Luggage Fell on Head - Compensation Offered

neowave

Hi everyone,

i was hoping the mse community could help me decide on a compensation offer received recently...

I was flying with my older sister on a long haul virgin Atlantic flight. As it was due to take off the stewardess was fixing one of the overhead compartments when a laptop in a bag fell out and hit her square on the head. She had little support on the flight and was sick throughout with little assistance.

The flight was 10 hours.

She has been complaining of headaches and neusea since, and has not been able to work and is on medication from the doctor.

Virgin offered her just £30 compensation & a free return ecomnomy flight for one person.

She obviously does not want to fly long distance again, yet alone on her own.

I really do feel the offer is meagre compared to what actually happened.

Does anyone have any advices as to how to procede & try to get virgin to up there offer as im not vastly experienced in complaining etc.

Thanks all in advance.

lauren_1

Did you take her to the hospital as soon as you landed? Do you have documented proof that this bump it the cause of her sickness and time off work?

neowave

lauren_1 wrote: »

Did you take her to the hospital as soon as you landed? Do you have documented proof that this bump it the cause of her sickness and time off work?

Hi Lauren,

yes she went to the doctor and he has given her a medical cert for whiplash. Virgin have offered the compensation and have apologized (it appears as though they have accepted responsibility).

nearlyrich

Your sister should instruct a reputable solicitor, not a no win no fee fly by night company, if Virgin's employee was responsible for injury Virgin will pay a reasonable level of compensation for suffering etc.

Soulnds like they are taking the wotsit offering such a low amount and a free flight don't let them get away with it Richard can afford it...

hush72

Take them to the cleaners ... I would. Your poor sister deserves as much as she can get given what she's been through.

neowave

thanks people for the advice so far. I'm going to write a reply and decline the current offer. Does anyone know where i can find a letter template etc i have tried searching google but cannot find anything?

dmg24

Can we put this into some sort of perspective please? An accident happened, Virgin have apologised and offered some sort of compensation.

How long has she needed off work? How much compensation would you like?

TBeckett100

should have ducked.

Voyager2002

dmg24 wrote: »

Can we put this into some sort of perspective please? An accident happened, Virgin have apologised and offered some sort of compensation.

How long has she needed off work? How much compensation would you like?

We don't yet know how serious the injury is, but at worst the consequences of an accident like this could be life-changing. If it turns out that the poor victim is unable to pursue her chosen career as a result of this incident, or is otherwise placed at a serious disadvantage, then the financial cost of coping could be enormous. Since Virgin have apologised and offered some kind of compensation, it is clear that they have accepted liability. Until the victim knows her long-term prognosis and so can estimate the costs she is likely to face as a result, she would be extremely foolish to accept any offer -- even one that looks like a lot of money.

First stop the doctor, and probably a specialist, for advice about what is likely to happen in future. Only then will a lawyer be able to help.

So your reply to Virgin should be polite, and should say that you cannot agree to accept any compensation until you have established the likely long-term effect of the accident on your sister's life chances and employment prospects. Thank them for their concern, and promise that you will be in touch one you are in a position to propose a reasonable sum as compensation.

lozzer90

I think claiming will be a waste of time.

3 years ago i lost my hearing due to the pressure in a plane, this was comfirmed by a doctor that, that was what caused the loss. I couldnt claim a thing.

candygirl

Lozz that's absolutely appalling:mad: :mad: :mad: They should compensate you for loss of earnings for the rest of your life:mad: