Two passengers have filed separate lawsuits against Delta Air Lines and Endeavor Air following a dramatic crash landing at Toronto's Pearson Airport. The legal actions, launched in U.S. District Courts in Georgia and Minnesota, allege negligence on the part of the airlines. They claim that the flight crew's failure to adhere to standard landing procedures, along with inadequate training and supervision, contributed to the alarming incident.
The crash occurred on a Monday afternoon when a Delta plane hit the tarmac, tipped over, and burst into a fireball. As the wing scraped along the ground, the aircraft eventually rolled over and stopped in a cloud of smoke. Despite the terrifying sequence of events, all 76 passengers and four crew members survived. However, 21 passengers required treatment for injuries at local hospitals.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada continues to investigate the incident. Meanwhile, Delta has offered US$30,000 in compensation to each passenger onboard, stating that the offer has "no strings attached and does not affect rights." Nevertheless, the lawsuits filed aim to hold Delta and Endeavor Air accountable for alleged provable damages up to roughly US$200,000 per passenger.
Jim Brauchle, a former U.S. Air Force navigator and attorney representing one of the passengers, emphasized the importance of following established protocols in aviation.
“As a former U.S. air force navigator, I understand the challenges that flight crews often face in the moment, but adhering to established protocols is critically important to ensure passenger safety,” – Jim Brauchle
He further stated the objective of the legal action:
“This suit seeks to hold Delta and Endeavor Air accountable for actions we believe led to a preventable catastrophic event.” – Jim Brauchle
Another attorney involved, Andres Pereira of DJC Law, expressed commitment to seeking justice for their client.
“DJC Law is committed to ensuring full accountability and justice for Mr. Lourens as he seeks compensation for his suffering and losses,” – Andres Pereira
The lawsuits allege that the defendants are liable for both physical and emotional injuries suffered by the passengers. This legal challenge underscores the broader implications for airlines regarding adherence to safety procedures and passenger welfare.
