Victims of 'flawed' pathology reports in Ont. to get compensation

Victims of 'flawed' pathology reports in Ont. to get compensation

TORONTO — The Ontario government announced Tuesday it will compensate families who were victims of flawed pediatric forensic pathology by Dr. Charles Smith between 1981 and 2001.

A highly publicized inquiry set up in 2007 and led by Judge Stephen T. Goudge found Smith made false conclusions of foul play in 19 of 45 pediatric autopsies that led to wrongful prosecutions of parents and caregivers.

The Goudge inquiry condemned the failings in the practice and oversight of pediatric forensic pathology at Toronto's world-renowned Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), where Smith worked until 2005.

Chester Misener, a retired judge of the Superior Court of Justice, will look at each case to determine eligibility and the amount each individual will receive.

Individuals may be eligible for a recognition payment of as much as $250,000. A child of an accused who was removed from the home may be eligible for a payment of as much as $25,000.

A family member directly affected by a relative's involvement with the criminal justice system may receive a payment of as much as $12,500. And people who incurred legal costs in their defence or on behalf of others may also be reimbursed for that amount.
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