Unite Legal Services is offering free legal advice and support to Unite members who have been affected by the contaminated blood scandal.
Between 1970 and 1991, tens of thousands of people were infected with haemophilia, HIV and hepatitis viruses during the course of medical treatment from contaminated blood that was not screened properly. It wasn’t until 1991 that screening of all blood products began, removing the risk of these infections.
The contaminated blood scandal has affected thousands of people’s physical and mental health, and quality of life. Sadly, many of the victims who were infected have since died. Those who are still living with these infections, and their families, carers and dependants, don’t have the financial support they need, with many unable to find work in the modern-day labour market.
Support for victims of the contaminated blood scandal
For decades, victims who claim that the risks were never explained to them, have been campaigning for additional support and payment from the government. A compensation scheme was set up to recompense victims of the contaminated blood scandal pre 1991. However, it has failed to provide a remedy or an explanation to how thousands of people were given blood products infected with HIV and hepatitis viruses in the first place.
A public UK-wide inquiry into the current support for those affected by the contaminated blood scandal is now under way after the government was criticised for covering up the scandal. The inquiry is calling for witnesses to give evidence to back the call for additional support and increased payments to victims and their families, who have suffered for decades as a result of the scandal.
What legal support are we offering?
Unite Legal Services is offering legal support and advice to Unite members who have been affected by the contaminated blood scandal. We have a dedicated team of expert lawyers who are on hand to provide legal advice on how to start a contaminated blood case, and get compensation with the backing of Unite Legal Services.
Call our dedicated phone line on 0808 1646 380 for free, no-obligation support on starting a claim.
