Last month, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 caught fire on the ground at Denver International Airport. The aircraft had diverted there due to engine vibrations. While passengers and crew evacuated safely, some sustained minor injuries. "As a direct and proximate result of the negligent conduct of Defendants, Mr. Adamson has suffered, and will continue to suffer, injuries, damages and losses, including but not limited to past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish and emotional distress," states the lawsuit.
The incident has now led to legal action. News AZ International reports that Jerry Adamson, a passenger from Texas, filed a lawsuit in a Denver court on March 31st. Represented by Ramos Law, Adamson is suing American Airlines for negligence and misconduct. CBS News highlights the lawsuit's claims of "failing to orderly evacuate" and "failing to timely request emergency assistance." Denver 7 reports an accusation about not following standard procedures and questioning the choice of diverting to Denver instead of returning to Colorado Springs.
Jessica McBryant, from Ramos Law, explained, "what we are doing with these lawsuits is just to make sure that we can try and make things safer for people moving forward." Joseph LoRusso, also from Ramos Law, criticized the handling of the situation, querying, "Why not have trucks follow you in? Why not say to Denver International Airport [that] 'we are coming in with a vibration, just want to have ARFF follow us in.'"