44 victims of Singapore Airlines crash sue

The Chicago-based Nolan Law Group, which has successfully claimed millions of dollars for victims of other major commercial airline crashes, said it is representing 40 of those suing over the crash of the SQ 006. Other U.S. firms are representing the remainder.

"Some clients can no longer travel for work as they are scared to fly," Nolan attorney Manuel Ribbeck told The Straits Times. "Some families have lost their breadwinners through death or injury." The Boeing 747-400 bound for Los Angeles slammed into construction equipment October 31 while taking off from the wrong runway at Chiang Kai-shek Airport.

The claims are for wrongful death, injuries, loss of income and psychological trauma. Ribbeck said he has met with dozens of victims in Singapore and Kuala Llumpur during the past week and will meet with more in the city-state. The firm has advised victims against accepting SIA's compensation offers. The flag carrier has offered 400,000 U.S. dollars to the families of those killed and 20,000 U.S. dollars to unhurt passengers and crew.

The law firm described the compensation as inadequate. At least 10 of the 13 surviving cabin crew members have engaged the firm. Stewards and stewardesses who escaped with minor or no physical injuries have been asked by SIA to undergo medical tests to determine whether they are ready to return to work.

Some of them feel SIA has treated them insensitively, Ribbeck said. A SIA spokesman said the company "does not want to discuss compensation and employment issues through the media". All the the civil suits have been filed in California. A fact-finding report released by Taiwan's Aviation Safety Council Friday cited human error and poor airport facilities. A final investigative report will provided an analysis.

(la/dpa)