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Great North Air Ambulance pair win judgment after faulty plane parts cause serious crash
Seriously injured when their micro-light crashed
A five year legal battle for compensation by two former members of the Great North Air Ambulance, who were seriously injured when their micro-light crashed in Northumberland, has ended after a High Court judge ruled that the aircraft’s manufacturer was liable for the near tragedy.
Jim Martin and Jon Ker were lucky to survive the crash in December 2007 but were left with horrific injuries after the tailplane of their aircraft suddenly detached causing the plane to nose-dive.
Mr Martin, who was a highly-experienced commercial pilot for the Great North Air Ambulance was able to guide the micro-light towards a copse at Burgham Park Golf Course where it crashed into trees causing serious injuries to both men.
Suffered head and facial injuries and several fractures
Mr Martin, 53, from Wylam suffered head and facial injuries and several fractures including to his skull, pelvis, both legs and left arm. He needed extensive rehabilitation and a number of surgical procedures in the following months.
He is no longer fit to fly and suffers from restricted mobility, permanent scarring and memory impairment.
Brain injury and fractures to both legs
Mr Ker, 42, from Rothbury, who was a senior paramedic with the Great North Air Ambulance, suffered a brain injury and fractures to both legs. He also endured months of rehabilitation.
As a result of his injuries he has been unable to fulfil his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
Against the odds both men have been able to find other employment. Mr Martin now trains police and air ambulance helicopter crews in Abu Dhabi and Mr Ker is a medic working onboard offshore vessels.
The pair had left Eshott Airfield just a short while before the accident. An investigation into the crash found aluminium lugs used to attach the tailplane to the fin had corroded.
Instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue compensation
The men instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue compensation against the plane’s French manufacturer Dyn’ Aero which denied liability.
Thompsons argued successfully in Newcastle High Court that the lugs were defective and the men were awarded significant sums in compensation.
Mr Ker said: “It’s a real relief that the judge found Dyn’ Areo liable. This hasn’t been about the money but about proving that the accident wasn’t our fault. We did everything correctly that day yet because the lugs were faulty we ended up suffering serious injury. We could have died. It was only Jim’s skill which saved us.”
Mr Martin added: “The last five years have been a mental and physical battle but we were both determined that we wouldn’t let this accident stop us from living our lives. We loved our jobs working with the Great North Air Ambulance but because Dyn’ Areo allowed a faulty product to leave their factory we’ve paid the price.”
Paul Brown from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Mr Martin and Mr Ker have shown bravery and strength in the way they have dealt with their very serious injuries. Both have tackled their extensive rehabilitation with courage and have gone onto find alternative employment, despite the hurdles their ongoing injuries create. They are an inspiration and we are delighted we have been able to achieve this judgment.”
Serious Injury Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury, telephone us now for accurate compensation claim advice.
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Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters and have a specialist Serious Injury Unit to deal with claims involving catastrophic injuries. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury solicitors and lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
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