Clutha tragedy Families’ long and difficult legal process for compensation

The families left shattered by the Clutha tragedy face years waiting to find out if they’ll receive compensation.

Both the Air Accident Investigation Branch probe and a Fatal Accident Inquiry will have to be completed first.

Legal hurdles also mean those who lost their lives in the pub and the three aboard the police helicopter will be treated differently.

Bond, who leased the aircraft to Police Scotland, are automatically liable for unlimited compensation for those aboard. However, those caught up in the accident on the ground must prove someone was at fault if their claim is to be successful.

Professor Peter Watson, who was involved in some of the biggest litigation claims including Lockerbie and Piper Alpha, explained: “For those on board the helicopter, the aircraft carrier accepts liability for any accident as a condition of carriage, even when there had been no negligence.”

Leading compensation lawyer Cameron Fyfe explained the families affected must also be mindful of time restrictions.

He said: “Court action for those affected on the ground has to be raised within three years. For those on board the aircraft it is two years. However, the court can, of course, extend the time bar restriction.

“This will be a long and difficult process and we have seen that in the past. Both the AAIB and the FAI will be crucial in the process.

“There are multiple parties that could be liable and both will be crucial in helping to determine where the blame lies.”