We wrote earlier this month to advise that the IBCA has now invited those who believe they have a claim under the infected blood compensation scheme to register their interest with the IBCA. This is not the start of your claim being considered but allows the IBCA to record basic details of those who believe they have a claim. This is helpful to them in assessing the number and category of claims they need to process and in prioritising claims.
Those able to register include
- an infected person or their representative
- an affected person or their representative
- a person who has legal authority to act on behalf of a deceased infected person
If you have not registered your claim, we would encourage you to do so as soon as possible. You can do this on-line via this link , or by phone on 0141 471 8886. The web page explains what information you will require to register a claim.
Registering a claim is not the start of the claims process. You will still need to wait until the IBCA contacts you inviting you to start your claim. When you do start your claim, it is important that you have access to legal support from those familiar with the infected blood inquiry and associated compensation scheme. The rules on compensation are complex, and we would encourage you to have independent legal advice in progressing your claim.
A number of companies are now advertising their availability to support claimants. Be aware they may charge you a fee for doing so, including a percentage of any monies paid to you by the IBCA. We would strongly recommend that you use the services of one of the legal firms who have been recognised by the IBCA as having expertise in this area. These firms will provide independent legal advice at no cost to the claimant. If you use these firms, you will receive the full value of the sum awarded to you without deduction of legal fees. The legal costs are covered by the IBCA. The companies concerned are in alphabetical order of name:
- Collins Solicitors, Northern Ireland based
- Leigh Day, Offices in England and Wales
- Milners, Yorkshire based
- Thompsons Solicitors Scotland, Offices across Scotland
- Watkins and Gunn, Offices in Wales
It is your decision which company you use, but you need to request access to the company you wish to use via the IBCA. If you are not offered this service at the start of your claim, make sure you say you want to access the free legal service available to claimants. Do not proceed until this is arranged.
Thank you so much for this information our son and myself are very grateful and we will certainly use thompsons solicitors Scotland