Estate claiming compensation - infected blood

[Itshandled]

My grandfather died in 1991 from Hepatitis B contracted from an infected blood transfusion. My grandmother died a few years ago - she was his sole beneficiary and executor. My parent was named as the beneficiary in the event my grandmother died at the same time as my grandfather.

The information released today says the deceased person’s estate can claim compensation. I was wondering how long after death can an estate make a claim and if this is even possible if the executor and beneficiary have died?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infected-blood-compensation-scheme-summary/infected-blood-compensation-scheme-summary

Please note, this isn’t just about money grabbing - we want acknowledgment, for him as a person infected with hepatitis B. My grandmother was never able to claim compensation because Hepatitis B hasn’t been acknowledged in any of the former compensation schemes.

Just to add my parent has asked me to get the ball rolling on this. They are understandably too emotional.

@Itshandled its very early days but this link takes you to the new authority that has been set up https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/infected-blood-compensation-authority

This link https://submit.forms.service.gov.uk/form/3185/infected-blood-compensation-authority-ibca-register-your-interest/10983 allows you to register.

My advice is register your Mum as an interested person. I assume she was executor/ administrator for her Mum and Dad. Always remember the worst they can say is you are not eligible, completing a few forms is worth it,

No advice, but wishing you all the best.

@Harassedevictee - thank you. I’ve said I’ll do it on their behalf as it is upsetting as it brings it all back.

Hi @Itshandled , I can’t answer re how long after death can an estate claim but I’m assuming there will be no time bar for these claims. Sir Brian’s second interim report covered his views on compensation https://www.infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk/reports/second-interim-report that plus sir Robert Francis’s early report both recommend legal experts be available claimants. I’m in a similar situation but my grandparent was Scottish so we’ll have to learn about how the estate will need to be divided up based on Scots law. I believe the scheme has to be defined within 3 months so hopefully we will know more soon.
Do you have paperwork that’s shows your grandad had hep b via a transfusion? If not might be worth gathering the info that will show your eligibility to get prepared. Best wishes

Your grandma was the executor of her late husband's estate, the executor of your grandma's estate can step into the shoes of your grandma as executor of her late husband.

@Itshandled how did you get on with this? My Grandfather died of hepatitis c and liver failure as a result of receiving infected blood. Same story as you, my grandmother was his executor and my mother my grans. Both grandparents dead but I want to help my mum apply to the scheme.

Your mum can give you power of attorney if she prefers you to deal with it ... just a thought. Good luck and sorry for your loss.

Please be aware it will be an ordeal to get any compensation. It was announced in October 24 that estates of people who have died can claim £100,000 interim compensation. In reality that is only for people on existing schemes who had joined by April 24. So a cut off date before you could even apply for some of us whose relatives have died. Only 10 people have had final compensation. I told my dad in May he’d be compensated, I now don’t think he’ll see compensation in his lifetime as he’s in his 70s. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/dec/22/just-10-of-4000-tainted-blood-victims-have-had-compensation-campaigners-say