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US Jury Awards $49.5 Million To 2019 Boeing 737 MAX Crash Victim's Family
A Chicago jury awarded $49.5 million in damages to the family of Samya Stumo, who died in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash linked to Boeing's 737 MAX. The verdict follows related MAX crash cases, most of which settled out of court, while Stumo's family pursued litigation to trial. The trial began in May 2026, with a rapid deliberation leading to the damages award.
Why It Matters
This ruling extends civil liability exposure for Boeing connected to the 737 MAX crashes and highlights ongoing legal accountability for victims' families, even as many cases settle out of court.
Timeline
6 Events
May 14, 2026: Next MAX trial scheduled for August 3
May 14, 2026
The article notes the next MAX-related trial is scheduled for August 3, 2026, focusing on the death of Michael Ryan of Ireland.
May 13, 2026: Jury awards $49.5 million to Stumo family
May 13, 2026
A Chicago jury awarded $49.5 million in damages to the Stumo family after about two hours of deliberation.
May 11, 2026: Trial begins in Samya Stumo case
May 11, 2026
The civil trial brought by relatives of Samya Stumo began in Chicago federal court, with the suit relating to the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash.
January 2026: Second MAX-related trial halted after settlement
January 2026
A second MAX-related trial, in January 2026, was halted after an out-of-court settlement was reached on the second day.
November 2025: Chicago jury awards $28.45 million
November 2025
In November 2025, a Chicago jury awarded $28.45 million to the widower of one of the Boeing 737 MAX crash victims.
2025: Criminal charges dropped against Boeing in MAX crashes
2025
A U.S. judge dropped criminal charges against Boeing in 2025 as part of an agreement with prosecutors.