Airline Resolves Lawsuit Over Passenger Injury with $30 Million Settlement

An airline recently reached a $30 million settlement in a lawsuit filed by the family of a quadriplegic passenger who fell into a coma following an incident during disembarkation. Allegations stated that the airline neglected its duty of care towards disabled passengers as an agent aggressively pushed the passenger's wheelchair, resulting in severe and lasting brain damage. As a consequence, the passenger suffered significant impairment, including the inability to communicate or consume solid foods. The lawsuit claimed that the incident reduced the passenger's life expectancy from 39 to 31.5 years. The settlement, finalized after a one-day trial, will allocate roughly $12 million for legal fees and $3 million for other expenses, according to Reuters. The airline has yet to comment on the matter. During the incident, the passenger, Nathaniel Foster Jr., experienced abrupt movements in his wheelchair and discomfort due to the forceful pushing. Foster whispered "I can't breathe" in fear, but his plea was met with a dismissive and giggling response from a gate agent. Shortly after, Foster suffered a heart attack, and despite the efforts of a doctor present at the scene, his pulse could not be restored. The lawsuit further revealed that Foster's mother had sought assurances from the airline's accessibility desk regarding her son's proper assistance during boarding and disembarkation. However, upon arrival in Louisiana, only one flight attendant was available to assist Foster, while he typically required the support of several individuals. Attorneys representing Foster's family could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting.