The 22nd August marked the first anniversary of the Shoreham Air Disaster. The families who lost loved ones in the disaster are still awaiting the final AAIB (Air Accidents Investigations Branch) report, due in September, which will give some answers on what happened.
James Healy-Pratt, head of aviation and travel, represents the majority of the victims’ families. He says that any criminal investigation that arises out of evidence in the AAIB report could result in the inquest into the disaster being delayed until 2018.
He said: “There is a pre inquest hearing in West Sussex on 19 September, where the families expect an update from the AAIB as well as the Sussex Police. Whilst no money will ever bring any of the loved ones back, we did obtain an admission of legal responsibility from the owner of the jet (and their aviation insurers), in late 2015. That paved the way for successful negotiations for compensation, without the added trauma of a High Court trial on civil liability.
“We have successfully negotiated compensation packages for one-third of our group of families that we represent, and are in advanced negotiations for the remainder of our family clients.”
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