News / Super Puma survivors lodge damages claim
THE SURVIVORS of a tragic incident in which a helicopter crashed into the sea on its approach to Sumburgh in 2013 have lodged a claim for damages of up to £5 million.
Nine of the survivors who were among 18 passengers on board the Super Puma have lodged a claim against helicopter operator CHC for damages due to physical, emotional and financial losses suffered as a result of the incident.
Four passengers – Sarah Darnley, Gary McCrossan, Duncan Munro and George Allison – died in the crash, one of several serious incidents involving Super Pumas in the North Sea in recent years.
The nine offshore workers bringing the claim are being represented by solicitors Digby Brown. It is expected that there will be a hearing at the Court of Session in Edinburgh before the end of June.
Digby Brown partner Lisa Gregory said: “These individuals have gone through a horrific experience which has affected them in many ways and will continue to do so.
“They have suffered emotional, physical and financial losses because of something that occurred when they were just going to work.
“For justice to be done, these men need to be compensated for everything that has happened to them. Raising these court actions is the latest step in our work to get access to justice for our clients.”
In a statement, CHC said it was still awaiting the outcome of an AAIB investigation into the cause of the accident and is committed to taking the necessary action to ensure passengers’ safety.
“As the second anniversary approaches, the AAIB investigation into the cause of the Sumburgh accident continues and its findings are still awaited,” CHC said.
“Based on the ultimate findings, the company is committed to taking appropriate actions to ensure its passengers and employees continue to fly safely.
“Throughout the period of investigation, there has been much work undertaken to provide financial assistance to the families impacted by the accident.
“For those that have brought claims, the process of assessing and quantifying them has been a difficult one for all involved, but considerable progress has been made and a large number of claims have already been resolved.
“Regrettably, a few claims remain unresolved as the insurer awaits the results of professional assessments, such as medical exams. Whilst this is disappointing, CHC and its insurers are keen to receive these assessments so the process can move forward and these outstanding claims can be resolved.”
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