Negligence compensation news
15/01/2010

Thalidomiders receive statement and support

The government has expressed "sincere regret and deep sympathy" for the thalidomide scandal of the 1950s and 1960s but, to the frustration of many, fell short of offering an unequivocal apology. In addition, it announced the creation of a £20 million negligence compensation support package for victims of the scandal.

Health Minister Mike O'Brien announced, "I know that a lot of thalidomiders have waited a long time for this. The government wishes to express its sincere regret and deep sympathy for the injury and suffering endured by all those affected when expectant mothers took the drug thalidomide between 1958 and 1961."

In the 1970s the drug's manufacturer, Distillers Biochemicals, following the work of personal injury lawyers, paid around £28 million in negligence compensation to the people and family affected by the drug, which was prescribed to pregnant women to treat morning sickness; however, it frequently resulted in children suffering severe physical deformities, particularly in the limbs.

The announcement provoked a mixed reaction in survivors of the scandal, with some heralding the news as "absolutely wonderful" and welcoming the added negligence compensation package. Others, however, described it as both equivocal and inadequate and criticized the fact that although it mentioned survivors in England, those in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales received no mention.