Boeing Settles Lawsuit Over 737 MAX Ethiopian Airlines Crash
Boeing has settled with one plaintiff in a trial concerning the tragic 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash that resulted in the loss of 157 lives. This settlement comes just before the trial was set to commence in Chicago, where families of the victims have been seeking justice for their loved ones.
Details of the Settlement
The settlement was announced by attorney Robert Clifford, who represents the plaintiffs. He confirmed that one of the two lawsuits in this week’s trial had reached an agreement with Boeing, although the terms of the settlement remain confidential. The settled case involves the family of Mercy Ndivo, a 28-year-old who perished in the crash alongside her husband, leaving behind a young daughter and her parents.
During the proceedings, Ndivo’s father, Frederick Ndivo, expressed his gratitude to the court for facilitating the settlement. He emphasized the importance of the legal system in upholding the rights of individuals, stating, “We wish the legal system of the United States will continue upholding the rights of the people…the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Background of the Crash
The Ethiopian Airlines flight, which crashed on March 10, 2019, occurred just six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa, en route to Nairobi. The incident resulted in the deaths of all 157 individuals aboard. Following the crash, family members of 155 victims filed lawsuits between April 2019 and March 2021, alleging wrongful death and negligence against Boeing.
Ongoing Litigation
The current trial is part of a series of cases being heard by U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso, who has been grouping the lawsuits into batches of five or six plaintiffs. In previous sessions, the judge has seen cases settle before reaching trial. The focus of the litigation is primarily on determining the monetary damages owed by Boeing to the plaintiffs.
In addition to the Ndivo family, settlements have also been reached with relatives of two other victims: Abdul Jalil Qaid Ghazi Hussein, a 38-year-old father of seven, and Nasrudin Mohammed, a 30-year-old who was pregnant with her fourth child at the time of the crash.
As the trial progresses, opening statements were underway for the remaining case involving the family of Shikha Garg, a 36-year-old consultant for the United Nations Development Program who was traveling to Nairobi for a UN Environmental Assembly.
FAQs
What was the cause of the Ethiopian Airlines crash?
The crash was linked to issues with the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft’s flight control system, which had previously been implicated in another fatal incident.
How many lawsuits have been filed related to the crash?
Family members of 155 victims have filed lawsuits against Boeing, alleging wrongful death and negligence among other claims.
What is the status of the ongoing trial?
The trial is currently in progress, with opening statements having begun for the remaining cases after some settlements were reached.
Conclusion
Boeing’s recent settlement in the 737 MAX crash trial marks a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding this tragic event. As the trial continues, families of the victims remain hopeful for justice and accountability from the aerospace giant. Further developments in the case will be closely monitored as the remaining lawsuits are addressed.
The Ethiopian Airlines crash was one of two fatal incidents involving the Boeing 737 MAX, the other being the Lion Air crash in October 2018. Both tragedies raised serious concerns about the aircraft’s safety and led to a worldwide grounding of the 737 MAX fleet in March 2019. Investigations revealed that the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), designed to prevent stalling, played a critical role in both accidents. The subsequent scrutiny of Boeing’s safety practices and regulatory oversight prompted significant changes in the aviation industry, including increased emphasis on pilot training and aircraft certification processes.
As litigation continues, Boeing faces not only financial repercussions but also reputational challenges. The company has been working to regain trust from airlines and passengers alike, implementing software updates and enhancing pilot training programs for the 737 MAX. In addition to the civil lawsuits, Boeing has also been subject to investigations by regulatory bodies, which have examined the company’s practices leading up to the crashes. The outcomes of these legal proceedings may influence future regulations and standards within the aerospace sector, as stakeholders seek to ensure that safety remains the top priority in aviation.
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