Abdelrahman
Delta Air Lines has announced that it will offer $30,000 to each individual onboard Flight 4819, which experienced a crash during its landing attempt in Toronto this week. This incident, involving 76 passengers and four crew members, resulted in a hard landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, ending with the aircraft overturned and its right wing severed. Fortunately, all 80 individuals aboard survived the incident.
As of Wednesday morning, Delta reported that of the 21 passengers who required hospitalization, all but one had been discharged, with none suffering from life-threatening injuries. The airline confirmed the $30,000 compensation offer, clarifying that it is “no strings attached” and does not alter any legal rights of the passengers, according to a company spokesperson via email.
Days after the accident, investigation details remain scarce. Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO, stated in a CBS interview that the flight was operated by a “highly experienced crew,” though he provided limited additional insights.
Amid this situation, some passengers are exploring potential compensation avenues through legal representation. Canadian law firm Rochon Genova has announced that they have been engaged by multiple passengers seeking recourse.
International aviation regulations necessitate that U.S. airlines make advance payments to passengers in the event of an accident resulting in injury or death, should these funds be deemed necessary to meet immediate financial needs. In cases of fatalities, the initial compensation must exceed approximately $20,000, as noted on Delta’s official website, which refers to the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions governing air travel liability. The compensation amount for injured passengers is determined by the airline.
It is essential to understand that such compensation does not imply an admission of fault by the airline. If passengers later pursue legal action and secure compensation, the initial payment will be deducted from the total awarded amount.
In a similar context, in 2013, Asiana Airlines offered $10,000 to each of the survivors of a crash landing in San Francisco that resulted in three fatalities. This payment was also presented as not hindering the passengers’ right to pursue legal claims. Numerous lawsuits followed against the airline and the aircraft’s manufacturer in the United States, with some cases reaching undisclosed settlements.
Furthermore, last year, an Alaska Airlines flight experienced an in-flight incident when a panel detached mid-flight, prompting the airline to offer each passenger a $1,500 payment along with a full refund to cover immediate incidental costs.
