Manchester Arena Civil Claims: Senior Judge Approves Damages

On 18 December 2025, HHJ Bird, the Designated Civil Judge for Manchester, approved damages in a series of civil claims arising out of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, marking an important stage in the resolution of long-running proceedings brought on behalf of survivors and families affected by the events of 22 May 2017.

The approvals related to 16 claims brought on behalf of children and claimants who lacked the mental capacity to conduct proceedings. Following the conclusion of those court-approved cases, the remaining civil claims have also been settled, with the terms of settlement for claimants with capacity remaining confidential.

Nine Chambers has been privileged to support a number of the victims in their civil claims, working in concert with Hudgell Solicitors, Slater and Gordon, Jackson Lees, Sill & Betteridge, Simpson Millar, Express Solicitors and Alderstone Solicitors as well as with leading counsel at Byrom Street Chambers.

We hope that this development will bring a measure of closure to those who have carried unimaginable loss and trauma for so many years. We pay tribute to the courage, dignity and perseverance shown by every survivor and family affected.

We also wish to commend all the solicitor firms who instructed Nine Chambers for their tireless and compassionate work throughout these difficult and sensitive proceedings.