Airline Crashes & Aviation Accidents
Jonathan C. Reiter obtained the highest verdict for a single passenger in the EgyptAir 990 crash ($3.6 million including interest). This case is the first to award loss of society damages to a victim’s sisters, brother and cousin as dependent relatives under the Death on the High Seas Act, in addition to awarding substantial damages to the victim’s parents. (See News Article).
AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 587-BELLE HARBOR, NEW YORK
American Airlines Flight 587 bound for the Dominican Republic, crashed shortly after takeoff from JFK International Airport in New York, when the tail section of the aircraft fell off and the plane plummeted into Jamaica Bay. Mr. Reiter was a member of the Executive Committee of the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee for this litigation. Mr. Reiter negotiated million dollar and/or multi-million dollar settlements for the survivors of 14 persons killed in the crash, including residents of the United States and the Dominican Republic totaling over $32 million.
SWISSAIR FLIGHT 111-PEGGY’S COVE NOVA SCOTIA
After leaving New York for Geneva, Swissair Flight 111 attempted to make an emergency landing after a fire broke out due to defective wiring and insulation in the aircraft. It then crashed into the Atlantic Ocean killing everyone on board. Million dollar and/or multi-million dollar settlements were negotiated for survivors of persons killed in the crash totaling over $5 million.
DEFECTIVE HANDRAIL ON AIRPLANE STAIRS CAUSES PASSENGER’S DEATH
While the client was descending the exit stairs on a commuter plane, the metal handrail detached from the fuselage, causing him to fall to ground, striking his head on the runway, and eventually causing his death. A settlement of approximately $2 million was obtained.
* All of the above aviation cases were prosecuted by Mr. Reiter as a member of a separate and distinct law firm, and not in his capacity as the owner of the Law Firm of Jonathan C. Reiter. Other members of that separate and distinct law firm also participated in the representation of these clients.
AIRPLANE FIRE AND NEGLIGENT EMERGENCY PROCEDURES CAUSE INJURY TO PASSENGER
While an airplane was taxiing on the runway, a smoke condition and faulty instructions by the crew caused a panic exit from the plane, resulting in serious injuries being sustained by our client as she was descending the emergency slide. Mr. Reiter obtained a settlement of approximately $900,000.
