Care service for asbestos victims
A new telephone advice service is aimed at asbestos victims and their relatives.
Medical aftercare for asbestos victims is now sufficiently guaranteed. However, their psychosocial care and that of their relatives is usually inadequate. Unfortunately, services are only available sporadically.
That is why the EFA Foundation in cooperation with Lungs Zurich has set up a free care service. Trained specialists support those affected and their relatives with questions that arise in connection with an asbestos disease, such as treatment options, health checks, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation and financial advice. All services are financed by the EFA Foundation. The Care Service can also be used by people who have previously come into contact with asbestos.
Compensating asbestos victims
The EFA Foundation, short for Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims, was set up in March of this year. It is a private initiative of associations and companies. It is financed on a voluntary basis. The aim of the EFA Foundation is to help asbestos victims and their families quickly, fairly and unbureaucratically. And it does this regardless of whether the illness has been recognized as an occupational disease. This ensures that both those not insured under the UVG and those insured under the UVG receive support.
Until the foundation has sufficient financial resources, the first step will be to compensate people whose mesothelioma is not recognized as an occupational disease. However, anyone who has suffered from mesothelioma caused by asbestos can apply for compensation. Children and partners of asbestos victims who have already died may also be eligible.
Anyone wishing to receive a financial benefit waives any further claims against the company or insurance company in return.
The foundation emerged from the round table on asbestos chaired by former Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger and convened by Federal Councillor Berset. Participants included representatives from companies, employers' associations, social partners, Suva and the Federal Administration. The primary task of this round table was to find a fair solution for people whose mesothelioma is not considered an occupational disease. After analyzing the initial situation, the participants proposed the establishment of the Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims Foundation.
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