Judge: Air passengers can sue over blood clots

Lawsuits claim that switching seats could have prevented injuries

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updated 5:37 p.m. ET Oct. 17, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO - Three airline passengers who claim cramped seating gave them blood clots can continue their lawsuits against international airlines, a judge ruled.

U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker had previously tossed out 37 similar lawsuits, citing an international treaty protecting airlines from having to pay damages for injuries passengers suffer during routine travel.

But Walker said the three remaining lawsuits claiming deep vein thrombosis could proceed because they allege injuries that could have been prevented if the airlines — Singapore, U.S. Airways and Delta — let passengers complaining of pain switch to open seats with more leg room.

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Walker on Friday also dismissed 14 other lawsuits against domestic airlines not bound by the international treaty. An appeals court has ordered him to separately reconsider whether the airlines are providing enough seating space or would raise fares if forced to remove seats to make cabins roomier.

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