AIRLINES have reacted with dismay following the collapse of a landmark
deep vein thrombosis hearing in the High Court.
Carriers – keen to conclude the case after 18 months of preparation –
must wait for the legal team of DVT-affected claimants to decide on their next
move before the case can begin again. So far, the action has cost more than
£100,000 in legal fees and taxpayers’ money.
The case was adjourned when trial judge Mr Justice Nelson, sitting at
the High Court in London, remembered he was a British Airways shareholder, one
of the airlines being sued.
Avmark International aviation consultant Dan Solon conceded the
situation should have been avoided. He said the case could be delayed and legal
costs would rise if the families ask to change the judge.
George Blundell-Pound, head of external affairs at JMC Airlines, said:
“It is obviously disappointing because we would like the case to be concluded
and we anticipate a favourable outcome. We don’t envisage a large increase in
costs, but we obviously would like the case to be closed as quickly as
possible.”
Monarch Airlines commercial director Jonathan Crick said: “We hope the
matter will be resolved swiftly so everyone can refocus their attention on the
issue.”
Des Collins, from Collins Solicitors, who are representing the
claimants, said he regretted the delay but needed to consult his clients. It is
hoped the trial will restart on November 18.
Meanwhile, ABTA president Stephen Bath welcomed the collapse of the case
claiming it is an excuse for lawyers to make money.
In a stinging attack against the legal teams pursuing the case, Bath
said: “I despise the culture of ambulance-chasing lawyers. The legal business
could bring airlines down with claims from clients who think they’ve suffered
negligence.”
In total, 56 people are suing carriers including Virgin Atlantic, KLM,
American Airlines, Monarch, Britannia, Air 2000 and JMC. Some of the victims
died from DVT after going on long-haul flights and claimants hope to establish
a link between the two. The airlines maintain there is no such connection. If
the carriers lose, they could face millions of pounds in compensation claims.