A Nottingham-based campaign group has teamed up with Lilian Greenwood MP to highlight the need for a fairer law on bereavement damages.
The Nottingham South MP will host an event in the House of Commons this week to raise awareness of the need for reform.
“When someone is killed because of someone else’s negligence, a very limited number of relatives are eligible for compensation for their loss,” said John McQuater, president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) which represents injured people and bereaved families.
“Only bereaved spouses, civil partners, parents of children aged under 18, and couples living together for more than two years are eligible.”
“In Scotland, bereavement damages are awarded on a case-by-case basis to reflect the closeness of relatives to the deceased person. That flexibility is what we need for the rest of the country.”
“The system in England and Wales is far too rigid and restricted,” he said. “Fundamental reform is needed if the law is ever to deliver justice for grieving relatives.”
Ms Greenwood said “families do not look like they did when the law on bereavement damages came into effect 40 years ago.”
“That is why we need full-scale reform of the bereavement damages scheme to make it fit for the 21st century. Without change, families in my constituency - which come in all shapes and sizes - will miss out on the protection they need.”