July 19th, 2007

A new bill that has been introduced in the UK will help many more victims of mesothelioma to get money from the state as a result of their illness. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that results from long term or high level exposure to asbestos, and can reduce the lifespan of the sufferer to a matter of months.

The new bill, called the Child Maintenance Bill, will enable many additional sufferers of this disease to claim benefits from the state, including those that were exposed to asbestos from relatives. Those who cannot trace their exposure source will also be eligible – many of the groups that will be eligible to claim government benefits under the new bill were previously not eligible.

The bill has come about as a result of improvements being made to mesothelioma claims handling, in conjunction with the Department of Work and Pensions. The bill is due to come into force in 2008 in the UK.

One MP stated: “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.”