Damages agreement on New York aircrash

American Airlines and Airbus have agreed jointly to pay damage claims in connection with the crash of an aircraft at the end of 2001, when the plane lost its tail after take off from New York. Reports suggest that this will mean that lawyers of those killed will not be allowed to focus on issues such as design, maintenance, and pilot training in determining damages. These issues are expected to be the main focus in liability disputes between the two companies and their insurers.