Tour Operator Accepts Liability Out of Court

British schoolchildren and schoolteachers injured in a coach crash in France in 2012 have taken a major step forward in their battle for justice after the Tour Operator that organised the trip, Interschool Travel Limited (trading as “Interski”), accepted liability for the incident, paving the way for fair settlements to be agreed.

A coach carrying children and teachers from Alvechurch School, near Birmingham, as well as local ski instructors, on their return from a skiing trip, crashed near Chalons-en-Champagne, 90 miles east of Paris on 19 February 2012. One teacher was killed in the crash and many of the passengers were seriously injured.

Irwin Mitchell is representing 25 passengers injured in the incident. The law firm has already secured settlements for a number of passengers injured in the incident along with vital interim payments of compensation for a number of others, which has funded much needed therapies, aids, appliances and adaptions to housing, as well as other expenses which have been incurred.

Experts at Irwin Mitchell leading the case said it was a victory for the Alvechurch schoolchildren injured in the coach crash but added their disappointment that no-one as yet has accepted liability in respect of the claims of the ski instructors who were also injured in the crash.

Cheryl Palmer-Hughes, a specialist International Serious Injury Lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who is one of the team of specialist lawyers at the firm representing the passengers, said:

Expert Opinion

“We are very pleased that Interski has finally accepted responsibility for this incident, even though it is very disappointing that they have only done so after more than three years and following lengthy legal proceedings against them.

“Many of our clients have been left with serious and life-changing injuries as a result of the coach crash back in 2012. We can now focus on continuing to ensure that the victims get the compensation and support they need and deserve to help them overcome their injuries. This is a major step forward and it is a huge relief to the families who we represent.

“However, we are also disappointed that no admission of liability has been made in respect of the claims made on behalf of the ski instructors who were also travelling on the coach and were left seriously injured after the crash." Cheryl Palmer-Hughes - Partner and Head of our International Serious Injury Desk

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in Accident Abroad Claims.