Boeing and Alaska Airlines face a hefty $1 billion lawsuit from three passengers who were aboard a 737 Max 9 flight when a door panel blew out mid-flight. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of both Boeing and the airline, suggesting that preventive measures could have averted the January 5 incident.
According to NBC News, the lawsuit, filed on February 23, highlights the alleged failure of Boeing and Alaska Airlines to heed warning signs preceding the event.
It seeks damages not only for the three plaintiffs but also on behalf of other passengers who may have flown on Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft during the FAA-mandated grounding period following the mishap.
“The lawsuit seeks substantial punitive damages … for what was a preventable incident,” NBC News reported, emphasizing the jeopardy faced by the 174 passengers and six crew members aboard the flight.
Filed in Multnomah County, Oregon, on behalf of Kyle Rinker, Amanda Strickland, and Kevin Kwok, the complaint outlines severe physical, emotional, and psychological injuries suffered by the plaintiffs, including post-traumatic stress and bleeding ears due to sudden cabin pressure changes.
Jonathan W. Johnson, LLC, the aviation law firm representing the plaintiffs, underscored its intent to hold Boeing accountable for the incident, which it described as preventable and indicative of profit prioritization over safety. The lawsuit characterizes the event as part of a broader pattern of negligence by Boeing and Alaska Airlines.
While the plane managed to land safely back in Portland, the lawsuit notes that several passengers sustained minor injuries and lost belongings due to the blown-out door panel. The incident prompted both airlines to reconsider future orders with Boeing for additional Max aircraft, including the Max 10 variant.
Despite the ordeal, 737 Max 9s operated by Alaska and United Airlines have since resumed flights, signaling a cautious return to service following the safety scare.
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