Work and Pensions aim to compensate all affected by mesothelioma

It is always worth remembering that it is not only people who worked in formerly asbestos-reliant industries such as shipbuilding, insulation and boiler fitting that develop mesothelioma. There are also many cases each year of people who develop the illness as a result of indirect exposure, whether through having come into contact with a family member contaminated with asbestos particles or through having lived in an area close to an asbestos factory.

This is why schemes such as the new state compensation fund for these indirect victims of asbestos are so vital, ensuring all affected by the UK’s largest ever industrial killer receive the justice and support they need.

With effect from October 1, 2008, the fund is a result of the efforts of former Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton. It will provide sufferers who are not able to make personal injury claims against employers with one-off sums of up to £14,000, as well as allowing dependants of these people to receive payments of up to £6,000. The amount paid out to an individual will depend on the disease they are suffering, whether mesothelioma, asbestosis or pleural thickening, as well as the age of the claimant, with younger claimants likely to receive larger amounts.

Kay Baker, head of the Department for Work and Pensions team at Barrow, which has the highest per capita rate of mesothelioma in the UK, commented that the scheme would provide payments for “ladies who washed their husbands’ overalls and people who lived near to asbestos factory sites.”

YouClaim’s UK-wide panel of specialist mesothelioma solicitors
If you believe you have developed an asbestos-related illness in a workplace setting or as a result of other circumstances attributable to another party, you may be able to claim compensation.

Our panel of personal injury solicitors includes many members who specialise in securing compensation for clients making this kind of claim.

And since we only consider solicitors who are governed by Law Society body the Solicitors Regulation Authority, you can be assured of their professionalism.

We run a cost free service for this kind of claim. This means that, win or lose, you will be protected from being liable for all costs, fees and disbursements from both us and the opposing legal side. We offer much more than a simple “no win, no fee claim” service.

We also never take any cuts, meaning all successful claimants receive 100% compensation.

You can contact us, whether to commence your claim or simply to receive some obligation-free legal advice, by filling out a claim form, using e-chat or requesting a call-back . Alternatively, call a legal advisor now on 0800 10 757 95. We look forward to giving you the best possible chance at receiving the mesothelioma compensation you deserve.