Jury Awards $49.5 Million to Family of Boeing 737 MAX Crash Victim

A Chicago jury has awarded $49.5 million in damages to the family of Samya Stumo, a victim of the March 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX crash. The verdict includes $21 million for Stumo’s pre-death experiences, $16.5 million for loss of companionship, and $12 million for grief. This marks the second jury verdict against Boeing related to the disaster, following a previous $28 million award in November. While Boeing did not contest liability, punitive damage claims against executives were dismissed, though lawyers are seeking their reinstatement. The crash, which killed 157 people, was part of two accidents involving the 737 MAX that claimed 346 lives globally. Boeing has settled over 90% of related civil lawsuits, paying billions in compensation. Additionally, the company recently navigated legal challenges regarding criminal charges, ultimately agreeing to significant fines and compliance improvements after the Justice Department dropped its demand for a guilty plea in May 2025. Boeing stated it respects families' rights to pursue claims through the court system despite most cases being resolved via settlement.