you qualify and your age when they diagnosed the disease.
For example, the compensation table for Mesothelioma victims below shows the payment rates from age 37 (and under) up to age 77 (and over).
As a rule, if you qualify and were 57 when your disease got diagnosed you would receive a payment of £58,587.
| Age when diagnosed | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| 37 and under | £97,219 |
| 40 | £91,557 |
| 45 | £84,948 |
| 50 | £75,132 |
| 55 | £64,188 |
| 60 | £45,686 |
| 65 | £26,807 |
| 70 | £18,926 |
| 77 and over | £15,105 |
Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS)
Your claim and payment for the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme depend on the particular details of your case so the best advice is to check the DMPS official website.
Diffuse Mesothelioma Eligibility
Mesothelioma Payment Scheme 2008
You can claim a one-off payment through the 2008 scheme if you:
- Are not entitled to a payment under the 1979 Pneumoconiosis Act.
- Are not entitled to compensation from a Ministry of Defence scheme.
- Have not received a payment for the disease from an employer, a civil claim, or elsewhere.
The reason for your exposure to asbestos must have happened in the United Kingdom and perhaps because:
- You got exposed to asbestos in the environment (e.g. you lived near a factory using asbestos).
- Your exposure to asbestos happened while you were self-employed.
- You came into contact with asbestos from a relative.
- Your exposure cannot be specified but it occurred in the United Kingdom.
Note: If you are eligible to claim it must be initiated within 12 months of the disease diagnosis.
Being the dependant of a sufferer who has since died, you may be able to claim mesothelioma compensation. But, it must take place within 12 months of their death. Contact Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Centre for further information (see below).
Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS)
To claim through the Mesothelioma payment scheme all of the following must apply:
- You got diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma on or after the 25th of July 2012
- Your mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos when working in the UK
- You cannot trace the employer that exposed you to asbestos (or their insurers)
- You have not made a civil claim against any employer or insurer
- You have not received damages or a specified payment for mesothelioma and you are not eligible to a specified payment
If you were the dependant of a sufferer who has since died, you can still claim for DMPS even if you have already claimed from the 2008 scheme or under the 1979 Pneumoconiosis Act.
Payments received from the 2008 scheme or the Pneumoconiosis Act will get deducted from the amount you get from Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme.
Note: DMPS scheme claims must take place within three (3) years of the diagnosis. If you are unsuccessful with your DMPS claim you might still be able to claim from the 2008 scheme.
Diffuse Mesothelioma Claims
Mesothelioma Payment Scheme 2008
Before you claim for the 2008 scheme you should fill in the mesothelioma payment claim form (and other lung diseases) and provide medical evidence as required. Contact Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Centre if you need further help filling in the form.
Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Centre
Telephone: 0800 121 8379
Textphone: 0800 169 0314
Barrow Benefit Centre
Post Handling Site B
Wolverhampton
WV99 1RX
There are time limits for claiming and you must make your claim within 12 months of the diagnosis. Claims must be made within 12 months from the date of a person who died if you are a dependant claiming for a sufferer who is now deceased.
Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS)
You can apply online for the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS). You can also contact TopMark Claims Management for more information on the DMPS and how to apply but you will need:
- Your National Insurance number and your full employment history with evidence (e.g. P60s).
- Evidence of unsuccessful attempts to trace your employer or insurers.
- The date of your diagnosis with evidence of the diagnosis and a witness statement.
- Details of any previous claims that you have made.
TopMark Claims Management
Email: [email protected]
160 Bath Street
Glasgow
Telephone: 0330 058 3930
National phone call charges.
Mesothelioma Compensation Advice
UK Asbestosis Lawyers (business listings)
Humphreys & Co: UK Legal Work, London [Telephone: +44 (0)117 929 2662]
Asbestos Justice: Douglas House, 117 Foregate Street, Chester, Cheshire [Telephone: 0333 253 8580]
Note: You can challenge a decision if you disagree with the outcome of your claim. This process is also known as asking for ‘mandatory reconsideration’. Download and fill in form SSCS6a to make an appeal against a decision by the Scheme Administrator for the DMPS.