Victims of terror to benefit from new compensation scheme

21/01/2010

Leading Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell who specialise in working with people affected by overseas terror attacks have today welcomed plans by the government to introduce a compensation package that they say will come as a huge relief to many victims.

The scheme that is intended to mirror the existing criminal injuries compensation scheme will be put in place to help victims of future attacks, but Home Secretary Alan Johnson said that those who are still suffering as a result of earlier atrocities could also benefit.

Clive Garner, head of travel litigation at law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "This news will come as a huge relief to clients who have been injured in terrorist attacks abroad and the families of those who have sadly lost their lives in such incidents.

"We welcome the proposals put forward by the government which we hope will ensure justice for people injured in such attacks through no fault of their own.

"Over the years we have represented victims of terrorist attacks both in the UK and abroad including the devastating events on 9/11 and the 7/7 bombings as well as terrorist attacks in Egypt and Spain and we have seen first hand the truly devastating impact that such tragedy’s have on peoples lives. Although some of the details are yet to be released we hope that this proposal will mean that victims and their families have access to the compensation often so badly needed to help put their lives back together."

Compensation for victims will be calculated based on a number of factors including the severity of their injuries and their long term care needs.