Alaska Airlines passengers who lost their door plugs during a flight were offered just $1,500 in compensation for their horrific ordeal, but lawyers say they will sue the airline for more compensation I believe we are in a great position to make this happen.
A compensation package, including ticket refunds, was provided via email to passengers on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 after Friday night's debacle. wall street journal report.
Daniel Lawrence, a partner at the Seattle-based firm Strittmatter, who is representing Alaska Airlines passengers in a separate case, told the newspaper that the passengers on Flight 1282 had filed for legal action for “emotional distress.” He said he may seek action.
“As a moral issue, $1,500 per passenger is insufficient for what could be described as a death or near-death experience,” Lawrence said.
“They're obviously going to sue for the emotional pain inflicted on them,” Lawrence said, adding that he wouldn't be surprised if the lawsuit started as early as tomorrow.
“I actually received a call this morning from one of the passengers who wanted to talk to me about this incident,” he added.
Passengers aboard Flight 1282 from Portland, Oregon, were left staring into the starry abyss and beyond on Friday when a door plug burst from the port side of the fuselage at about 16,000 feet during the plane's first ascent. was made into
In the ensuing mayhem, passengers' belongings were sucked through an opening, an oxygen mask fell from the ceiling, and a boy's shirt was torn from his body as flight attendants implored everyone to keep their seatbelts fastened. and was thrown out into the night.
The plane made an emergency landing in Portland and all 171 passengers deplaned, but while no serious injuries were reported, many are still haunted by the fear they felt during the ordeal.
“I literally thought I was going to die,” said Sreysoa Ng, a passenger who was sitting one row back in the dilapidated hole. wall street journal.
Another passenger, Emma Vu, posted a TikTok video sharing a screenshot of a message she sent to her parents during the flight, asking them to “please pray for me.” I don't want to die. ”
Passengers reported that in return for their troubles, the airline offered a $1,500 ticket refund and assistance booking new travel.
It is unclear whether the funds were intended for new flights or were given in addition to free new tickets.
“We are working directly with our customers to ensure they are accommodated and have alternative flights available,” Alaska Airlines told the Post.
Vu said in the video that Alaska Airlines offered her a new flight with a free upgrade for more legroom and free meals. She was not impressed.
“Mr. Alaska would want money, maybe money for medical treatment. I don't know, but I don't think a refundable flight with more legroom and free water and snacks would be enough.” I feel like that,” she said.
Lawrence said passengers like Vu may get her wish, but that's not the case until a thorough investigation is conducted to determine the cause of the incident and which parties are responsible. said it was Alaska Airlines, jet maker Boeing, or a company that provided parts for the plane. 737 Max 9 Jet, Spirit Aero Systems.
Lawrence said each passenger's individual experience, including details such as proximity to the hole, would also likely influence what damages a jury would award in an emotional distress lawsuit, but He pointed out that simply being on a plane is more than enough. to file a lawsuit.
“The thought that goes through my mind is that if I was on the ground and it was safe at that point, I could have died up there. And frankly, if it had happened at 30,000 feet, The plane could have disintegrated,” Lawrence said.
“So it was a very serious situation. And I think it was understandable that the people who were on that plane at the time were scared.”
Lawrence is currently representing a passenger on an Oct. 22 flight after an off-duty pilot in a jump seat in the cockpit allegedly tried to shut off the plane's engine while high on magic mushrooms. , is leading a separate lawsuit against Alaska Airlines. That lawsuit is ongoing.
A number of Boeing 737 Max 9s have been grounded across the United States as airlines inspect other flights to ensure the same problem does not occur.
United Airlines announced on Monday that door plug bolts were found to be loose on other planes.
