Mesothelioma Victims To Receive More Aid
Most mesothelioma victims were having trouble finding health care that they could afford. But now things look to be taking a turn for the better. A new bill, that was passed and is planning to be put in effect in 2008, will be allowing more victims of this harmful disease to state benefits.
The Child Maintenance Bill, published this month, confirmed that the government will provide up-front financial support to victims of mesothelioma who were previously not eligible, including those who were exposed to asbestos from a relative, exposed to asbestos environmentally, self-employed and those who can’t trace their exposure to asbestos.
The Bill comes in direct response to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) consultation on Improving Mesothelioma Claims Handling. The consultation raised concern about injustice under the current law, highlighting the fact that only people who contract the disease from exposure to asbestos at work are eligible to claim a lump sum from the state.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton MP, said: “No-one should have to worry that they or their family will have to wait years before they see a penny of compensation. Especially as in many of these cases people do not have years to wait. “That’s why we’re committed to ensuring that everyone with mesothelioma can receive compensation, irrespective of their employment history.”