Boeing Co. has finalized a $50,000 settlement with the mother of a former employee, John Barnett, addressing a wrongful death claim. This agreement comes after Barnett, a notable whistleblower, tragically passed away during proceedings related to his retaliation lawsuit against the aerospace giant. The settlement also encompasses undisclosed conditions pertaining to his ongoing legal battle with the company.
Barnett, who dedicated 32 years to Boeing, had previously vocalized significant concerns regarding the company's production methodologies, suggesting they posed potential safety hazards to passengers. His death by suicide in March 2024, amidst depositions for his whistleblower case, drew considerable media attention and sparked questions from former colleagues who found the circumstances suspicious. Boeing, for its part, stated that it had taken appropriate corrective measures years ago in response to Barnett's initial concerns.
Following his passing, Barnett's mother pursued both wrongful death claims and continued the retaliation lawsuit, with legal representation from attorneys Robert Turkewitz and Brian Knowles. This resolution aims to bring closure to the legal disputes stemming from Barnett's allegations and his subsequent death.
From a financial perspective, Boeing's stock has seen a 45.53% increase over the last year, though it experienced a 6.31% decline in the most recent month. The stock's trading range has been between $128.88 and $242.69, with a market capitalization of $167.31 billion and an average trading volume of 6.98 million shares. Market analytics suggest that Boeing is currently undergoing both short-term and long-term consolidation, alongside an overarching upward trend.
This settlement marks a significant step in addressing the complex aftermath of a whistleblower's claims and death, highlighting the sensitive nature of corporate accountability and employee protection.