A disabled 89-year-old woman was allegedly severely injured while boarding a Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Istanbul, Turkey.
The incident occured on Aug. 29, and it has prompted the woman, Helena Masovaric, to file a lawsuit towards Turkish Airlines. Masovaric was in a wheelchair as she was turned over to the airline’s flight attendant on the door of the plane. However, the flight attendant was allegedly distracted and let go of Masovaric after serving to her stand, the lawsuit stated, per MyNorthWest.
“She predictably fell and broke her leg. She needed surgery, which involved a nail, a rod, and screws. Her recovery has been long and painful,” Aviation Attorney Mark Lindquist stated.
“Additionally, her leg fracture resulted in pain, prolonged suffering, mental anguish, physical therapy, substantial medical expenses, and caretaking expenses. Her daily life activities have been significantly limited for months,” he said.
Lindquist also stated that this accident could have been prevented, and Turkish Airlines is mandated by the Air Carrier Access Act to offer appropriate assistance and accommodations for the elderly and other passengers with disabilities.
Turkish Airlines, thus, is liable for all injuries under the Montreal Convention, Lindquist alleges.
“For an elderly person, who is pushing 90, this has had a major impact on not only her health, but her life activities,” he added.
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Recent airline accidents
Recently, the Times of India additionally revealed that an aged man died on a Qatar Airways flight after being served a non-vegetarian meal, regardless of pre-ordering a vegetarian meal. When he requested for a vegetarian meal again, he was informed to “eat across the meat.”
The passenger then choked on the meat and died mid flight.
His household has filed a lawsuit towards Qatar Airways, alleging negligence and a failure to supply medical help.
This incident highlights how important it’s for flights to observe a passenger’s dietary choice, together with having efficient medical protocol for emergencies.
