Two individuals involved in Monday’s Delta plane incident at Toronto’s Pearson Airport have filed separate lawsuits against Delta Air Lines and its subsidiary Endeavor Air, alleging negligence on multiple fronts.
In the first case, filed in U.S. District Court in Georgia on behalf of Marthinus Lourens of Texas, the complaint alleges that during the crash the aircraft rolled upside down, drenching him in jet fuel. Lourens claims he sustained significant physical injuries and emotional distress. DJC Law, representing him, asserts that deficiencies in the operation, maintenance, and management of the flight directly contributed to the accident. The lawsuit demands a jury trial, seeking both compensatory and punitive damages—up to roughly US$200,000 under the Montreal Convention, with additional claims for negligence. “DJC Law is committed to ensuring full accountability and justice for Mr. Lourens as he seeks compensation for his suffering and losses,” said lawyer Andres Pereira.
A second lawsuit, initiated in Minnesota by Motley Rice LLC on behalf of Hannah Krebs from Minneapolis, alleges that Krebs endured severe bodily harm, mental anguish, and economic losses due to the crash. The complaint contends that Delta and Endeavor Air were negligent, citing failures such as non-adherence to standard landing procedures and insufficient training and supervision of the flight crew. “As a former U.S. Air Force navigator, I understand the challenges that flight crews often face in the moment, but adhering to established protocols is critically important to ensure passenger safety,” said lawyer Jim Brauchle, representing Krebs. “This suit seeks to hold Delta and Endeavor Air accountable for actions we believe led to a preventable catastrophic event.”
None of the allegations have yet been tested in court. Meanwhile, a Delta spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation. The airline has offered US$30,000 in compensation to passengers from the incident, emphasizing that the payment “has no strings attached and does not affect rights.”
The crash occurred Monday afternoon when a Delta plane hit the tarmac at Pearson, tipped over, and generated a fireball as its wing scraped along the ground before coming to a stop in a cloud of smoke. All 76 passengers and four crew members survived the incident, though 21 were initially treated for injuries at local hospitals—all of whom have since been released. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is continuing its investigation into the accident.
