Claims for firefighters injured in the Grenfell Tower disaster have been settled at £20 million, a union has announced.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said some of the 114 firefighters involved had not been able to work again because of “severe trauma” following the blaze in June 2017.
The FBU said they had also suffered personal injury.
Their claims were taken to the High Court, supported by the union and represented by law firm Thompsons.
Defendants included companies that made the tower block’s cladding and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Their experiences on that night and in its aftermath highlight the human element of firefighting, underscoring their commitment to their duty despite the immense risks and emotional toll
The blaze was the deadliest in the United Kingdom since the Second World War, resulting in 72 deaths and leaving many residents injured and homeless. The public inquiry into the blaze is expected to publish its final report this year.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy is a stark reminder of the systemic failings of building safety and government accountability.
“Firefighters, many of whom have been deeply affected by the horrors they witnessed, continue to advocate for those living in unsafe conditions.
“This was a crime of deregulation and negligence – a consequence of private profit being prioritised over public safety. Nearly seven years later, the fight for justice and change goes on.
“The Fire Brigades Union stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the victims and survivors of Grenfell Tower, and with leaseholders and campaign groups across the UK.
“We demand that the Government takes urgent action to ensure such a disaster never recurs, and that there is meaningful accountability for a tragedy borne out of disregard for human life.”
Vincent Reynolds, from the personal injury team at Thompsons who represented the firefighters, said: “The Grenfell Tower fire left an indelible mark on the firefighters who responded to the call. Many bear the psychological scars of that night, struggling with trauma from the harrowing experience.
“Their testimonies reveal the profound personal sacrifice of showing such extraordinary courage in the face of an impossible situation.
“The incident exposed them to unimaginable scenes and sparked a deeper reflection on fire and building safety policy.
“Their experiences on that night and in its aftermath highlight the human element of firefighting, underscoring their commitment to their duty despite the immense risks and emotional toll.
“We hope this settlement brings closure of a sort for these firefighters, although we know that for many, the injuries will last a lifetime.”
