UNR Trust - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create my own claim form for filing new UNR Trust claims?

If you wish to generate your own claim form, you must submit an example of the proposed form to the UNR Trust for approval and acceptance prior to filing claims.

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Can I submit one document (e.g. death certificate) and have it applied to each Trust?

No. Each Trust is a separate entity and requires that documents be filed separately for each claim filing.

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Does the UNR Trust process only malignancy claims?

No. However the less serious disease claims could be valued less than the $150 non-refundable filing fee.

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Can I file a Second Injury Claim?

If a claimant has settled a non-malignant Option 1 claim ($400.00) and is subsequently diagnosed with an asbestos-related malignancy, a second injury claim may be filed.

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What is the time period between claim filing and issuance of an offer or disallowance?

Other than exigent cases, which are processed as soon as possible, claims are processed in FIFO order and typically the waiting period is less than 60 days.

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Is there a claim filing fee?

A $150.00 non-refundable filing fee must accompany the claim when filed.  For statute of limitations purposes, a claim is not considered properly filed until the fee is received.

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What are the minimum medical requirements for validating a claim?

See the UNR - Medical Requirements page available in the left navigation menu.

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What are the criteria for validating exposure?

See the UNR - Exposure Requirements page available in the left navigation menu.

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Are exigent health or hardship claims given higher priority in the processing queue?

Yes, these claims are processed in front of the FIFO Queue.

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What is required to issue a death and survivorship release?

Regardless of state law, the UNR Trust requires a death certificate and the name of a personal representative for the estate. If no estate was probated, please use the certification and warranty form located on the UNR - Certifications for Decedent’s Representation page available in the left navigation menu.

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How often are offers/releases issued?

Initial offers are made once a month. Reprinted offers are issued periodically.

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When are claim settlement payments made?

Claim payments are normally issued within 30 days from the receipt of a properly executed release.

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What happens if I do not respond to an offer made by the UNR Trust?

The claim will be considered abandoned after 180 days.

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What is the UNR Trust's current payment percentage?

Effective February 15, 2016, the payment percentage is 2.12%.

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How do I arbitrate a claim?

Claimant must provide a written request for ADR to the Disputed Claims Administrator.

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Is the processing fee refundable?

If a binding award in favor of the claimant is issued or if a nonbinding award in favor of the claimant becomes final and is not appealed, the UNR Trust will return the $250.00 processing fee.

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Who serves as the neutral in ADR?

There are two neutral panels. Claimants (with the Trust's consent) may choose from either the pro bono panel, a panel of asbestos plaintiff litigation attorneys who volunteer to serve as neutrals, or from a panel of paid arbitrators who have been trained in asbestos litigation. Each party must pay one-half of the paid arbitrator's fee.

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If I do not file a non-disabling asbestosis or pleural claim now, will this affect the statute of limitations for my client's potential disabling non-malignant or malignant disease filing in the future?

No. Should such a claimant develop an asbestos related disabling non-malignant or malignant disease, the statute of limitations would run from the diagnosis of the disabling non-malignant or malignant disease and not from the earlier non-disabling diagnosis.

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What is the UNR Trust's tax identification number?

36-6926516.

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When are the 1099 forms for claim payments issued?

The CPF issues the UNR Trust 1099 forms by January 31, for the previous calendar year.

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By what date and in what jurisdiction is the UNR Trust Annual Report filed?

The UNR Trust Annual report is filed by March 31st in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.

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