Unmarried woman denied bereavement damages takes Government to court

By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2016, 12:29 BST
Updated 22nd May 2016, 16:41 BST
Jakki Smith and John BullochJakki Smith and John Bulloch
Jakki Smith and John Bulloch
A woman is taking the Government to court for breaching her human rights after being denied bereavement damages when her partner died because they were not married.

NHS worker Jakki Smith, from Chorley, only discovered she was not entitled to the statutory award after the death of John Bulloch, her partner of 16 years.

The fixed sum of £12,980 is paid out if a person dies as a result of negligence - but only to spouses or civil partners.

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