Leicester City's Thai Owners Seek £2.15B from Helicopter Makers Over 2018 Crash

[webfact]

FILE - Tributes from supporters rest at a memorial under a portrait of team owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha outside Leicester City Football Club, Monday Oct. 29 2018, in Leicester, England. . (AP Photo/Rui Vieira, File)

 

The family of Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who tragically perished in a helicopter crash in 2018, has launched a £2.15 billion (approximately 94.4 billion Thai Baht) lawsuit against Italian helicopter manufacturer Leonardo SpA.

 

The lawsuit, one of the largest fatal accident claims in British history, claims significant compensation for alleged loss of earnings and damages, asserting that a critical design flaw led to the fatal accident.

 

Vichai, at 60, had been a pivotal figure in the football world, purchasing Leicester City Football Club in 2010 and spearheading its historic Premier League victory in 2016.

 

His legacy also extends to his successful business empire, King Power, which transformed the duty-free shopping scene in Thailand. The catastrophic accident that took Vichai’s life occurred on October 27, 2018, just outside King Power Stadium in Leicester, following a match.

Among the five victims were pilot Eric Swaffer, his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz, and Vichai’s staff members Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare.

 

A detailed investigation by the United Kingdom's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) in 2023 highlighted a tail rotor failure of the Leonardo AW169 helicopter as the cause of the crash.

 

This report disclosed that the pilot faced insurmountable challenges in regaining control due to this failure. Despite the AAIB’s confirmation that the helicopter met all regulatory standards, the report pinpointed a seized component in the tail rotor, identified by Leonardo as critical in the design phase, as the trigger for the devastating accident.

 

Picture courtesy: Daily Mail

 

Contradicting Leonardo's assurances regarding the helicopter's safety, the Srivaddhanaprabha family's legal action argues for the liability of the manufacturer.

 

The family claims Leonardo neglected to integrate a crucial design modification, which had been implemented in other helicopter models, potentially preventing the disastrous outcome.

 

Additionally, they allege that Leonardo failed to appropriately warn their customers or regulatory authorities about the significant risks involved.

 

In a statement, Vichai’s son, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, who succeeded his father in leading both Leicester City and King Power, expressed his disillusionment, articulating that his father’s trust in Leonardo had been tragically misplaced.

 

This legal démarche is regarded as a critical step for ensuring accountability and enhancing safety for other operators reliant on Leonardo's helicopters.

 

British aviation law experts from Stewarts are representing the family, alongside renowned barristers Philip Shepherd KC and Harry Steinberg KC.

 

Stewarts partner Peter Neenan emphasised the broader implications of the case, underscoring the necessity for confidence among global operators of these helicopters, which serve crucial roles, including for military and emergency services, reported Dail News Online, Bangkok Post, Agencies. 

 

 

-- 2025-01-11

 

 

[soi3eddie]

If the AAIB apportioned blame to the crash, and resulting deaths of those on board the helicopter, due to helicopter defect then they may have a claim. The amount would be in question. Remains to be seen.

 

[Samh]

£2.15 billion?????? I worked on the Channel Tunnel and all that was only £4.5 billion. I doubt the whole of Leonardo SpA are worth that.

[maddox41]

Good old Thai hisos going  for as much as  they can problem is they are dreaming no way they get anywhere near that typical l Thai greed at it  best hence why the country is in free fail 

[Samh]

"Vichai was the founder and CEO of King Power, an operator of duty-free shops. In December 2009, King Power received the royal warrant from King Bhumibol of Thailand in a ceremony attended by Vichai. In October 2018, he was ranked by Forbes magazine as the 5th richest man in Thailand, reportedly worth US$4.9 billion" Even if his total worth was £2.15 billion why do the Thais think that should be the compensation figure. His assets would still be worth the same.

[SiSePuede419]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Leonardo SpA

Italian helicopter.

This company had to rebrand as "Leonardo" because of previous corruption issues.

 

The Thai soccer club rich guy probably thought the helicopter was made by Leonardo DiCaprio. 😳

[jcmj]

They may have responsibility but no where near that amount. Good job Lawyers. Hike it up so you get more. 

[Xonax]

33 minutes ago, Samh said:

"Vichai was the founder and CEO of King Power, an operator of duty-free shops. In December 2009, King Power received the royal warrant from King Bhumibol of Thailand in a ceremony attended by Vichai. In October 2018, he was ranked by Forbes magazine as the 5th richest man in Thailand, reportedly worth US$4.9 billion" Even if his total worth was £2.15 billion why do the Thais think that should be the compensation figure. His assets would still be worth the same.

Assets is not worth anything, if you are not able to enjoy them!!

[Samh]

36 minutes ago, Xonax said:

Assets is not worth anything, if you are not able to enjoy them!!

But to his dependents they are still worth $4.9 billion. Why should his dependents get an additional £2.15 billion?

[Jonathan Swift]

1 hour ago, Samh said:

£2.15 billion?????? I worked on the Channel Tunnel and all that was only £4.5 billion. I doubt the whole of Leonardo SpA are worth that.

Look up how punitive damages are assessed based on the net worth of the defendant. Punitive means the punishment has to be severe enough to hurt and to deter further such actions.

[Jonathan Swift]

4 minutes ago, Samh said:

But to his dependents they are still worth $4.9 billion. Why should his dependents get an additional £2.15 billion?

Because they're extra extra special, of course. Next question?

[Liverpool Lou]

1 hour ago, Samh said:

£2.15 billion?????? I worked on the Channel Tunnel and all that was only £4.5 billion. I doubt the whole of Leonardo SpA are worth that.

That's why they have insurers!   

[Liverpool Lou]

1 hour ago, maddox41 said:

Good old Thai hisos going  for as much as  they can problem is they are dreaming no way they get anywhere near that typical l Thai greed at it  best hence why the country is in free fail 

Thai-bashing, irrational cobblers.   

You don't think that highly successful, wealthy business owners in any other country, particularly yours, wouldn't do the same in similar circumstances?

[georgegeorgia]

Just now, Liverpool Lou said:

Thai-bashing, irrational cobblers. 

Calling the pot calling the kettle black aren't you Lou ?

A few of your posts are the same 

[worrab]

1 hour ago, maddox41 said:

Good old Thai hisos going  for as much as  they can problem is they are dreaming no way they get anywhere near that typical l Thai greed at it  best hence why the country is in free fail 

You start with a high figure knowing the final amount will be negotiated down. Standard practice in insurance claims like this.

[smew]

William Shakespeare said in late 1590’s  there are too many lawyers nowadays..  it is so very much more truer now.. greed and more greed 

[Liverpool Lou]

1 hour ago, Samh said:

Even if his total worth was £2.15 billion why do the Thais think that should be the compensation figure. His assets would still be worth the same.

It is not "the Thais", it is his company and his family, and they have to take into consideration the company's potential loss of earning for years in the future following the death of the founder caused by a third party.  What is wrong with that, it happens all the time in your country, also doesn't it in similar circumstances?

[Liverpool Lou]

18 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

20 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Thai-bashing, irrational cobblers. 

Calling the pot calling the kettle black aren't you Lou ?

A few of your posts are the same 

You have never seen a Thai-bashing, irrational post from me.   If you have, 'kin quote it here!

[Samh]

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

That's why they have insurers!   

You think an insurer is going to look at it like that.

[Liverpool Lou]

3 minutes ago, Samh said:

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

That's why they have insurers!   

You think an insurer is going to look at it like that.

Having been in the insurance/finance/banking industry for many years, yes, I know that's how they'll look at it, without a doubt.  

[Samh]

48 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

It is not "the Thais", it is his company and his family, and they have to take into consideration the company's potential loss of earning for years in the future following the death of the founder caused by a third party.  What is wrong with that, it happens all the time in your country, also doesn't it in similar circumstances?

Good luck trying to get £2.15 billion in a UK court. Not sure the UK has "punitive" damages. I assume since it mentions pounds sterling that the court action is in the UK. Also against an Italian company. Loss of earnings because he died, may be in a Thai court. I think that would be laughed out of court in the UK.

[Samh]

53 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

It is not "the Thais", it is his company and his family, and they have to take into consideration the company's potential loss of earning for years in the future following the death of the founder caused by a third party.  What is wrong with that, it happens all the time in your country, also doesn't it in similar circumstances?

Please demonstrate how the companies that he controlled would suffer loss of earnings because of the helicopter crash. In the UK a dependent, ie child or wife, can claim loss of future earnings. I am no lawyer but I can't wait to see how that goes down in a UK court.

[hotandsticky]

10 minutes ago, Samh said:

Please demonstrate how the companies that he controlled would suffer loss of earnings because of the helicopter crash. In the UK a dependent, ie child or wife, can claim loss of future earnings. I am no lawyer but I can't wait to see how that goes down in a UK court.

 

 

So you don't think that the loss of a powerful CEO like Vichai would have a negative impact on the businesses or his family?

 

 

I am sure that Tesla will take some comfort in your misguided words should they ever lose Musk.

 

 

They will win. I doubt it will get to court and will likely be settled in the millions rather than billions.

[Samh]

3 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

So you don't think that the loss of a powerful CEO like Vichai would have a negative impact on the businesses or his family?

 

 

I am sure that Tesla will take some comfort in your misguided words should they ever lose Musk.

 

 

They will win. I doubt it will get to court and will likely be settle in the millions rather than billions.

No I dont think the loss of the CEO would have any long term impact anymore than had he dropped dead from a heart attack. If Musk kicked the bucket Tesla would probably do better. How on Earth can any sane lawyer think that the loss or earnings would equate to £2.15 billion for a company whose total value is $4.9 billion.

 

[hotandsticky]

3 minutes ago, Samh said:

No I dont think the loss of the CEO would have any long term impact anymore than had he dropped dead from a heart attack. If Musk kicked the bucket Tesla would probably do better. How on Earth can any sane lawyer think that the loss or earnings would equate to £2.15 billion for a company whose total value is $4.9 billion.

 

 

 

A sane lawyer starts at a higher figure to put down a marker.

 

He will succeed - but at a much more sensible figure.

[Samh]

23 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

A sane lawyer starts at a higher figure to put down a marker.

 

He will succeed - but at a much more sensible figure.

Punitive damages in the UK:

"punitive damages are available in UK law, but they are rare and awarded only in certain circumstances:

• Outrageous conduct: Punitive damages are typically awarded for particularly egregious conduct.

• Wilful torts: Punitive damages are available for torts that involve intentional wrongdoing, such as defamation, trespass, assault, or deceit.
• Proportionate awards: Punitive damages are usually modest, around £15,000 to £20,000.
• Conservative courts: UK courts are generally more conservative and focus on compensating the plaintiff rather than punishing the defendant.
• Commercial disputes: Punitive damages are rarely awarded in commercial disputes, where damages are usually compensatory

Looks like they onto a dead duck with that one.

[Digitalbanana]

3 hours ago, Samh said:

£2.15 billion?????? I worked on the Channel Tunnel and all that was only £4.5 billion. I doubt the whole of Leonardo SpA are worth that.

What does the Channel Tunnel have to do with any of this?

Leonardo is a publicly traded company - today valued at 15.7 billion on London stock exchange.

[madmitch]

They may have a case but the amount is a joke.

 

King Power have continued to trade since the death of the founder and any loss of earnings during that period is most likely down to COVID and the fact that airport use was minimal 

 

UK courts don't offer these sort of amounts; that sum, not would Italian courts; that amount would even be excessive in the USA! And I doubt they would purchase insurance to that level. I'm no aviation liability expert but I doubt there's market capacity to write £2.5bn.

[picctrainop]

They will most probably WIN… The Compensation will be No More than a Tenth of the Quoted Figure…

[Lopburikid]

4 hours ago, Samh said:

£2.15 billion?????? I worked on the Channel Tunnel and all that was only £4.5 billion. I doubt the whole of Leonardo SpA are worth that.

If the Family do win, the company will either appeal or claim bankruptcy.