MP calls for justice after compensation claimants let down

Published 29 Jun 2010 08:47 0 Comments

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An 18 months battle for justice following the death of her father has left Fife woman Mary Hunter 'furious'.

Miss Hunter lost her father when he was only 56 years old. She and her family believe that his premature death was due to the working conditions in the mines where he worked for many years.

Miss Hunter said, "I was pleased when the government launched the compensation scheme for relatives of miners who died from diseases contracted in the pits.

"I registered with specialist lawyers in Glasgow who had put a leaflet through my door. Shortly after I made the claim, it became very difficult to contact them. Letters and phone calls were ignored. Imagine my astonishment when I discovered that my lawyer had not even lodged the claim with the government department! Fortunately, Lindsay Roy MP stepped in and made sure that we lodged the claim just four days before the government deadline.

"Eventually, with Lindsay's help, I was made an award through the Law Society of Scotland for compensation for the way that I was treated. Now the lawyer is bankrupt! I do not have a penny of the compensation I am due - the government award never came out of the lawyer's office and he has not paid the award ordered by the Law Society.

"Although the sum of money was not great, I waited patiently for the cheque, which I could share with the rest of the family."

Glenrothes and Central Fife MP Lindsay Roy believes there could be many other similar cases across Fife and has appealed for people to come forward.

He said, "This is the biggest file in my office - by quite some way! Mary has been worried sick by this issue. Now is the time for answers. I am pleased that Fife Police are looking at the case. I am calling for anyone who had a case handled by the law firm of McConville O'Neill to come forward. Already we are aware of at least one more case in Glenrothes and two in the west of Fife.

"Justice must be done for people like Mary - and it is a disgrace that she has been let down by those who are supposed to help her get it."

Claire Baker MSP added, "There may be many more people out there experiencing the same problems as Mary and I'd encourage people in the same situation to come forward. It is important that Mary and any others caught in the same situation get justice. I will therefore be writing to the Scottish Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill asking for him to look into this matter."

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