United, passenger dragged from plane reach settlement

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - United Airlines and a passenger who was forcibly removed from his seat have reached a settlement for an undisclosed sum, the passenger's lawyer said Thursday.

David Dao was violently removed from his seat by a Chicago Police officer in an April 9 incident that was caught on camera by fellow passengers, and sparked outrage worldwide.

In the video, the Kentucky physician who refused to give up his seat after United sought four seats for crew members on the booked flight, is apparently seen being thrown against the plane interior, including seats, before being pulled down the aisle by his arms by an officer who has since been suspended.

Dao's nose was broken, he lost teeth, and was concussed in the incident, his lawyer said.

The sum that Dao received was not disclosed as part of the deal his lawyers reached with the airliner, but the attorneys called the settlement "amicable".

Thomas Demetrio, Dao's attorney, said he lauded United CEO Oscar Munoz.

"Mr. Munoz said he was going to do the right thing, and he has," he said in a statement.

"In addition, United has taken full responsibility for what happened in Flight 3411, without attempting to blame others, including the City of Chicago. For this acceptance of corporate accountability, United is to be applauded," Demetrio added.

Earlier Thursday United rolled out a host of reforms to its business practices, including limits to the use of law enforcement, not forcing customers to give up their seats "unless safety or security is at risk", and rolling back the amount of overbooking.

Passengers who voluntarily give up their seats on overbooked flights will now be compensated up to $10,000.

Dao's attorney praised his client's apparent role in bringing about the changes.

"Dr. Dao has become the unintended champion for the adoption of changes that will help improve the lives of literally millions of travelers," said Demetrio.