News:
Adult Children of Deceased Beryllium Workers Eligible for Government Compensation

Under the amended law:

• If the deceased beryllium worker’s spouse dies‚ the worker’s adult and minor children may receive government compensation.
• If the spouse is living and there are no minor children outside the marriage*‚ the spouse receives the entire amount.
• If the spouse is living and there are minor children outside the marriage*‚ then the award is split between the surviving spouse and all the deceased worker’s minor children.

  * A child outside the marriage is a child of the deceased worker who is not also the surviving spouse’s adopted or natural child. (An example would be a deceased worker’s minor child from a former marriage or relationship).

The government compensation program provides a lump sum payment of only $150,000 to an eligible family. If the family pursues the government benefit‚ it loses the option of proceeding with litigation directly against beryllium vendors. Since verdicts and settlements involving chronic beryllium disease have often exceeded $150,000‚ children of deceased beryllium workers would do well to consider their alternatives.