Vic Claims for PTSD 10 Years after an Air Crash

Vic came to us 10 years after the Kegworth Air Crash. He had suffered PTSD. He was told by other solicitors that he was out of time. However we pursued the claim and recovered £136,000.

Vic approached us in April 1999. It was ten years after he was involved in the Kegworth air crash and he was struggling with PTSD.

Vic was an AA patrolman on the M1 when the British Midland Airways plane crashed on 8th January 1989. As one of the first on the scene he was exposed to horrific scenes and assisted in removing the dead and injured. Later Vic suffered distressing flashbacks, nightmares, extreme irritability and poor concentration. This caused him significant problems at home and work.

In 1998 he was first diagnosed as having post traumatic stress disorder and importantly this was linked to the air crash. Vic consulted his trade union solicitors. They advised him that he could not make a successful claim because of the length of time that had elapsed. When Vic came to talk to Barratts, we recognised the difficulties but felt Vic deserved a chance at pursuing a claim. We prepared a strong case against British Midland Airways. They argued that it was too late to bring a claim but on the eve of the Trial they accepted the claim. They also agreed to pay Vic compensation totalling £136,000.00.

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