Lawyers representing the families of victims in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash are seeking compensation of up to $58bn, significantly challenging Boeing’s recent settlement with a US agency. The demand, reported on Friday, far exceeds an initial request of $24.8bn.
The legal action follows Boeing’s recent agreement with the US Department of Justice, where the company pled guilty to criminal fraud and agreed to pay fines ranging between $243.6 million and $487 million—a figure that the families’ lawyers argue falls far short of addressing the magnitude of the tragedy.
The 2019 crash, involving a Boeing 737 Max, claimed the lives of all 149 passengers shortly after take-off from Bole International Airport in Ethiopia. Investigations revealed that the crash was linked to critical flaws in the 737 Max’s design, stemming from Boeing’s cost-cutting measures and oversight failures.
The families’ lawyers have criticised the proposed settlement, asserting that it does not adequately reflect the profound loss and suffering experienced by the victims’ loved ones. They are urging the court to reject the current agreement and impose a more substantial fine that aligns with the scale of the disaster.
Boeing has previously admitted responsibility for the crash, acknowledging the unsafe conditions associated with the aircraft. The ongoing legal battle underscores the families’ pursuit of justice and fair compensation in the aftermath of the catastrophic event.
