The Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme

The DMPS is a federally-funded scheme that pays compensation to people with diffuse mesothelioma. The DMPS can pay substantial amounts when a civil suit against an employer fails due to the company no longer exists or their insurers are not traceable.

The DMPS has large gaps that mean too many people miss out. I've represented clients who fell into these gaps and it's unfair.

What is the DMPS?

The DMPS is open to patients with mesothelioma who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma diffuse but are not eligible for civil compensation. The scheme provides an upfront lump sum of up to PS216.896 depending on the age of the patient at diagnosis.

The DMPS only is available to those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma that was caused by asbestos exposure in their workplace and cannot find their former employer, or the insurers of their employers. It is not available to those who suffered mesothelioma as a result of other exposures, or who are not eligible to file a claim without financial support.

This is a huge injustice and a difficult position for mesothelioma victims to be in. It is also difficult for some victims to comprehend that they will not receive any compensation whatsoever, whereas others who might have received substantial compensation via a civil case will have their money taken and paid into DMPS.

Asbestos-related victims should be compensated that is individualized to their particular circumstances however, not at the expense other mesothelioma compensation payouts patients. Furthermore the DMPS does not consider medical expenses, such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy that may have been required to alleviate symptoms and improve life expectancy.

It is important to note that mesothelioma patients' eligibility to receive social security benefits or compensation from their DWP employer will be considered by the DMPS administrator. This is a clear conflict of interests which should not be allowed to continue.

Finally, if someone who has mesothelioma passes away before submitting an DMPS the heirs of their deceased will be able to submit an DMPS. In contrast, civil mesothelioma cases are dealt with differently. If someone dies before the three-year time limit expires, their estate may pursue a compensation claim. It is not clear why the DMPS was created on this basis. This issue raises a lot of questions. This is an area in which I will continue to campaign for change.

How do I claim a benefit?

To be eligible for a payment through the DMPS you must have been in contact with asbestos at some time. This could have been at work or at home. Workers from a variety of industries were exposed because asbestos was widely used until it was banned. Tradesmen, construction workers, plumbers, carpenters and electricians, as well factory workers were all at risk. Asbestos dust can be a problem for people living near asbestos factories.

The DMPS was established in 2008, filled an unmet need created by the Pneumoconiosis Act of 1979. The scheme permitted people suffering from mesothelioma that was diffuse, and who were not able to pursue compensation claims in court and who were unable to obtain an amount in lump sum. If someone died before they could file a claim, their dependents are now able to apply.

The compensation you are awarded will be based on the age when you were diagnosed with mesothelioma. The amount will increase as you grow older and this will help to reflect the impact of the disease on your life. You can include your dependents on your DMPS award to help pay for their care.

It is important to remember that you can still make an appeal for civil compensation at the same time as you apply for a payment under the DMPS. This is to ensure that you receive the entire amount of compensation available to you.

Another benefit of making an DMPS claim is that you will be given PS7,000 towards legal fees. This will cover the costs of making your claim. It will be paid directly to your bank account.

The main issue with DMPS is that it only offers only a small amount of compensation and doesn't include any specific amount to cover the cost of any medical treatment you may require. For instance, immunotherapy has proved to be effective in some cases and this is a treatment that you only get if you submit a civil compensation claim through your former employer's insurance.

How long can I make an application before it becomes too late?

Around 300 patients with diffuse mesothelioma are unable to claim compensation each year. This is due to the fact that their employer may no longer be in business or their insurance companies have been shut down. The DMPS was created to ensure that these people could still get the compensation they deserve.

Its introduction was a welcome one as it closed a loophole that existed in the law for many years and meant that those who didn't know their employer's name or insurer could not recover compensation.

If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma during the last five years, you may be eligible to receive an DMPS lump-sum payment up to PS90,000. (before deductions). If you or a member of your family has died as a result mesothelioma, you could be eligible for a Special Payment of between PS74,000 and 200,000 depending on the age you were at the time you were diagnosed.

In addition to these lump sum payments the family or you could also be eligible to additional benefits such as Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and Disability Living Allowance. This can help pay for the daily costs of living and travel expenses and equipment like oxygen tanks.

If you're applying for mesothelioma payment scheme the DMPS If you are, then be aware that there is the time left to make your claim. It is crucial to submit your application as soon as you can and don't wait any longer. Contact mesothelioma lawyer who can assist you with your DMPS claim and make sure it is properly submitted.

You have three years to file a claim on behalf of a family member who died from mesothelioma. This is the legal deadline for mesothelioma claims in England and Wales. However, you can make a claim after this date if you have the assistance of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. This lawyer will ensure that all the required evidence is presented to maximize your chances of receiving a successful DMPS Claim.

What happens if I don't submit a claim?

Asbestos compensation solicitors are required by patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. It is essential to file an application within the timeframe of three years set by law. This will enable a lawyer to begin collecting evidence and assembling a solid mesothelioma claim.

The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't appear for many years after exposure to asbestos. However, by the time the patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma their health has usually deteriorated to the point that they have just some months left to live.

The Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme was created in 2014 to close an insufficiency that prevented mesothelioma sufferers who couldn't trace their employer or employers insurance liability insurers from getting the compensation they deserve. The scheme is funded by the tax paid by insurance companies.

But, the DMPS only compensates mesothelioma compensation payouts sufferers who worked in the UK and suffered direct exposure to asbestos in the workplace. For instance, a client of mine was diagnosed with mesothelioma settlement payout after exposure to the washing of her father's asbestos contaminated work clothes in his factory in Higham, Kent. She was unable to file a claim for mesothelioma against British Uralite, her father's former company. In the end, she was awarded only PS18,675 from DMPS. This was not enough to pay for her legal costs. This is a travesty. Immunotherapy therapies are promising for those with mesothelioma, and it is crucial that those who qualify receive the funds they need.