Delta Flight 4819 crash: passengers get $30,000

Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 experienced a dramatic landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport when the plane flipped over, leaving 76 passengers hanging upside down, restrained by seat belts. The company is now offering $30,000 in compensation to each of them.

If all the passengers accept the offer, the total amount Delta will pay$DAL will come to about $2.3 million.

According to a statement to CNN by an airline spokesman, this is a "gesture without conditions" that does not affect the passengers' other rights.

Hard landing and fire

The incident took place on February 17 around 2:15 p.m. local time when the CRJ900, operated by Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air, was cleared to land. On landing on the runway, a hard impact resulted in the rear landing gear breaking, the aircraft catching fire and overturning. Video footage obtained by CNN shows the right wing of the machine breaking off in a fiery explosion.

Although there were strong winds in the area on the day of the crash, the exact cause of the incident has not yet been determined. A total of 80 people were on board, including a crew of four, and all survived. Twenty-one passengers were transported to the hospital, but Delta said they have all been released.

What does the compensation mean for the passengers?

It is not yet clear exactly how and when passengers will be able to receive the compensation offered. According to attorney Thomas A. Demetrio of the law firm Corboy & Demetrio, which specializes in airline accidents, the payout should be made quickly after the passengers agree.

"There's no reason for delay," Demetrio told CNN.

Compensation is standard procedure in cases of similar incidents, according to attorney Erin Applebaum of Kreindler. Applebaum is representing several passengers from Flight 4819 and notes that Delta's offer is not a bar to a potential lawsuit.

"Compensation could include payment for medical expenses, lost income due to disability or psychological harm," Demetrio explained.

Possible further legal action

Passengers who decide to sue an airline have up to two years to file a lawsuit, as stipulated by the Montreal Convention. This international legal framework allows passengers to recover up to $200,000 in compensation if they can prove that an accident occurred - even if the airline was not negligent.

However, if the injuries sustained cause greater costs, passengers are entitled to more compensation. In addition, there is no fixed limit on damages if the airline is proven to be negligent.

Applebaum estimates that most cases will be settled out of court within 12 to 18 months.

"Passengers have ample time to monitor the progress of their medical problems and decide how to proceed," Applebaum concluded.

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Source: CNN