airlines dismayed over DVT trial collapse

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.