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Law firms acting pro bono secure civil settlements for bereaved families and injured survivors
Three law firms representing bereaved families and injured survivors of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack have secured the settlement of long-running civil claims arising from the atrocity.
Broudie Jackson Canter, Hudgell Solicitors and Slater and Gordon acted for hundreds of claimants following the bombing in May 2017, in which 22 people were killed and hundreds more suffered serious and life-changing injuries.
The firms confirmed that no legal fees will be deducted from the compensation received by their clients. Legal support was provided without charge, including assistance with criminal injuries compensation claims and representation before the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.
In a joint statement, the firms said it had been a privilege to act for the families and survivors but stressed that the settlement should not be viewed as a cause for celebration. They said it marked a moment to recognise the mistakes that were made and the profound suffering endured by those affected over the past eight and a half years.
The statement added that the resilience and determination of the families and survivors had been central to achieving the outcome and expressed an expectation that all parties involved would honour their commitments to preventing similar failures in the future.
The civil claims were brought against organisations responsible for event security, venue management, policing and counter terrorism arrangements. Those contributing to the settlement include SMG Europe Holdings, Showsec International Ltd, British Transport Police and Greater Manchester Police.
In a joint response, the defendant organisations said that as part of the settlement, they had each apologised to the bereaved families and survivors and acknowledged the failures that occurred on the night of the attack. They said changes had already been made and further steps were pledged to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
The attack took place at the Manchester Arena following a concert by Ariana Grande. Those killed or injured included concertgoers and family members who were waiting outside the venue.
Between 2020 and 2023, a public inquiry chaired by Sir John Saunders concluded that opportunities to prevent the attack had been missed. The inquiry identified serious shortcomings in security arrangements and failings by some individuals involved in protecting the venue.