Greetings, readers! Today, we’ll be discussing the Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund, a program designed to assist those who have been exposed to asbestos and develop mesothelioma in Missouri. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer with no known cure, making it a devastating diagnosis for those affected. Keep reading to learn how this fund can help you or your loved ones.
What is Mesothelioma and How Does Asbestos Exposure Cause It?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, which can become lodged in the body and lead to cellular changes that develop into cancer over time.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the late 20th century. While it has many useful properties, including fire resistance and durability, it also poses a significant health risk to those who are exposed to it. Asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled, leading to a range of respiratory illnesses, including mesothelioma.
The Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund
The Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund was established in 1993 as a way to help those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos at work or in their homes. The fund is managed by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and is financed by a surcharge on workers’ compensation premiums paid by employers in the state.
Who is Eligible for Benefits?
To be eligible for benefits from the Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund, a person must have a diagnosis of mesothelioma that is linked to asbestos exposure in Missouri. They must also have been exposed to asbestos while working for an employer in the state or while living in a household with someone who worked with asbestos.
Additionally, the person must have filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits related to their mesothelioma, and the claim must have been denied or not fully paid due to the financial insolvency of the employer.
What Benefits are Available?
| Benefit | Amount |
| Medical Expenses | Up to $180,000 |
| Lost Wages | Up to $50,000 |
| Survivor Benefits | Up to $15,000 |
Benefits from the Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund include coverage for medical expenses related to mesothelioma treatment, lost wages due to the illness, and survivor benefits for the family of someone who has died from mesothelioma. These benefits are capped at a certain amount but can provide significant financial assistance to those affected by mesothelioma.
How to Apply for Benefits?
To apply for benefits from the Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund, a person must submit a completed application to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The application must include medical documentation of the mesothelioma diagnosis and evidence of the person’s exposure to asbestos in Missouri.
Additionally, the person must provide documentation of their denied or insufficient workers’ compensation claim, including a copy of the denial letter from the employer or insurance provider.
What is the Deadline to Apply?
The deadline to apply for benefits from the Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund is three years from the date of the mesothelioma diagnosis or two years from the date of death from mesothelioma. It is important to submit an application as soon as possible to avoid missing this deadline and potentially losing out on benefits.
FAQs
Q: What is the Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund?
A: The Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund is a program designed to assist those who have been exposed to asbestos and develop mesothelioma in Missouri.
Q: How is the fund financed?
A: The fund is financed by a surcharge on workers’ compensation premiums paid by employers in the state of Missouri.
Q: Who is eligible for benefits from the fund?
A: To be eligible for benefits, a person must have a diagnosis of mesothelioma that is linked to asbestos exposure in Missouri and have been denied or not fully paid workers’ compensation benefits.
Q: What benefits are available?
A: Benefits from the fund include coverage for medical expenses related to mesothelioma treatment, lost wages due to the illness, and survivor benefits for the family of someone who has died from mesothelioma.
Q: What is the deadline to apply for benefits?
A: The deadline to apply for benefits is three years from the date of the mesothelioma diagnosis or two years from the date of death from mesothelioma.
Q: How do I apply for benefits?
A: To apply for benefits, a person must submit a completed application to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, including medical documentation of the mesothelioma diagnosis and evidence of the person’s exposure to asbestos in Missouri.
Q: How long does it take to receive benefits?
A: The length of time it takes to receive benefits varies depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of applications being processed. However, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations strives to process applications as quickly as possible.
Q: Can I receive benefits from the fund if I already received workers’ compensation benefits?
A: No, the fund is designed to assist those who have been denied or not fully paid workers’ compensation benefits due to the financial insolvency of the employer.
Q: Do I need an attorney to apply for benefits?
A: While it is not required to have an attorney to apply for benefits, it may be helpful to seek legal advice to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
Q: What happens if I miss the deadline to apply for benefits?
A: If a person misses the deadline to apply for benefits, they may lose out on the opportunity to receive financial assistance from the Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund.
Q: Can I still apply for benefits if my employer or insurer is no longer in business?
A: Yes, as long as the person has evidence of their denied or insufficient workers’ compensation claim, including a copy of the denial letter from the employer or insurance provider.
Q: What if I was exposed to asbestos outside of Missouri?
A: The Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund only provides benefits to those who were exposed to asbestos in Missouri. However, there may be other programs available in other states or through the federal government that can provide assistance.
Q: Are family members of those affected by mesothelioma eligible for benefits?
A: Yes, survivor benefits are available for the family of someone who has died from mesothelioma.
A: No, the fund is designed to assist those who have been denied or not fully paid workers’ compensation benefits due to the financial insolvency of the employer.
Conclusion
The Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund provides a critical safety net for those who have been affected by mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos in Missouri. While the financial assistance provided by the fund may not fully alleviate the physical and emotional toll of this devastating illness, it can help alleviate some of the financial burden and ensure that those affected can focus on their health and well-being.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and may be eligible for benefits from the Missouri Mesothelioma Risk Management Fund, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible and seek legal advice if needed to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informa
tional purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Readers should consult with their own legal and medical professionals to determine the best course of action for their individual circumstances.
