OMAGH DAD URGES CHANGE TO RULES ON CLAIMS
Omagh dad urges change to rules on claims
By Mary Fitzgerald
A LAWYER who lost his son in the Omagh bombing today joined the call for a change in compensation procedures after another victim described how she had to endure a humiliating examination by lawyers.
Mary Ellis was injured in her shoulder and leg and her eardrums were perforated as a result of the 1998 bombing. She told how she had to stand before a group of lawyers in her underwear, adding that one lawyer moved her bra strap to get a better look at her shoulder.
"I felt bad for a long time after that," she said. "I felt so embarrassed and humiliated. I didn't expect to be treated like that."
Earlier this week Rosemary Ingram, who was severely injured in the attack, told how, while being assessed for compensation, she had to strip down to her underwear in front of six lawyers so they could examine the scars on her legs and back.
Victor Barker, a lawyer based in the south east of England, lost his 12-year-old son James in the bombing.
Second victim tells of humiliation:
He said compensation claims should be dealt with in a more sensitive manner. "What these people had to go through was totally degrading," he said. "These examinations are better dealt with by medical personnel in a private environment. The victims should be granted at least a degree of dignity rather than having a bunch of lawyers parading past them."
Mr Barker said he was not surprised at the way claims had been handled.
"This is typical in so many ways of my own experience of the Compensation Agency which puts on this sympathetic, kindly face to hide their real business which is to make sure that the amount of compensation paid out is minimised," he said.
"The whole issue of how they deal with and evaluate compensation is rather hit and miss."
Victims Minister Des, Browne has pledged to investigate claims by some victims that they were treated "appallingly" by the Northern Ireland Compensation Agency.
"My understanding is that this practice, particularly in looking at scars, is a practice that has been developed among lawyers and is long standing," he said. "This procedure will not apply in criminal injuries claims from now on."
By Mary Fitzgerald
A LAWYER who lost his son in the Omagh bombing today joined the call for a change in compensation procedures after another victim described how she had to endure a humiliating examination by lawyers.
Mary Ellis was injured in her shoulder and leg and her eardrums were perforated as a result of the 1998 bombing. She told how she had to stand before a group of lawyers in her underwear, adding that one lawyer moved her bra strap to get a better look at her shoulder.
"I felt bad for a long time after that," she said. "I felt so embarrassed and humiliated. I didn't expect to be treated like that."
Earlier this week Rosemary Ingram, who was severely injured in the attack, told how, while being assessed for compensation, she had to strip down to her underwear in front of six lawyers so they could examine the scars on her legs and back.
Victor Barker, a lawyer based in the south east of England, lost his 12-year-old son James in the bombing.
Second victim tells of humiliation:
He said compensation claims should be dealt with in a more sensitive manner. "What these people had to go through was totally degrading," he said. "These examinations are better dealt with by medical personnel in a private environment. The victims should be granted at least a degree of dignity rather than having a bunch of lawyers parading past them."
Mr Barker said he was not surprised at the way claims had been handled.
"This is typical in so many ways of my own experience of the Compensation Agency which puts on this sympathetic, kindly face to hide their real business which is to make sure that the amount of compensation paid out is minimised," he said.
"The whole issue of how they deal with and evaluate compensation is rather hit and miss."
Victims Minister Des, Browne has pledged to investigate claims by some victims that they were treated "appallingly" by the Northern Ireland Compensation Agency.
"My understanding is that this practice, particularly in looking at scars, is a practice that has been developed among lawyers and is long standing," he said. "This procedure will not apply in criminal injuries claims from now on."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0870
Published Date: 28-Aug-02
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