It’s likely no surprise that airports around the country tend to see more premises liability cases than other locations. This is due to a number of factors, including how many people go through airports on a daily basis, how quickly they’re moving, and the fact that people are so preoccupied with looking for their gate that they’re not necessarily paying attention.
In a perfect world, there would be no injuries in airports. Ideally, if there were accidents, the results would be minor. However, the reality is that we live in a world in which a woman actually lost her life as a result of an accident on an escalator in an airport. Her family are now filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Read on to learn more about the specifics. If you or a loved one has been injured in an airport or other public place, reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to learn more about your legal options.
The accident occurred in Oregon
This particular accident happened in Portland, Oregon. It involved a 75-year-old woman who fell down an escalator. She didn’t die immediately, but did pass away three months later as a result of the injuries sustained on the escalator. Her family is suing both Alaska Airlines and a contractor who were supposed to provide a service to the woman and did not provide said service.
She was supposed to be taken to her connecting flight
Her family, who lived in Alaska, had requested wheelchair service for the woman. The way it was supposed to work was that the woman, who was going home after a family vacation in Hawaii, would be assisted off the plane and into a wheelchair, and then to her connecting flight. However, the company instead helped her off the plane and into a wheelchair, but simply left her alone.
Video surveillance provides some evidence
According to video surveillance, the woman wandered the terminal on her own. She then got to an escalator but apparently thought it was an elevator. She fell headfirst. Her family says that she was in constant pain after this accident and had numerous injuries. One of those injuries, in which she had a wound on her right foot, became infected. Eventually they had to amputate her leg below the knee and she died the next day.
Alaska Airlines has their own version of the story
A statement has been issued by Alaska Airlines in which they say that the woman refused help with her wheelchair. They also said that she didn’t have any type of impairments such as cognitive, auditory, or visual. As a result, they claim they had no reason not to trust her when she said she didn’t need help.
Who is responsible?
This case is still pending but it seems as though both sides have convincing arguments. It will be up to a judge or a jury if the case is valid. If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident that was the result of another party acting recklessly or negligently, please reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
