Hillsborough Inquest Not Interested In Awarding Compensation

Coroner Lord Justice Goldring has told jurors and the court that the current Hillsoborough Inquest is only interested in determining what, if anything, could have been differently and how things could be improved for similar situations in the future. He said that the jury was not responsible for attributing liability; nor are they responsible for determining whether compensation should be paid or how much compensation is owed. However, the findings of the inquest are highly likely to be used in compensation claims and cases brought following the hearing.

During an FA-Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, on 15th April 1989, 96 people were killed and a further 766 were injured. The deaths occurred following a crush at the Leppings Lane end of the Hillsborough Stadium. Damaged and decrepit turn styles led to overcrowding outside the ground and there was, allegedly, a delay in opening exit gates to allow people through. The current inquest has been set up to determine whether the crush, and subsequent deaths, could have been prevented or minimised, and what can be done to help orevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future.

An initial inquest in 1999 ruled that the deaths were accidental, but a landmark and well publicised inquest determine that this was not the case. The Hillsborough Independent Panel overruled the decision, and this has led to the new Inquest being opened.

Addressing the jury, the Coroner said that they would not be responsible for determining civil liability, but that they would make important decisions regarding the roles that were played that day, whether mistakes were made, and hopefully provide the families of the victims at least with some closure on the matter.

Although he said that the jury would not be responsible for judging civil liberties, it seems highly likely that family and loved ones of the victims will want to seek compensation if it is found that failings on the part of the police were directly attributable for the disaster. While the jury may not decide who is, and who is not, entitled to compensation, or even how much compensation they should receive, they will have an early hand in the process.

CICAMar 14th, 20140 comments