THE AVIATION industry faces paying out hundreds of
millions of pounds in compensation to victims of deep vein thrombosis.
The revelation comes after the High Court issued a
group litigation order allowing alleged DVT victims to sue airlines.
Des Collins of Watford-based Collins Solicitors is
representing the victims. Asked how much each claimant could receive, he said
it could be “six figures per person”.
With up to 400 claimants taking part in the group
action, the cost to airlines could be massive if the case goes against them.
Collins said: “Compensation could be a million pounds per person. It depends on
the circumstances of the claim.
“If it is for a young, healthy person earning £150,000
a year over the next 20 years with a wife and five children it would be a lot
more than an octogenarian with no dependents.”
The crux of the case rests on the Warsaw Convention
that governs air travel.
If it can be proved that DVT is the result of a
flight, there is a high chance of success for the claimants. However, the
outcome is far from certain.
One aviation analyst said: “No-one can yet be certain
that flying causes DVT, although British Airways and other airlines are taking
part in a scientific study to find out if there is a link. Until it is proved
that sitting in an aircraft for a long time causes blood clots, airlines will
continue to fight any claims for compensation.”
A spokesman for BA, which will be involved in the
court case, said: “BA sympathises with all victims of DVT but since the World
Health Organisation and the House of Lords agree that there is no evidence of a
causal link between flying and DVT, claims will continue to be resisted.”
He added that BA welcomed the chance to settle the
matter.
The airline is taking part in a study with Newcastle University
to finally determine whether DVT is caused by sitting for long periods.
Results will not be known for
at least two years.