Lawyers Once Again Urge Authorities To Break Silence On Fatal Illness Problems

Specialist lawyers campaigning for answers on behalf of victims and the families of those affected by the fatal Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Edinburgh three years ago have described news that a decision on prosecutions in relation to the problems will be published in the next six weeks as an “overdue step towards answers”.

Four people died in the outbreak in the city which began in May 2012, with NHS Lothian stating that in total 92 confirmed and suspected cases came to light through the outbreak.

Now, following a letter from Edinburgh Central MSP Marco Biagi to the Crown Office, the Edinburgh Evening News has revealed that a decision on prosecutions in relation to the outbreak will be published imminently.
                                                                                                                              
Irwin Mitchell Scotland, which is acting for 39 victims who have suffered long-term health issues and the families of those who died during the outbreak, has described the news as a long awaited but vital step towards helping those affected to put the ordeal behind them.

The legal experts have repeatedly called on the Scottish Government and the Health and Safety Executive to break their silence on investigations, even writing a letter to MPs and MSPs calling for a public inquiry into the Edinburgh outbreak and another incident in the same year in Stoke-on-Trent.

Irwin Mitchell Scotland’s colleagues in Birmingham acted for people affected by the Legionnaires’ outbreak in Stoke in the same year – and had contrasting experiences in relation to information on the problems.