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£570,000 payout for Buncefield victims
Buncefield trial day 21. Hundreds of Buncefield victims are to get an initial payout of more than £570,000, a court heard.
Residents and businesses hit by the 2005 fuel depot disaster are seeking damages of about 700million from Total and HOSL.
A special High Court hearing on Tuesday, November 18 was told the oil firms have agreed to make two payments of 250,000 and 320,111 to the largest group of victims while the major compensation case continues.
The voluntary 'interim payments' to more than 270 residents and businesses represented by Collins Solicitors is set to help cover legal costs incurred by the victims so far in the High Court trial.
On Monday, the first day of the special hearing in London, Lexa Hilliard, acting for Collins, said legal costs were a 'weeping sore' for claimants.
Speaking after yesterday's hearing, Des Collins, senior partner of Collins, heralded the interim payment as the first significant cash payout to his clients by oil companies over Buncefield.
He said: "It's the first real money.
"We're breaking down the barriers."
Mr Collins added that his clients were still seeking about 8million in total compensation, and that it could be settled outside of court within six months.
It is understood other major Buncefield victims including oil firm BP could secure interim payments within two weeks.
The case continues.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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