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Passenger Sues Boeing for $40 Million Over Alleged Toxic Fumes on Delta 737

The filing is described as the first U.S. passenger-led case on fume exposures, signaling rising legal and regulatory scrutiny.

Overview

  • Jonathan Harris, a Loyola Law School lecturer at the time, alleges a Delta 737 exposed him to noxious fumes that caused lasting brain and respiratory injuries.
  • He says a strong dirty sock-like odor filled the cabin after landing in Los Angeles and intensified during a roughly 45‑minute wait for a gate.
  • Harris reports immediate illness on board and ongoing problems including balance and motor-skill issues, tremors, memory loss, and cognitive deficits.
  • The lawsuit was filed last week in Arlington, Virginia, and his lawyer characterizes it as the first U.S. commercial-flight case led by a passenger on this issue, with prior suits brought by crew members.
  • Boeing and Delta declined to comment, as 39 members of Congress recently urged the FAA to address fume incidents and industry groups maintain such events are rare.