http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/northshore/chi-0604080218apr08,1,6739903.story?coll=chi-newslocalnorthshore-hed Family of boy killed at Midway files suit Published April 8, 2006 COOK COUNTY -- The family of a 6-year-old Indiana boy killed in December when a Southwest Airlines jet skidded off a runway at Midway Airport filed a wrongful death lawsuit Friday against the airline and the plane's maker. The lawsuit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, alleges negligence against Southwest for failing to properly assess the poor weather conditions and not diverting the plane to another airport, among other claims. The lawsuit alleges Boeing Co. failed to provide adequate thrust reversers for slowing down the aircraft and used software that calculated an "unrealistic margin of safety" in interpreting stopping distance. Boeing spokeswoman Liz Verdier declined to comment on the suit but stressed the company continues to cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board's ongoing investigation. Beth Harbin, a spokeswoman for Southwest, also declined to comment. Joshua Woods of Leroy, Ind., was killed when the airplane crashed through a barrier and struck his family's car on Central Avenue. A lawyer for the family announced in December that they planned to file a lawsuit. At least three passengers on the airplane also have filed lawsuits, alleging they were injured and suffered emotional distress.