After the deadly May 20 turbulence event that has left one passenger dead and dozens more injured, Singapore Airlines has been trying to settle with victims of those on board flight SQ321. A lawyer representing these victims, however, doesn't believe the offer is good enough.

"Low-Balling" High Turbulence

As of this writing, Singapore Airlines is offering $25,000 USD as “final compensation” for severely injured passengers and $15,000 to those who suffered minor injuries. The airline has also reportedly expressed interest in paying for medical care and have fully refunded tickets for all passengers onboard.

However, attorney and director at the Carter Capner Law firm Peter Carter argues that the families of these affected passengers deserve “substantial payouts,” and that the airline is attempting to "low-ball" passengers by trying to settle with the victims "on the cheap to the serious detriment of injured passengers".

Carter admitted that the passengers have been invited to apply for payments for medical bills, but this payment plan requires a signature from the passenger. It's not known at this time if any passenger has signed up for these medical expense payments.

“The true compensation to which passengers are entitled can only be formulated by reference to their permanent impairment that is then projected over their lifetime," Carter said. “Spinal surgeons, neurologists and other medical specialists require patients wait until at least 12 months post-injury before they are prepared to attempt that assessment.”
 

More Details On The London-Singapore Flight

The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore published a preliminary accident report of flight SQ321, revealing that the pilots didn't turn the "Fasten your seatbelt" signs on soon enough before the Boeing 777-300ER plunged 178 feet in elevation.

News.com.au reports that the seatbelt light was only on for just eight seconds before the horrific turbulence began, which reportedly lasted nearly 5 seconds.

Carter mentions that because the pilots knowingly flew into a thunderstorm, the plane could have been rerouted or diverted. Carter had evidence that also showed that other planes diverted and SQ321 was the only flight that stayed the course. He states this as proof that the crew should be held liable for the harm done to passengers on the flight.

“Passengers need to know this was not a freak accident and they are therefore entitled to substantial compensation, not just the expense payments the airline has so far offered,” said Carter. 

Carter also goes on to claim that many injured passengers should get compensation as much as $1,000,000 AUD:

“We are convinced the true facts will show there was crew responsibility for the accident and that the airline’s compensation liability to passengers is therefore unlimited. Many passengers will be entitled to seven-figure compensation.”

On the flight, Geoff Kitchen, 73, passed away during a suspected heart attack from the event of turbulence. Kerry Jordan was also left a tetraplegic caused by the turbulence and is paralyzed from her chest down. Six other passengers suffered serious head injuries. Following the turbulence, the pilots diverted the flight to Bangkok, Thailand. 211 passengers and 18 crew members were aboard the flight.

Singapore Airlines has yet to publicly respond to Carter's statements.