When tragic accidents occur that result in the loss of life, the families of victims often make accident claims to help bring those responsible to account.
Recently, the partners of two helicopter pilots who died during a flight over the North Sea succeeded in gaining compensation, STV Local reports.
In 2009, the helicopter crashed into the sea, killing a total of 16 men. Paul Burnham and Richard Menzies, who were aged 31 and 24 respectively, were at the controls of the Bond Offshore Super Puma when it plunged into the water. The main rotor had broken off due to a gearbox failure, causing the aircraft’s tail boom to sever around 14 miles off the coast of Peterhead in the north-east of Scotland.
The helicopter was returning from BP’s Miller platform when the crash took occurred and the bodies of all of the victims were recovered from the water.
In a recent development, the firm that owned the helicopter involved has settled with the pilots’ partners.
Commenting on the legal case brought by Joanne McKenzie and Katherine Botham, a spokesman for the company said: “Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd confirms that due to the settlement of the claims in question, the routine procedural hearing that had been scheduled for today will not take place. The company continues to work towards the completion of a fair settlement for the few remaining claimants.”
He added: “Bond Offshore Helicopters cannot, however, comment on the level of compensation involved in any settlement.”
Of course, contacting a personal injury claim solicitor to take forward an accident claim following the death of a loved one cannot bring the individual in question back. However, when the legal cases succeed, the money obtained can help grieving relatives to cover their expenses and it can also have a cathartic effect for those involved.
