United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Alton Towers’ owner to be sued by Smiler crash victims
Two women who sustained devastating injuries in a crash on a ride at Alton Towers three years ago are suing the park’s owners, Merlin Attractions.
Lawyers for Vicky Balch and Leah Washington said they could each receive ‘well in excess of £2 milliion’ in compensation if they are successful.
Both women, now aged 23 and 20, were in the front seats of the Smiler ride when it slammed into a stationary carriage in June 2015.
They are suing Merlin in the High Court for negligency and or breach of statutory duty.
Merlin told the BBC it was ‘on standby to conclude settlement discussions on the outstanding claims as soon as they are ready’.
The Staffordshire theme park owner has already admitted breaching the Health and Safety Act, and was fined £5 million in September 2016.
Both Miss Balch, from Lancashire, and Miss Washington, from South Yorkshire, needed partial leg amputations after the crash.
Their lawyer Paul Paxton 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."
A Merlin spokesman said: "From the outset we have admitted liability and have engaged fully at all times to achieve settlement for all the claimants as quickly as possible.
"The claimants’ lawyer has confirmed to us that this is a purely procedural filing to preserve their clients’ rights in relation to the standard three-year limitation period, and that certain claims are not yet ready for settlement due to their complex nature."
Lawyers said Meera Chauhan, 52, and her daughter Vanisha Singh, 33, from the Midlands, who were also injured in the crash, were preparing their own legal case.
Related News Stories:
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled