Boeing Agrees to Settlement in Case of John Barnett, Who Raised Safety Concerns
Boeing Co has agreed to pay at least $50,000 (approximately ₹44.36 lakh) to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of John Barnett, a former Boeing employee and whistleblower who died by suicide in March 2024. Barnett had raised safety concerns about Boeing’s manufacturing practices and alleged retaliation from the company.
Background of the Case
- John Barnett was in the middle of giving a deposition related to litigation accusing Boeing of retaliating against him for reporting safety issues.
- His death, officially ruled a suicide, brought significant media attention and raised questions about the work culture at Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner factories in North Charleston, South Carolina.
- The case coincided with ongoing federal investigations at Boeing’s Seattle-area factory following a safety incident involving a 737 Max aircraft.
Details of the Settlement
- Boeing and Barnett’s family agreed to a “full, final, and confidential settlement” that dismisses all claims, including the active case at the time of Barnett’s death.
- The settlement allocates $20,000 toward legal fees and costs, with the remaining amount paid to the plaintiffs.
- Boeing continues to deny any wrongdoing or responsibility for Barnett’s death.
- The company expressed sadness over Barnett’s passing and extended condolences to his family, stating that it had previously addressed the safety concerns raised by Barnett.
Boeing’s Statement
“We are saddened by Mr. Barnett’s death and extend our condolences to his family as we reach this resolution. Boeing took actions several years ago to review and address the issues that Mr. Barnett raised,” Boeing said in an official statement.
