Victory for veterans exposed to asbestos

The Royal British Legion and Independent newspaper had campaigned on behalf of veterans to address a legal loophole which meant that many had been left worse off than civilians in a similar position.

Under previous laws, former service personnel suffering illness or injury caused prior to 1987 could not sue the Ministry of Defence for compensation.

Growing anger about the rules led to a personal commitment by the Prime Minister to look into the issue.

Although it was eventually agreed last year that dying veterans should be eligible to claim a lump-sum of their pension, the option did not originally apply to those diagnosed before the scheme started.

Now however ministers have bowed to pressure and confirmed that 60 ex-military members currently suffering with mesothelioma will be entitled to the payout after all.

Rhod Palmer, an ex-Royal Navy sailor who originally stood to lose out, welcomed the news.

“No amount of money will ever compensate sufferers and their families for a preventable death,” said the 62-year-old.

“However, it is a real breakthrough that the Government will treat all current and future sufferers of mesothelioma exposed to asbestos during their service under comparable terms as civilians.

“This payment allows patients with mesothelioma to make arrangements to maximise their quality of life during this terminal illness and to support the family that they leave behind.”

At Royds, our team has a wealth of experience representing claimants in respect of industrial disease claims. For more information please visit our personal injury page.