Thomson faces compensation payout

The tour operator Thomson is reportedly facing a huge compensation bill relating to an air crash in Spain some four years ago. According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, a judge last week ruled the company was liable for psychological injury suffered by 73 passengers who were on board a flight that was forced to land in a field during a severe storm. Everyone aboard the flight, from Cardiff to Gerona, survived, though one passenger died later in hospital and no link to the crash has been proved. The judge at Cardiff Crown Court, reportedly ruled that the wording in Thomson’s brochure suggested passengers could also claim for any psychological trauma caused. Thomson could in theory face a bill for more than GBP6 million if all the passengers are awarded the maximum amount of GBP85,000. However, the Telegraph predicts that each case will be judged on its merits and that the total payout will be much lower. A spokesman for Thomson reportedly told the newspaper: “The claims have been submitted and are being handled by our insurers. Passengers will need medical evidence of any trauma caused.”