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A leading aviation lawyer has accused Singapore Airlines (SIA) of trying to “lowball” passengers affected by the turbulence on flight SQ321 earlier this year.
Peter Carter of Carter Capner Law, who is representing passengers on the London–Singapore flight that struck severe turbulence on 21 May, says SIA has been trying to settle claims “on the cheap”.
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Carter has further accused the pilots of knowingly flying too close to a thunderstorm as it passed over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar at 37,000 feet during a meal service, sending passengers, crew, and unattended items flying around the cabin.
The aircraft, a 777-300ER registered 9V-SWM, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok with 211 passengers and 18 crew on board, including 56 Australians. Dozens of injuries and one death were reported.
“Other planes took evasive action and changed direction, yet Flight SQ321 headed directly to the area,” he said.
“Passengers need to know this was not a freak accident and they are therefore entitled to substantial compensation, not just the expense payments the airline has so far offered.
“We are convinced the true facts will show there was crew responsibility for the accident and that the airline’s compensation liability to passengers is therefore unlimited. Many passengers will be entitled to seven figure compensation.”
Carter has alleged that the airline, while inviting passengers to apply for advance medical expense payments, has been making offers that require the signing of a final release.
“The true compensation to which passengers are entitled can only be formulated by reference to their permanent impairment that is then projected over their lifetime,” he said.
“Spinal surgeons, neurologists and other medical specialists require patients wait until at least 12 months post-injury before they are prepared to attempt that assessment.”
SIA in June offered full refunds to all passengers and said it would pay US$10,000 (around $15,000) to those who suffered minor injuries.
“For those who sustained more serious injuries from the incident, we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet each of their specific circumstances when they feel well and ready to do so,” the airline said.
“Passengers medically assessed as having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care, and requesting financial assistance are offered an advance payment of US$25,000 to address their immediate needs. This will be part of the final compensation that these passengers will receive.
“In addition to the above, SIA will provide a full refund of the air fare to all passengers travelling on SQ321 on 20 May 2024, including those who did not suffer any injuries. All passengers will also receive delay compensation in accordance with the relevant European Union or United Kingdom regulations.”
