Victim's relatives sue EgyptAir for $50m
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE FIRST law suit arising from the crash of EgyptAir flight 990 has been filed, claiming $50m (pounds 31m) in damages.
The suit was lodged by the family of Ghassan Koujan, a Syrian chef who was flying to the Middle East to arrange immigration papers so that his wife and three children could join him in New Jersey. Mr Koujan had been living in America for 10 years and was seeking US citizenship.
Boeing, which built the jet, is named with the airline as a co-defendant. However, legal experts predict that Boeing will be absolved of liability if current theories - that the plane was brought down deliberately by one of the plane's crew - are proved.
Whatever the outcome of the investigation, EgyptAir will almost certainly face serial lawsuits, they said. "Whether it is a defective aeroplane or whether it is an improperly trained crew or whether it is suicide by a deranged co-pilot, the airline is liable," said Lee Kreindler, an aviation lawyer.
Gerald Baker, the New Jersey lawyer representing the Koujan family, said he had written to EgyptAir asking it to make payments to the families of victims at once. "We are calling on EgyptAir to do the right thing," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments