High Court settlement reached for FBU members impacted by Grenfell

The claims were brought by 114 firefighters, some of whom have been unable to work again due to severe trauma, personal injury and/or loss caused by alleged negligence and breach of statutory duty when they attended the blaze at the 24-story block of flats in West London on 14 June 2017.

Supported by the FBU, national law firm Thompsons Solicitors represented the firefighters.

The defendants in the claim included Arconic Architectural Products, Celotex and Rydon Maintenance Limited, who were the companies that manufactured the combustible cladding and designed and built the refurbishment for the exterior of the building. Other defendants included the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the London Fire Commissioner.

The blaze was the deadliest in the UK since World War II, resulting in 72 deaths and leaving many residents injured and homeless. The Public Inquiry focused on the tragedy will deliver its final report this year.

The settlement for the firefighters follows the High Court settlement earlier this year in relation to nearly 900 cases brought forward on behalf of the bereaved, survivors and residents affected by the tragedy.

The High Court has clarified that these settlements pertain only to civil court damages claims and do not impact the Public Inquiry or the potential for any criminal charges in the future.

Systemic failings

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the FBU, 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.”

Wrack continued: “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 initiates urgent action to ensure that such a disaster never happens again. There must be meaningful accountability.”

Vincent Reynolds of the personal injury team at Thompsons Solicitors noted: “The Grenfell Tower fire left an indelible mark on those firefighters who responded to the call. Many bear the psychological scars of that night and struggle with trauma caused by the harrowing experience. Their testimonies reveal the profound personal sacrifice of showing such extraordinary courage in the face of an impossible situation.”

Reynolds went on to state: “Grenfell 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 duty despite the immense risks and emotional toll. We hope this settlement brings closure of a sort for these firefighters, although we do know full well that, for many, the injuries will last a lifetime.”