Two of the women who suffered traumatising injuries following the Alton Towers Smiler crash are suing the park’s owners, Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, for damages.
The women, Vicky Balch and Leah Washington, were both sitting on the front row of the carriage when it collided with an empty stationary carriage in 2015. Both victims required partial leg amputations as a result of the accident.
According to BBC News, it is believed that the women could receive over £2 million each as a result of the injuries they sustained, if their claims for compensation are successful.
Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd commented that they were:
“on standby to conclude settlement discussions on the outstanding claims as soon as they are ready”.
Vicky Balch and Leah Washington’s Solicitors said:
“Our clients suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the accident.
“Whilst money cannot make up for what they have endured over the past three years, financial security can at least help the victims to lead a full and active life.
“Regrettably, where such serious injuries are sustained, it can take many years before the extent of losses can be established.”
In September 2016, Alton Towers was fined £5 million as a result of the accident, after they admitted liability and a breach under the Health and Safety at Work Act. In the Court proceedings, the Judge, Michael Chambers QC, commented:
“This was a needless and avoidable accident in which those injured were fortunate not to have been killed or to have bled to death.
“It was, in my judgment, aggravated by the lack of proper emergency access to the accident site which meant that those injured remained trapped in great pain and distress hanging at an angle of 45 degrees some 20 feet above the ground for four to five hours before being released by the emergency services and taken to hospital.”
Other people involved in the crash are reported to be pursuing their own legal action for compensation.
How Nelsons Can Help
At Nelsons, we represent many victims of various types of accidents, and have a wealth of experience in dealing with serious physical as well as psychological injury. We listen to our clients to understand their needs. We refer our clients to the best medical experts and are often able to organise help and rehabilitation where necessary.
Lisa Preece
is a Partner and Solicitor in Nelsons’ specialist Personal Injury team.
If you have any questions in relation to the topics discussed above, please contact a member of our expert team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.