New Compensation Scheme for Victims of Infected Blood Scandal

The UK government has introduced a new Infected Blood Compensation Scheme to support victims and their families affected by contaminated NHS blood products. The scheme has been created following recommendations from the Infected Blood Inquiry and offers financial redress to those infected with hepatitis and HIV - or both.

Eligible applicants include living infected individuals, their close relatives and the estates of deceased victims.

Importantly, prior registration with previous support schemes such as the Skipton Fund, MacFarlane Trust or Eileen Trust does not affect your eligibility for the new compensation scheme. It was also announced that multiple claims can be submitted relating to the same infection. This allows relatives including spouses, children, and siblings to seek compensation as affected persons.

Payments will be tax-exempt and will not impact means-tested benefits ensuring financial security for claimants.

Mark Gibson, Partner, said: "The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme is long overdue in providing full compensation to those infected with hepatitis and HIV as a result of being treated with NHS blood products.

Previous blood support scheme payments through the likes of SIBSS and Skipton, while welcome, fell well short in recognising the suffering of those infected. The new scheme also offers compensation to a range of relatives who were affected by the suffering of their loved ones.

By providing no win, no fee funding for these cases, we are currently supporting a large number of living victims and the relatives of those who have died following infection"

With no win, no fee funding available those eligible are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The contaminated blood scandal is one of the biggest healthcare tragedies in UK history, affecting thousands of people. This new compensation scheme is a long-awaited step towards justice for those who have suffered for decades.