Terror victims subjected to ‘ridiculous’ compensation lottery over how they were attacked
TERROR victims are subject to a “ridiculous” compensation lottery over how they were attacked.
A law change in 2017 means a vehicle’s insurer is liable if it is used as a weapon — but payouts are generally far less if no motor is involved.
Survivors of the London Bridge jihadi van attack that June won an undisclosed sum from motor hire firm Hertz’s insurer Probus to cover lifetime aid for rehab, lost earnings and suffering.
But those caught in the Manchester Arena bombing two weeks earlier are only entitled to a one-off payment from the state, capped at £500,000.
Families of the 22 killed by bomber Salman Abedi, who was on foot, got £28,269 each from the Government’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority scheme.
A further £1.12million was paid to around 1,000 people injured — just over £1,000 each.
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Jade Clough, 32, who was caught in the blast said: “It’s ridiculous.
"How is a life worth £30,000? Why should it matter what weapon the terrorist uses?”
Lawyer Yasmin Walljee, who is representing 11 Manchester families, said: “There is a significant disparity. We’ve raised this issue but it has not been addressed.”
Jill Greenfield, of Fieldfisher, has represented victims of the terror attacks including those caught up on London Bridge.
She stressed the need for better treatment of survivors in the aftermath so they don’t pay for what is an attack on society.
Ms Greenfield said: “This highlights the inadequacies of CICA.
“It is important that all victims of terrorism receive comprehensive support so that they do not become victims of economic terrorism.”
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