**Boeing Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Whistleblower’s Suicide for $50,000**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 27, 2025, 11:36 AM*

**Overview**

Boeing has reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of John Barnett, a quality inspector and whistleblower who died by suicide in March 2024. The settlement agreement is valued at $50,000.

Barnett had previously alleged retaliation after raising safety concerns at Boeing, a case he pursued before his death.

**Aftermath and Impact**

The tragic death of John Barnett brought significant attention to Boeing’s safety practices and work culture, particularly at its North Charleston, South Carolina facility. This plant is responsible for producing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

At the same time, Boeing’s Seattle facility was under federal investigation following an incident where a door-shaped plug blew out of an airborne 737 Max, further intensifying scrutiny on the company.

**Settlement Details**

On September 26, Boeing and Barnett’s family agreed to a “full, final and confidential settlement,” according to a legal filing. This settlement results in the dismissal of all claims brought by Barnett and his estate, including the lawsuit he was actively pursuing.

Of the $50,000 settlement, $20,000 will be allocated toward legal fees and costs. The remaining amount will be paid to the plaintiffs.

**Background: Barnett’s Whistleblower Claims**

John Barnett, who had earlier worked on NASA’s Space Shuttle program before joining Boeing in 1988 as a quality inspector, raised numerous safety concerns during his tenure. He claimed that between 2010 and 2017, safety protocols at the North Charleston plant significantly declined.

Barnett alleged that employees were pressured to ignore defects to meet production quotas and that certain parts were missing or inadequately documented during the manufacturing process—pointing to lapses in safety checks.

While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed some of the issues Barnett highlighted, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) dismissed his claims in favor of Boeing in 2021. Barnett subsequently appealed that decision.

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This settlement and the circumstances surrounding Barnett’s death have underscored major questions about Boeing’s internal culture and safety oversight, prompting calls for ongoing scrutiny and reform.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/boeing-has-settled-a-wrongful-death-lawsuit-for-50-000/story

**Boeing Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Whistleblower’s Suicide for $50,000**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 27, 2025*

**Overview**

Boeing has reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of John Barnett, a longtime quality inspector and whistleblower who died by suicide in March 2024. The settlement amount totals $50,000.

Barnett had alleged retaliation after raising safety concerns during his tenure at Boeing, a case he was pursuing before his untimely death.

—

**Aftermath and Impact**

Barnett’s death shed light on Boeing’s safety practices and triggered intense global scrutiny of the company’s work culture, especially at its North Charleston, South Carolina manufacturing plant. This facility is notably responsible for producing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

At the same time, Boeing’s Seattle plant was under federal investigation following an incident where a door-shaped plug blew out of an airborne 737 Max aircraft, adding to the company’s challenges.

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**Details of the Settlement**

On September 26, Boeing and Barnett’s family reached a “full, final and confidential settlement,” as stated in a recent legal filing. The agreement includes the dismissal of all claims brought by Barnett and his estate, including those he was actively pursuing before his death.

Of the $50,000 settlement, $20,000 will cover legal fees and costs, with the remainder paid to the plaintiffs.

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**Background: Barnett’s Safety Concerns**

John Barnett joined Boeing in 1988 after working on NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Over the years, he raised several concerns regarding declining safety protocols at the North Charleston plant, particularly between 2010 and 2017.

Barnett claimed that employees were pressured to overlook defects and prioritize production quotas over quality, which compromised safety.

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**Whistleblower Claims and Regulatory Response**

Barnett also alleged that some parts used during aircraft assembly were missing or improperly documented, pointing to inadequate safety checks.

While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed some of the issues Barnett raised, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) dismissed his claims in favor of Boeing in 2021. Barnett filed an appeal against OSHA’s decision before his death.

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This settlement concludes a difficult chapter for Boeing and highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety and workplace culture within the aerospace giant.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/boeing-has-settled-a-wrongful-death-lawsuit-for-50-000/story