VICTIMS of thalidomide have reached a historic agreement for more compensation because of their longer than expected lifespans. They are collectively gaining up to million annually from manufacturer Diageo Australia.Under the terms of the agreement, the 45 thalidomide survivors in Australia and New Zealand will receive payments that are expected to considerably improve their quality of life.Australia's thalidomide victims received what was then a full and final payment in 1974 for their deformities caused by the drug taken by their mothers during pregnancy.But after the payments proved inadequate to last the whole course of their lives, the victims sought more.Negotiations between the Thalidomide Foundation Australia and Diageo took more than two years and were led by the honorary special adviser, Ken Youdale, whose daughter suffered from birth defects as a result of the morning sickness drug. Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar. End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar. Mr Youdale's daughter, Nicole, died in 2003 at the age of 40 from the effects of thalidomide; he was appointed with the sole power of attorney for the 45 victims in Australia and New Zealand.He said the ...
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NEW MONEY FOR THALIDOMIDE VICTIMS – THE AUSTRALIAN
