Ten victims from the Glasgow helicopter crash win £1.3million damages from doomed chopper’s owners
They were handed compensation ranging from £5,000 to £600,000 in deals struck by one law firm
Ten victims from the Glasgow helicopter crash have won £1.3million in damages from the chopper’s owners, The Scottish Sun can reveal.
They were handed compensation ranging from £5,000 to £600,000 in deals struck by one law firm.
But a source revealed the bill for the helicopter operator, Babcock, could rocket to £10million as it has received 80 separate claims from injured punters and loved ones of the ten killed in the Glasgow pub - The Clutha.
The insider said: “Given the large number of cases that we know of, it wouldn’t be surprising if the total amount paid out to all victims of the Glasgow Clutha tragedy, including legal fees, exceeded £10million.”
Handouts included claims for post-traumatic stress and those suffering serious brain or spinal injuries.
Babcock earlier admitted liability but the cases stalled as they disputed final bills.
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Mark Gibson, of legal firm Digby Brown — who secured the £1.3million payout — slammed delays but said victims could now “get their lives back on track”.
He said: “While some individuals required specialist medical attention, it should never have taken nearly four years for survivors to receive their settlements.”
Norman Maciver and Jamie Ward — seeking a combined £1million damages — are two of the successful claimants. They pocketed an undisclosed sum.
Research scientist Norman, 49, suffered shattered legs and vertebrae and eight cracked ribs. Glasgow council worker Jamie, 61, was left with a severe head wound and broken back.
Both are understood to have been unable to work since the tragedy.
The son of victim John McGarrigle, 57, last night hailed the compensation a victory.
John jnr, 42 — who bagged a five-figure sum through another firm — said: “It should’ve been settled much sooner. It’s more about the closure than the money.”
Ten people died in the packed bar when a police helicopter plunged into the roof.
A Babcock spokesman said the firm won’t comment on individual cases.
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