PEOPLE diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma may be missing out on compensation, a York solicitor has warned.
Howard Bonnett, who specialises in asbestos cases at Corries Solicitors, was speaking after the Department for Work and Pensions published a summary of payments made under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme during 2015/16.
He said the scheme paid compensation to mesothelioma victims who could not trace their former employers or their insurers.
There were only 375 applications during the year, down from the previous year’s figure of 405, with 65 per cent succeeding. A total of £42.8 million was paid out, with the average award being just over £135, 000.
He said: “The number of people applying for the scheme seems low to me. I am concerned that not everyone is being advised about the scheme.
“I would invite anyone with a diagnosis of mesothelioma to make sure they see a solicitor to make sure all compensation is pursued for them.”
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