Originally Posted by
Han Solo
This story states 25-30M.
11alive.com | Delta seeking to recoup up to $30 million from airport power outage
I don't know the specifics but I'd think this is a slippery slope. Are business travelers going to start suing airlines when we are late, they miss a meeting and as a result blow a multi-million dollar deal. How about that NFL charter that skidded (or taxied, can't remember) off the runway last year and the team blamed Delta for their subsequent loss. Are we going to be held monetarily responsible when that happens?
Probably not. Putting aside the NFL Charter (wayyyy too speculative to blame Delta for the loss), the businessman example falls under consequential or special damages. Generally, those type of damages have to be specifically identified and contracted for between the parties because they are really asking the breaching party to be an insurer as well. (Not only do I have to get you to your meeting but, if I fail to do so by xx:xx pm, I'm going to have to pay you $1 million dollars [insert pinky-point here] for my lost contract). Just not going to happen.
The ATL issue is interesting from a legal standpoint though. Not sure who actually contracts with Georgia Power and who has actual ownership of the faulty switching mechanism - City of Atlanta or Delta. Those are big factors as to who might pay. Makes for good press but I wouldn't be surprised if we see little to none of the $30m.