Infected Blood Compensation Scheme

In July 2017, an Inquiry began to investigate the circumstances in which many people across the UK were given infected blood and products. The UK Government has recently revealed, following the findings of the inquiry, that a compensation scheme will be set up to compensate those affected by the infected blood scandal.

It is likely that payments will begin to be made to applicants in 2025.

The Government are encourage aging all those eligible to apply to one of the four existing Infected Blood Support Schemes, if they haven’t registered already. Those infected in Scotland should register to the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme (SIBSS).

Applying to an Infected Blood Support Scheme as soon as possible means those eligible can start receiving regular support payments. If successful, they will also be automatically eligible for compensation under the infected blood compensation scheme once this is up and running.

The Compensation Scheme has provided further information on the eligibility of infected persons,  including those directly infected and those affected, for example partners and children of an affected person will also be able to claim for compensation.

The Scheme does not have cut off date for determining whether a person is eligible for compensation based on when their infection was acquired. However, more evidence will be acquired where a person was infected after the introduction of screening of blood, blood products and tissue.

The dates the Scheme will acknowledge for the introduction of screening are:

• Hepatitis B Infection – December 1972
• HIV Infection – November 1985
• Hepatitis C Infection – September 1991

As the scheme is in the initial stages, we hope to provide further information on the application process in the coming months.

Any award of compensation from the scheme will not impact on any means tested benefits the applicant may be receiving. Furthermore, an award of compensation does not prevent an applicant from raising civil proceedings against those involved in their care at the time of infection.

We anticipate that there will be further guidance issued by the Government as the Compensation Scheme starts to make awards.

Contact Livingstone Brown Solicitors

Contact one of the Personal Injury Solicitors today for legal advice on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, complete our online contact form to get in touch.