Infected Blood Scandal: Victims Face Bureaucratic Hurdles

Victims of the infected blood scandal are encountering significant bureaucratic obstacles when attempting to claim compensation, with many required to provide medical records dating back decades. This process is causing distress, forcing individuals to 'keep reliving' past traumas. Campaigners and charities argue that the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) is placing an "intolerable burden" on those already affected by injustice.

Despite public inquiry recommendations for eligibility to be determined on the "balance of probability," claimants are reportedly struggling to obtain necessary documentation. Organizations like the Hepatitis C Trust and the Haemophilia Society have expressed "fury" and "concern" over the slow progress, noting that only 15% of projected compensation claims have been resolved since the IBCA's establishment.

The Haemophilia Society advocates for a shift in the burden of proof, suggesting that all applicants with bleeding disorders should be entitled to compensation unless proven otherwise. This would alleviate pressure on medical staff and the claimants themselves. Lawyers have pointed out that the current standard of proof appears to be higher than typically required for medical negligence claims, raising questions about the IBCA's interpretation of regulations.

Some victims, like Zena Whittaker and Luke O'Shea, share harrowing experiences of their children and their own struggles with the compensation process due to missing or destroyed medical records. The IBCA, however, stated that missing records will not prevent claims and that all available evidence, including testimony, will be considered. A government spokesperson assured that engagement with the community is ongoing to ensure fair compensation.