Suing the Airlines

Our litigation culture is still going strong.

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.

Of course, they could also get up and walk around a little every once in a while.