Boeing Ordered to Pay $35.8M to Family of UN Worker Killed in 737 MAX Crash
A Chicago jury orders Boeing to pay $35.8 million to the family of UN worker Shikha Garg, marking the first verdict tied to the deadly 737 MAX crashes.
A Landmark Verdict in a Tragedy That Shook Aviation
A federal jury in Chicago delivered a powerful message this week, directing Boeing to compensate the family of a United Nations environmental specialist who died in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash. The ruling, marking the first jury verdict linked to the two catastrophic 737 MAX crashes, signals a significant moment of accountability for one of the largest aerospace manufacturers in the world.
A Global Disaster With Lasting Ripples
The 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which went down shortly after departing Addis Ababa for Nairobi, became one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent memory. Only five months earlier, a Lion Air flight in Indonesia plunged into the Java Sea. Both incidents involved Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft and, combined, claimed the lives of 346 people.
Among the victims was 32-year-old Shikha Garg, a UN environmental expert traveling to a regional conference. Her death, along with the others, ignited international scrutiny over Boeing’s design choices and disclosures surrounding the aircraft’s automated flight control system.
Jury Awards Full Compensation, Boeing Won’t Appeal
On Wednesday, a Chicago federal jury ordered Boeing to pay more than $28 million in damages to Garg’s family. After additional calculations negotiated between both parties, including 26% interest, the final payout totals $35.85 million.
Attorneys representing the Garg family confirmed that Boeing agreed not to challenge the decision, enabling the family to receive the full amount without a lengthy appeals process.
The verdict stands out because it is the first jury decision among dozens of lawsuits stemming from the two 737 MAX crashes. While Boeing has settled the majority of claims privately, this public judgment marks a rare courtroom examination of the company’s conduct leading up to the disasters.
A Call for Public Accountability
In a statement following the verdict, Boeing expressed remorse for the lives lost in both tragedies. A company spokesperson emphasized that while most claims have been settled, families have every right to pursue damages in court, and Boeing respects those choices.
Attorneys Shanin Specter and Elizabeth Crawford, who represented the Garg family, said the jury’s decision underscores “public accountability for Boeing’s wrongful conduct.” Their remarks reflect a broader sentiment among families who have demanded transparency and acknowledgment of failures in the aircraft’s design and safety assessments.
What the Lawsuit Claimed
The civil suit argued that the 737 MAX was built with critical design flaws, specifically pointing to the automated Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a system later identified as a major contributor to both crashes.
Lawyers contended that Boeing not only created an unsafe aircraft but also failed to fully inform regulators, airlines, and the flying public about the risks posed by the new system. Investigators later found that the MCAS could activate based on a single faulty sensor, triggering repeated nose-down commands that pilots struggled to counter.
Wider Impact & Corporate Consequences
Boeing has already paid out billions of dollars through settlements, civil litigation, and a deferred prosecution agreement reached with the U.S. Department of Justice. The company previously reported resolving more than 90% of claims related to the Indonesian and Ethiopian crashes.
As recently as November 5, Boeing settled three additional lawsuits brought by the families of other Ethiopian Airlines victims. The terms of those agreements remain confidential.
Despite these settlements, the latest verdict signals that Boeing may continue to face courtroom scrutiny in cases where families seek public acknowledgment, not just compensation.
What This Verdict Means Going Forward
For the aviation industry, the decision serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences of rushed development timelines and inadequate system testing. It underscores the legal and reputational risks companies face when safety is compromised.
For the families of victims, the ruling offers a measure of closure, though no amount of money can replace what was lost. It also reinforces a sense of justice sought by the global community watching Boeing’s handling of the crisis.
As for Boeing, the case adds another chapter to a period marked by intense oversight, regulatory reform, and efforts to rebuild public trust in the 737 MAX fleet.
Accountability Takes Center Stage
The Chicago jury’s decision delivers more than financial compensation, it reaffirms the importance of transparency and responsibility in aviation. As Boeing continues navigating its legal and reputational challenges, the verdict in favor of Shikha Garg’s family stands as a defining moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the victims of the 737 MAX tragedies.
ALSO READ: Flight Chaos Deepens as U.S. Shutdown Grounds Air Travel