URGENT UPDATE: Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay $79 million to settle a class-action lawsuit stemming from a shocking midair fuel dump that occurred in 2020 over Los Angeles. This decision follows years of legal battles after a Delta flight released approximately 15,000 pounds of jet fuel, coating homes, schools, and playgrounds in the area.
The incident took place shortly after the flight lost engine thrust during takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). As a result, more than 50 people, including children, required treatment for minor skin and breathing irritations. Residents have argued that the pilots had alternative options to release the fuel safely over the Pacific Ocean or at a higher altitude, where it could have dissipated without incident.
Delta has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that its pilots acted in accordance with federal regulations and their FAA-approved training. A subsequent investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cleared the pilots of any misconduct. However, the legal agreement filed in federal court this week awaits judicial approval and is seen as a significant resolution to a prolonged legal struggle.
The settlement allocates about one-third of the total payout for attorney fees and costs, while the remaining funds are set to be distributed among approximately 38,000 affected property owners and residents. If every claimant comes forward, individual payouts could average around $889 per household and $104 per resident.
The case also raised concerns about potential environmental damage. A lab study conducted following the incident found no traces of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil a week later, challenging claims of lasting contamination. Additionally, Delta pointed to home sales data indicating no drop in property values in the aftermath of the incident.
Despite these findings, the residents’ legal team argued that families deserve compensation for the disruption caused by the event. Plaintiffs’ attorney Filippo Marchino of the X-Law Group expressed satisfaction with the settlement, stating, “We are especially pleased to obtain this result for residents of the southeast LA communities, comprised of hard-working families who asked only for respect and just treatment.”
The settlement concludes over five years of litigation and consolidates multiple lawsuits, including claims from local educators. For the affected communities in southeast LA, this agreement marks a pivotal moment, providing a sense of justice since the day jet fuel unexpectedly fell from the sky.
Delta did not provide further comments but reiterated its position of denying wrongdoing in the settlement agreement. The airline indicated that settling would help resolve the uncertainty related to ongoing litigation and avoid significant legal costs.
As this situation develops, affected residents are encouraged to stay informed about the claims process to ensure they receive their due compensation. The settlement is expected to bring some relief to those impacted by this incident, highlighting the importance of corporate accountability and community support in times of crisis.
