The other day I had what I'd like to think was a brilliant idea. Airlines that offer uncomfortably snug seating arrangements in steerage class (you know who you are), could start charging for compression stockings to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
Hear me out. A trendy compression stocking supplier - if there is such a thing - or some other willing clothier could design fashionable yet sturdy hose for use on long-haul flights. Just imagine the array of designs and logos that could be employed.
But alas, I'm afraid this idea may never fly. Why? Passengers pursuing damages for DVT injuries allegedly sustained during flights have lost yet another landmark lawsuit.
In what could very well close the book on these types of cases (and give airlines even more incentive to keep seat pitch tight), the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has rejected the argument that airlines are liable for such injuries because they had not properly warned passengers of the risk of developing DVT.
Here's the ruling.
A key quote:
"Passengers maintain that such DVT warnings as were given through videos, magazines, and in ticket packets, failed to notify them of the risks of DVT. This is beside the point, given our holding in Caman that the airlines have no duty to warn of the risks of DVT. Given no duty to warn, it follows that there is no duty to warn in any particular way."
An attorney for the defense, Rod Margo, has followed the issue on his insightful blog. Speaking to me yesterday, he said: "The House of Lords in the
He adds: "I would say that the airline industry and the airline insurers are relieved by the outcome."
No doubt they are. I guess it's back to the think tank for me. But first, I'm taking a walk. Gotta let the blood flow, don't ya know...
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