Compensation payments for Hepatitis C sufferers

Foot Anstey have been consulted by a number of Hepatitis C sufferers regarding their claims for compensation payments from the Skipton Fund. The Skipton Fund was set up by the Department of Health to provide compensation for people infected with Hepatitis C from blood or blood related products before September 1991.

The basic award under the scheme is a lump sum payment of £20,000. Those who go on to develop cirrhosis or liver cancer or receive a liver transplant can make a claim for a further £25,000.

In order to qualify for payment, all of the following must be shown:-

1. That the applicant has or had the Hepatitis C virus (proved by a positive PCR test),
2. That the applicant was alive on 29 August 2003 (where the applicant has since died, payment may be made to the dependants), and
3. That the infection was attributable to NHS treatment with blood or blood products before September 1991 OR that the infection resulted from transmission from another person who was infected from blood or blood products.

Foot Anstey can assist with applications under the legal help scheme depending on eligibility or under a ‘no win no fee’ type arrangement in suitable cases.