npr.org 15 days ago URGENCY: 6/10
Boeing Ordered to Pay $49.5M for 737 MAX Crash
A jury has awarded $49.5 million to the family of a victim from the 737 MAX crash in Ethiopia. This verdict highlights ongoing accountability issues surrounding Boeing's safety practices.
Jury Verdict Highlights Boeing's Liability
In a significant ruling, a federal jury in Chicago has ordered Boeing to pay $49.5 million to the family of Samya Stumo, who tragically lost her life in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash in 2019. This verdict is one of the last remaining cases related to the two fatal crashes that claimed 346 lives, underscoring the ongoing legal battles surrounding Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft.
The jury's decision included:
- $21 million for Stumo's experience during the flight
- $16.5 million for the loss of companionship
- $12 million for the family's grief
Boeing had previously admitted responsibility for the crash, focusing the trial solely on the amount of compensatory damages. While the company has settled many claims, the Stumo family intends to pursue punitive damages against Boeing executives and suppliers, indicating that the fight for justice continues.