Recent events have seen a surge of discontent directed at Boeing and Alaska Airlines, as passengers from a 2018 flight have rallied to sue the two companies for a staggering sum of $1 billion. This proposed legal action is consequent to a highly unnerving mid-air mishap wherein a door panel consequently blew out.
The flight in question, Alaska Airlines Flight 146, was flying on a Boeing 737 from Anchorage to Seattle on December 26, 2018. While in flight, the external door pane blew out, causing the pilot to divert and make an emergency landing at the nearest airport. Although there was no reported injuries, the emotional terror that ensued has left the 120 passengers and crew members on board seeking compensation for the psychological trauma experienced.
The plaintiffs, represented by attorney Jason Kellerman, allege that both Boeing and Alaska Airlines had knowledge about the defect in the plane, yet they allowed it to fly. The lawsuit in development accuses both parties of negligence, claiming that they failed to adhere to professional standards by knowingly allowing a faulty aircraft to be airborne.
Kellerman attributes the root of the problem to Boeing’s alleged culture of prioritizing profit over safety. He contends that the company knew about the defective door panel yet chose to overlook this significant oversight. This is due to an internal Boeing document dating back to 2007, which indicates awareness of the defect. The document highlights how the panel latches could fail, jeopardizing the flight’s safety.
In addition to Boeing’s questionable ethics, Alaska Airlines was equally castigated due to its supposed knowledge of the aircraft’s flaw. As charged, Alaska Airlines risked the lives of its passengers and crew by allowing the flawed aircraft to operate. Furthermore, they allegedly failed to adequately inspect the plane before takeoff, violating a fundamental duty in the aviation industry.
Notably, the lawsuit pursues the route of finding the companies guilty of intentional infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiffs have probably chosen this approach because of the absence of physical injuries. Although no one aboard the flight experienced corporeal damage, the emotional and psychological repercussions are thought to be significant enough to necessitate a hefty compensation claim.
In a statement, the attorney Jason Kellerman justified the substantial $1 billion demand, considering the number of people traumatized and the impact on their mental health. According to Kellerman, the intention behind the lawsuit is not only to seek compensation but also to ensure such an incident does not recur.
The case against Boeing and Alaska Airlines sets an indisputable precedence that safety should never be compromised in the name of profit. Moreover, it sends a strong message to other companies operating within the aviation industry: Negligence is not an option, and the peace of mind of passengers should always be a priority.
As the lawsuit is still in its early stages, the outcome remains uncertain. However, it is clear that this case will serve as an essential litmus test for future discussions surrounding airline safety and the rights of passengers. Regardless of the result, the conversation around passengers’ rights, safety policies, and corporate accountability has undeniably been propelled to the spotlight.