Helicopter crash survivors sue CHC for millions
Survivors of the 2013 Super Puma crash which killed four oil workers have launched a damages claim worth more than £5million. Nine passengers who were on the aircraft when it went down off the coast of Shetland are taking legal action against CHC Helicopter claiming their lives have been "destroyed" by the accident. Four of their colleagues were killed when the AS332 L2 - operated on behalf of offshore giant Total - plunged into the North Sea about two miles west of Sumburgh Airport. Lawyers for the group of survivors said their claim was being raised for the physical, emotional and financial losses suffered by the workers. CHC Helicopter said last night it "deeply regretted" the loss of life and that it had paid out more than £500,000 in interim insurance payment to those affected by the crash. A spokeswoman added: "Throughout the period of investigation, there has been much work undertaken to provide financial assistance to the families impacted by the accident." The survivors seeking damages claim they suffered a range of injuries, from a fractured spine to the effects of swallowing aviation fuel which leaked from aircraft. One said he suffers flashbacks to the tragedy and had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Lisa Gregory, partner at legal firm Digby Brown in Aberdeen, who is representing the group, said: "It has been the most horrific experience and we can't imagine how it is going to affect them for the rest of their lives.
