Generally when it comes to a victim claiming for compensation, the damages (money) awarded is generated from the offending party or their representatives; which is usually the insurers for the third party defendant. So what happens when it isn’t possible to claim against the offenders? Say for example, in terror attacks abroad?
Current legislation allows victims of terrorist attacks who are injured in the UK access to compensation, but up until recently many victims of terror attacks abroad have been unable to claim unless they are a part of a scheme in that country. According to the BBC (source) long awaited new legislation has been announced that now allows for victims of terrorist attacks abroad to access the compensation they require.
Although the measures are reportedly not retrospective, they will allow for victims as far back as 2002 to make a claim. Current campaigns relevant to this factor include the Bali attacks back in 2002, the Sharm al-Sheikh incident in 2005, and more recently the attacks in Mumbai in 2008.
Trevor Larkin from Peterborough has campaigned for over four and a half years for compensation for his son Jeremy Larkin and Jermey’s girlfriend Annalie Vickers who were both tragically killed in the Sharm al-Sheikh attack in 2005. After attending the House of Commons to witness the passing of the new legislation, he commented stating “There was no way we could stand by and do nothing for all those who have suffered. It’s been a rollercoaster ride trying to persuade the powers that be that those affected deserve support.”
Justice Secretary Jack Straw has commented that “Terrorism is intended as a political statement and an attack on society as a whole. Therefore it is right that, as a tangible expression of sympathy, society should compensate the victims of terrorist attacks abroad in recognition of the injuries suffered.” This is a compelling statement; and the logic and reasoning behind it is evident. Although it’s not so much as the governments fault as to why they should pay compensation to victims of foreign terror attacks, but something needs to be done to help the victims who in many cases may be left with disabilities for life.
The new Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme will be not too different to the existing criminal injuries compensation scheme we already have in place throughout most of the UK. We ourselves have discussed in articles claims through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (or CICA) of which most law firms, including ourselves, have a great deal of experience in dealing with.
We at The Injury Lawyers are of course advocates ourselves for fighting for the victims of a variety of accidents to get the compensation they require. We are pleased with the introduction of this new history making legislation!
Remember: if you have been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault we strongly advise that you seek expert advice from an independent firm of specialist personal injury lawyers. Only specialist personal injury lawyers with years of experience and dedication to their clients can provide you with the best legal advice and the highest quality representation should you require it!
