Boeing sidesteps MAX crash trial with last‑minute settlement
Settlement Reached for 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Crash
Boeing has accepted liability for the tragic 2019 Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 disaster. The 737 MAX crash killed 157 passengers and created a wave of lawsuits seeking damages from the US aerospace manufacturer.
Key Facts of the Crash
- Date and Flight – March 10, 2019; flight departed Addis Ababa for Nairobi.
- Fatalities – 157 people died, including Paul Njoroge’s wife, three children, and mother‑in‑law.
- System Involved – The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) malfunctioned, a design error that also caused the Lion Air 2018 disaster.
Paul Njoroge’s Lawsuit and Settlement
Paul Njoroge, an Ethiopian businessman, was to file a wrongful‑death claim in Chicago. A senior partner at Clifford Law Offices announced the case had been settled for a confidential amount, avoiding a federal trial scheduled for Monday.
Settlement Process
- Clifford’s aviation team worked round‑the‑clock.
- Mediator facilitated an agreement that ended the litigation.
- The case would have lasted 5‑7 days if trial proceeded.
Boeing’s Legal Strategy for MAX Crashes
- Out‑of‑court Agreements – Boeing has reached settlements with more than 90% of civil complainants across 155 plaintiffs.
- Criminal Probe Settlement – A pending settlement could resolve a long‑running Department of Justice criminal inquiry linked to the MAX incidents.
- DOJ Accord Contest – Some families argue that Boeing should face federal prosecution; a Texas judge has yet to finalize the proposed accord.
Historical Context of MAX Litigation
Between April 2019 and March 2021, families of 155 Boeing victims joined lawsuits charging the company with wrongful death and negligence. Boeing has consistently avoided civil trials by negotiating settlements hours before trials were set to begin.
Conclusion
By settling Paul Njoroge’s claim, Boeing has once again sidestepped a federal trial for the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash. The airline’s approach underscores a broader trend of negotiating settlements to mitigate litigation risk for the 737 MAX series.
