Just a hunch, but I think Dr. David Dao finds himself a very wealthy man tonight. His attorney has announced a settlement has been reached.
In a press release (.pdf) from his attorney, we learn that Dao has reached an “amicable settlement” with United Airlines, but the amount will remain confidential.
Attorney Thomas A. Demetrio praised Untied CEO Oscar Munoz, stating–
Mr. Munoz said he was going to do the right thing, and he has. In addition, United has taken full responsibility for what happened on UA3411, without attempting to blame others, including the City of Chicago. For this acceptance of corporate responsibility, United is to be applauded.
Demetrio added–
Dr. Dao has become the unintended champion for the adoption of changes which will certainly help improve the lives of literally millions of travelers. I sincerely hope that all other airlines make similar changes and follow United’s lead in helping to improve the passenger flying experience with an emphasis on empathy, patience, respect, and dignity.”
I would not blame Dao for never stepping foot on a United flight again, but if I were him I would have pulled a Jeff Smisek and tried to negotiate some lucrative flight benefits as part of the settlement package.
On a day in which United has renewed its commitment to customer service, I am glad that the Dao issue can finally be put to bed.
Read More on UA3411:
Doctor Dragged Off Oversold United Flight
United CEO Addresses Bloodied Passenger Incident
I’ll Defend Oscar’s Note to United Employees on Flight 3411
Royal Jordanian Trolls United Airlines
Is Oscar Munoz in Danger of Losing His Job?
Details Emerge on Identity of Doctor Dragged Off United Flight
What United CEO Left Out of Apology
Emirates Shames United With Powerful Ad
Must See: United CEO on Good Morning America
One New Video, Two Competing Narratives – Passenger Interaction with Police Prior to Ejection from United Flight
Why Didn’t Anyone Help the Bloody Passenger?
Lawyers Stage Elaborate Press Conference to Pummel United Airlines
Is Oscar Munoz a Liar?
United Airlines Board of Directors Addresses Controversy
United CEO Apology Tour at Asian Consulates
Police Officer Who Dragged Doctor Off United Flight Tells His Side
United CEO Writes Me a Letter
New Audio and Video from UA3411 Dragging Incident
Breaking: United Airlines Reveals Major Policy Changes
United Shares Comprehensive Timeline of UA3411
Dr. Dao, as well as his attorneys who likely got a contingency percentage of this settlement, owe the people who took the video of the incident. Without that video, it’s doubtful Dao would’ve received as much as he did, if anything.
My bet is he got 1,000,000. I’d get dragged off a plane for that.
I’d be ready to get dragged off the plane and then out to the gate and beyond for that sum. Lol!
Add a zero.
Sources told us that the amount is $140 million. I wish it was $1.4 B