A couple of weeks ago saw the 15th anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster and for one survivor the end of his legal battle for compensation for the trauma he suffered. Stevie (J) was 34 at the time of the disaster and a life long Liverpool supporter. He was in the Leppings Lane end of the ground and was caught up in the crush. Having lost consciousness he came to lying on an advertising board on the pitch and was taken by ambulance to hospital where he was treated foe his physical injuries.

As well as the physical injuries caused by the crush Stevie suffered severe psychological injuries from which he has never recovered. He suffered from flashbacks, depression, disturbed sleep, poor concentration and was unable to work. In addition his marriage broke down and as a consequence he was unable to have proper contact with his daughter for several years.

Following the Disaster Stevie retained Canter Levin & Berg Solicitors to assist with obtaining compensation for his injuries. In December 1990 he was offered a settlement of £2,500.00 which he was advised by his solicitor to accept. At the time he admits that he had no reason to think that his claim had been undervalued and that no thought had been given to obtaining further compensation to allow him to receive treatment to assist with his psychological injuries.

In 1999 it emerged that several survivors had received poor and sometimes negligent advice with regard to their claims for compensation. Many claims were undervalued and did not provide sufficient compensation to allow victims to pay for treatment to assist with their conditions. Stevie was neglected in a number of areas.

Although the Canter Levin & Berg denied negligence the claim was settled prior to going to court to trial for £6,000.00 on 2nd April 2004. This was less than the potential amount he could have settled for but he chose to end the litigation rather than face a trial due to unrelated health problems and potential issues with regard to limitation.

The above is a press release from the Hillsborough Justice Campaign Dated 14 April 2004. Slightly amended.

There will soon be an index page for all the Hillsborough related news stories here on Kirkby Times. May the Solicitors who mis-represented the survivors and families be made to pay for what they have done.