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Covid-19 Delta Variant Has A Mutation That’s Worrying Experts
October 21, 2021
February 21, 2025
After the Delta Air Lines crash in Toronto, Delta Air Lines is offering $30,000 in compensation to each of the 76 passengers aboard Flight 4819, which crashed and flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17. If all passengers accept the offer, Delta will pay out approximately $2.3 million in total.
According to a Delta spokesperson, the payout comes with no strings attached and does not impact passengers’ legal rights.
The CRJ900 twin-jet, operated by Delta’s subsidiary Endeavor Air, was cleared for landing at 2:15 p.m. ET when it touched down hard on the runway, causing the rear landing gear to collapse. The right wing broke off in a fireball, and the aircraft flipped upside down, leaving passengers hanging from their seatbelts.
Despite the severity of the crash, all 80 people on board, including four crew members, survived. Twenty-one passengers were taken to the hospital but have since been discharged. Strong winds were reported in Toronto throughout the day, though the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Passengers who accept Delta’s offer will receive the funds shortly after agreeing, according to aviation litigation expert Thomas A. Demetrio adding that compensation payments are a common practice in airline incidents.
Legal experts believe Delta’s offer is unlikely to deter passengers from seeking additional damages, especially for medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress.
Under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty governing airline liability, injured passengers on international flights can claim compensation up to $200,000 without needing to prove airline negligence. If the airline is found negligent, the compensation cap is lifted, allowing passengers to seek higher damages.
Passengers have two years to file a lawsuit, though most cases are expected to settle out of court within 12 to 18 months, according to aviation attorney Erin Applebaum.
As investigations continue, Delta’s proactive compensation offer is seen as a public relations move to support affected passengers while also managing potential legal risks. However, legal battles could still emerge depending on the findings of the ongoing safety investigation.
Source: CNN
Image: KSL
