Children Hurt in Ariana Grande Manchester Arena Bomb Attack to Receive £20 Million Payouts

Nearly £20 million awarded to young victims injured in the Manchester Arena attack at Ariana Grande’s concert.

Remembering the Manchester Arena Tragedy and Its Impact on Young Lives

The night of May 22, 2017, is etched into the memories of music fans worldwide. As thousands of Ariana Grande fans were leaving the packed Manchester Arena, a suicide bomber detonated a device in the foyer, unleashing chaos and heartbreak. The attack tragically claimed 22 lives and left hundreds injured, with many survivors enduring life-altering trauma. Now, years later, a judge has ruled that almost £20 million will be paid to some of the youngest victims — those who were under 16 at the time.

Young people at a memorial honoring the Manchester Arena attack victims

£20 Million in Compensation: Justice for the Injured Children

At a hearing in the Manchester Civil Courts of Justice, it was agreed that 16 individuals, all under 16 when the attack took place, will receive payouts ranging from £2,770 up to a staggering £11.4 million. These children, now young adults, suffered injuries that vary from catastrophic physical damage to severe psychological trauma. Due to a court order protecting their privacy, none of these individuals or their families will be publicly identified.

The damages are to be paid by a collection of organizations: SMG Europe Holdings (the arena’s venue manager), Showsec International Ltd (the crowd management company), as well as Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and British Transport Police (BTP). Lawyers representing the claimants confirmed that all four entities have apologized to the victims and acknowledged the failings that led to this heartbreaking event.

A Public Inquiry Reveals Missed Opportunities and Security Failures

The Manchester Arena bombing led to a public inquiry launched in September 2020, which unveiled troubling shortcomings in security and emergency response. The inquiry concluded that key chances to prevent the attack were missed, revealing “serious shortcomings” in the safety measures at the venue.

Families of victims, including Martyn Hett’s, one of those killed, voiced deep frustration, feeling “badly failed” by security services such as MI5. This collective grief and anger fueled calls for reform to make live events safer for all.

Settlements for Adult Survivors and Bereaved Families to Follow

This £20 million settlement for the youngest victims is just the beginning. Claims for another 352 individuals, including adults and families of the 22 people who lost their lives, are currently being resolved through lawyers outside of court. While details about public funds paid by the police forces remain confidential, the agreements signify ongoing efforts to provide some solace to those affected.

Judge Nigel Bird, who presided over the case, acknowledged the shared trauma:

“Each of these cases has a common link, that is injuries and loss suffered, arising out of a single and unimaginable act of terrorism committed on the evening of May 22 2017 at the end of a concert attended by very many young people and their families.”

He honored the resilience of the families, praising their strength and determination as a driving force for change:

“The love and care a parent gives to an injured child is beyond monetary value... Each, through their quiet determination, has brought about promises of change in the hope that in the future, other families need not go through what they have been through.”

Legal Teams Reflect on the Settlement and the Road Ahead

The three leading law firms representing the victims—Hudgell Solicitors, Slater & Gordon, and Broudie Jackson Canter—issued a heartfelt statement following the verdict. They emphasized that this moment isn't one of celebration but of acknowledgement. The mistakes made and the suffering endured over eight and a half years weigh heavily.

They said:

“Their strength and resilience have been extraordinary, and without that, we would not have reached this settlement. We now expect all parties to honour their commitment to do what they can to prevent those same mistakes from happening again.”

The firms expressed their privilege in working alongside these courageous clients and wished them peace and strength moving forward.

Martyn’s Law: Paving the Way for Safer Events

One of the most significant outcomes of the tragedy has been the introduction of ‘Martyn’s Law,’ named in honor of Martyn Hett. Coming into effect earlier this year, this legislation mandates enhanced anti-terror measures for live entertainment venues. It requires venues to ensure their staff receives thorough training and that robust safeguards are in place to protect fans from potential terror threats.

These reforms are a direct response to the lessons learned from that fateful night, aiming to prevent such an unimaginable tragedy from happening again.

Have you or someone you know been impacted by the Manchester Arena attack? How do you think live venues can continue to improve safety without compromising the concert experience?

FAQ

• What was the Manchester Arena attack?
  It was a suicide bombing that took place on May 22, 2017, at an Ariana Grande concert, resulting in 22 deaths and hundreds injured.
• Who is eligible for the £20 million payouts?
  Sixteen individuals who were under 16 years old at the time of the attack and suffered injuries, ranging from physical harm to psychological trauma.
• Which organizations are responsible for the payouts?
  SMG Europe Holdings, Showsec International Ltd, Greater Manchester Police, and British Transport Police are responsible for the compensation.
• What is Martyn's Law?
  A new legislation introduced to increase anti-terror safety measures at live venues, named after one of the victims of the attack.
• Are there more settlements planned?
  Yes, claims from another 352 adults and families are currently being resolved through legal agreements outside of court.

If you want to honor the memory of the Manchester Arena victims or celebrate resilience through music, consider shopping for a favorite album cover poster at our store. It’s a meaningful way to keep the spirit of live music alive and support the community. Shop now at Architeg Prints.