First Ischgl trial – widow demands 100,000 euros from Austria
The corona virus spread across Europe from the ski resort of Ischgl. Now the first of about a hundred trials against the Republic of Austria begins. The plaintiff seeks compensation for the death of her husband.
In Austria, on September 17, a series of processes for corona infections started in the Tyrolean ski resort of Ischgl. To begin with, the son and widow of an Austrian who died after a corona infection want the republic to pay 100,000 euros in damages. The consumer protection association (VSV), which represents the plaintiff, announced on Tuesday.
At the two-hour hearing before the Regional Court for Civil Law Matters in Vienna, it should also be clarified whether a settlement can be reached, according to SAAM board member Peter Kolba. “We are ready for it.” Twelve more proceedings are to begin in the following days. The plaintiffs accuse the authorities of warning of the virus too late and of having closed ski operations too hesitantly. The place is known for its party scene and is considered one of the hotspots for the spread of the virus in the first wave in March 2020. The state of Austria has denied culpable action.
Chaos caused by the announcement of the Chancellor
In the first case, the plaintiffs assume that the 72-year-old journalist was infected in the bus on the way to the train station during the chaotic departure from the valley. Thousands of holidaymakers were surprised on March 13, 2020 by the announcement by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz that the Paznaun Valley would be isolated with immediate effect. As a result, many – including German vacationers – immediately packed their suitcases and tried to leave the place. From the plaintiffs’ point of view, these could contribute to the spread of the virus in parts of Europe.
Around 100 more lawsuits against the Republic of Austria are in preparation, according to the SAAM. In the meantime, an independent commission of experts had established that there had been errors and misjudgments in crisis management.