No matter the outcome, a personal injury lawsuit can be costly for the defendant. Legal fees and time spent in the courtroom can quickly pile up. In some situations, people who are victims of negligence seek extensive compensation for serious damages. In other cases, the damages may not be as severe. In either circumstance, having a strong defense could save a company millions of dollars, as one recent incident illustrates.
A number of passengers aboard a British plane allege that an emergency they experienced In September of this year has resulted in emotional distress, pain and suffering. The incident began when a Boeing 777-200 was preparing to take off from in Las Vegas. The plane caught fire, allegedly because one of the engines began to disintegrate. As a result, the pilot abandoned takeoff and the 157 passengers on board were evacuated using emergency slides.
Of the 27 people taken to the hospital, 14 were treated for minor injuries. One of the passengers stated that he experiences sleepless nights and stress as a result of the incident. Currently, 65 passengers have lodged a formal complaint in Chicago against Boeing and General Electric, and another 40 have filed a lawsuit in the United Kingdom. The claims amount to $100 million.
A spokeswoman for Boeing stated that everyone who was involved in the incident has been assigned a personal customer care team member. Further, Boeing is reportedly cooperating with the investigation. It remains to be seen how the suit will play out either in court or in negotiations. Product liability is a serious issue. Any company that is the subject of a personal injury claim should consult with an attorney.
Source: Daily Mail, “Boeing faces $100 million lawsuit over BA jet which burst into flames in Las Vegas after its engine exploded,” Darren Boyle, Nov. 27, 2015
