The search, according to other lawyers, is for compensation in the best interests of the clients. (Photo: Antonio Cruz/Agência Brasil)
British law firm PGMBM lawyer Tom Goodhead said, Friday 8, that it is still difficult to predict the financial scale of the Mariana tragedy case that will be tried in the UK, but noted that in a piece for the English court it is said that the case could reach 25 billion pounds. The amount that was placed in the initial order, in 2018, was 5 billion pounds. from London.
+ BHP loses appeal to stop $6 billion lawsuit over Samarco disaster
“Plus, there are more customers entering the suit, which increases its value,” he added. Regarding the possibility of victory for victims in the UK, the lawyer was asked how the cases of people who had been fully or partially compensated were dealt with. in Brazil. According to him, each type of agreement that has already been closed in the country will be analyzed. “Moreover, agreements in Brazil are constantly being changed. There is no certainty now to say, at the moment, that they will be accepted in full, and they will not be accepted,” he explained.
At the appropriate moment of the process, according to the victims’ lawyers, the matter will be checked with the Court of England with what is happening in Brazil in order to reconcile the sentences. Goodhead noted that should BHP attempt to appeal the case and not proceed with the UK, the decision should be announced in October or November of this year.
next phase
Tom Goodhead estimated that the next stage of the Mariana tragedy trial could occur by 2023. He made predictions after it only took four years for the British Supreme Court to agree to hear the case domestically. This was a request from victim advocates given that BHP is an Anglo-Australian company. The company must appeal the case.
“Part of the court’s decision has been the assessment that the following stages are easier to complete and address,” said the lawyer, who is currently holding a news conference from London. He noted that large companies such as BHP usually seek an extrajudicial settlement with the opposing party and emphasized that negotiations are open with BHP. The attempt to renegotiate in Brazil has been going on for some time, but there is no way to be sure of the effects.
The search, according to other attorneys present, is for compensation in line with clients’ interests.
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
