Airlines Will Go to Trial Over Negligence Claims Related to 9/11
On Sept. 11, 2001, two of the tallest buildings in the world came crashing down, collapsing at a speed of just 12 seconds per tower. In the wreckage of what had been the World Trade Center were bits and pieces of hijacked United and American planes.
Now as the 11-year anniversary of 9/11 nears, those airlines must face a federal trial over negligence claims related to the terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000.
9/11: Were Airlines Negligent?
It all began, reports Bloomberg, with a suit brought by the company that owned the twin towers – the World Trade Center Properties LLC. In the suit, it was alleged that the two airlines were negligent “for allowing terrorists to board and hijack the planes that were flown into the buildings.” The airlines have strongly denied any negligence. Underlying issues in the suit also include insurance payouts, replacement costs of four destroyed buildings on which there were 99-year leases, and more.
New Laws after 9/11 for Airlines and Passengers
Meanwhile, as Reuters notes, a law that was signed just 11 days after the terror attacks capped liability for American and United at the limits in their insurance. But it was another law in the wake of the attacks that had far broader implications for the flying public – the Aviation and Transportation Security Act – which created the airport security agency known as the TSA.
TSA Turns 10: Keeping Us Safe or Security ‘Theater’?
Since then, no planes have again been used by terrorist for mass destruction – though there have been attempts, such as the case of the Shoe Bomber and the so-called Underwear Bomber – though some critics say that’s mostly because would be saboteurs have moved on to other methods.
