Now, four months later, James Healy-Pratt, a partner of Stewart's Law, a firm of London-based litigation lawyers, has filed a lawsuit against Boeing, the plane's manufacturer, and GE Aviation, who made the engines. The case has been filed in Chicago on behalf of 65 passengers who say that they suffered physically and emotionally.
Initial findings indicate that the fire started with a spool inside the engine, which is a key part that powers the plane. Healy-Pratt states that the plane was defective and unreasonably dangerous, adding that the makers knew that certain parts were prone to fracture and failure. GE Aviation say that parts other than those criticised were in the engine and that this was the first engine failure of its kind.
When I first read the story, I thought what a great shame it was that the passengers are now trying to make financial gain from the accident. It demonstrated to me the claim culture that we're now part of; some people are always trying to make money from a mishap. If I'd have been a passenger, I would be celebrating my survival and not be joining part of a mass lawsuit.
I imagine the law firm smells large profits from the legal action. They've been drumming up business from malleable passengers; enticing them with hopes of becoming rich from successful claims. Many of the claimants are British and six Americans and some Irish have also been signed up. Healy-Pratt expects the number of claimants to rise to one hundred.
I don't want to belittle the trauma that those involved must have gone through. I imagine many are wary of flying again and may need counselling. Others will retell the event as an adventure, although one not to be repeated. Accidents happen and sometimes we need to accept that. If, once the investigation reports, it's found that there was negligence by one or both companies, then there would be justifiable compensation. Until then, why can't the passengers just get on with their lives and count themselves lucky.