Disabled Victim Dies After Being Thrown From Wheelchair In Florida Airport
Disabled passengers have important rights when it comes to air travel. If airlines and airports violate these rights, they risk legal action. Unfortunately, many negligent parties disregard these risks and subject disabled travelers to serious danger. Sometimes, these dangerous situations lead to terrible, life-altering injuries. Such was the case when a woman in a wheelchair tried to board a plane in Fort Lauderdale. Not only did she suffer serious injuries due to an accident, but she has now passed away.
Disabled Woman Finally Passes Away After Southwest Airlines Debacle
The family of a disabled woman says that they will continue to fight a legal battle against Southwest Airlines for her injuries, despite the fact that she has now passed away. The lawsuit stems from an accident back in 2022. While attempting to board a plane, the woman was apparently thrown from her wheelchair after an assistant pushed her over a gap or junction in the jetbridge leading to the aircraft. The woman suffered a neck injury and became paralyzed from the neck down. She was already in a wheelchair at this point due to her genetic bone and tissue disease.
The lawsuit accuses Southwest of being negligent and careless. The airline has responded by saying that the woman wasn’t actually given any assistance from staff, as she declined to accept help. It was later revealed that Southwest is facing another lawsuit for a similar accident at the Orlando airport.
Disabled Passengers Often Struggle During Flights
Unfortunately, disabled passengers often encounter issues when traveling by plane. Insider recently ran an article detailing a range of such reports. Sometimes, the aisles on airplanes are simply too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs, leaving disabled passengers in precarious situations. Some experience serious delays of more than 12 hours. One wheelchair-bound marine was dropped on his tailbone, causing him to suffer a bone infection that almost claimed his life.
It’s Not Just Disabled People that Suffer Injuries on Flights
Of course, anyone can suffer serious injuries while traveling by plane – including non-disabled people. In December of 2022, it was reported that 36 people had suffered a range of injuries after experiencing serious turbulence on a flight to Hawaii. People were thrown from their seats, with at least one person hitting the ceiling. Some people were knocked out cold, while others suffered head injuries, cuts, and more. Ambulances were waiting at the airport to provide quick aid.
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Orlando?
If you’ve been searching for an Orlando personal injury lawyer, look no further than Payer Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs pursue justice and compensation. Disabled people deserve the opportunity to pursue justice if they were subjected to dangerous situations – especially when their rights have been clearly violated. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
Sources:
insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2023/02/02/705709.htm
businessinsider.com/amid-airline-chaos-wheelchair-users-are-the-latest-casualties-delays-cancellations
civilbeat.org/2022/12/dozens-of-people-injured-after-honolulu-bound-flight-hits-severe-turbulence/
