Paddington claims delayed (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Paddington claims delayed

VICTIMS and dependants of those killed in the 1999 Paddington rail disaster are facing a further wait for compensation.

Their cases have been delayed for at least six months because the insurance company dealing with the claims has run out of money.

St Paul International Insurance has reached its pay-out limit and transferred all outstanding cases to AIG (American International Group), which has appointed its own solicitors.

The news has upset many survivors because it could mean their cases are started from scratch.

Cirencester survivor Patrick Moylan, 53, was badly injured in the October crash.

He boarded the 6.03am First Great Western Train from Cheltenham to London at Kemble Station.

The accident occurred when a Thames train went through a red light and collided with the First Great Western train.

Thirty-one people were killed and more than 400 were injured.

Mr Moylan, of Gloucester Street, was angry with the latest news. He said: "The crash happened a long time ago, but nothing has happened with regards to compensation.

"I'm frustrated and very annoyed this hasn't been dealt with more quickly.

"It's become a you and them situation whereas it should be about an accident that shouldn't have happened.

"Liability has been admitted by the train company but we have still got a culture where people are blaming each other."

Mr Moylan, a management consultant, was badly burnt on his hands, face, arms and back during the crash.

He spent eight weeks in hospital and has had three operations. His hands also had to be protected by gloves for a while after undergoing numerous skin drafts.

Even now - nearly four years later - Mr Moylan still has to apply special cream to affected areas of his body each night.

He added: "I only go on trains now if I have to."

Bryan Tompson, from Down Ampney, was one of many who died in the disaster.

His family were too upset to comment on their claim.

Some survivors are fortunate to have had their claim dealt with early on. David Moss, 56, of Ashton Keynes, escaped from Coach D with minor injuries, and he is still a regular train user.

He said: "I had a very small claim and it was dealt with within six months of the event.

"I had nothing more than a bump on the head and a nose bleed.

"The reason I made a claim for compensation was so the train companies would acknowledge their irresponsibility."