United Airlines to Pay $30 Million Settlement to Quadriplegic Man’s Family
United Airlines has agreed to pay a $30 million settlement to the family of Nathaniel Foster Jr., a quadriplegic man who was injured while deplaning from a flight to Monroe, Louisiana, a few years ago. The incident, which took place in February 2019, left Foster in a vegetative state, and his family accused a United Airlines agent of manhandling him during the process.
According to Reuters, 26-year-old Nathaniel Foster Jr., who was using a wheelchair, ventilator, and tracheal tube, suffered severe injuries during the incident. The family alleged that a supervisor assisting Foster forcefully pushed him while he was getting off the plane, causing his body to jerk forward and back. He subsequently struggled to breathe, whispering, “I can’t breathe.”
Foster’s mother sought help from an airline gate agent, but she claimed that the agent “giggled” and dismissed their concerns. The family maintained that this negligence caused Foster to have a cardiac arrest, leading to major brain damage. Foster’s condition deteriorated to the point where he can no longer eat solid foods or speak, significantly reducing his life expectancy from 39 to 31.5 years, as stated in the lawsuit cited by CBS News.
The family had specifically informed the airline about Foster’s condition when booking their trip. Typically, four to six staff members assist Foster in disembarking from a plane, but on that day, there was only one person present at their destination. The family’s attorneys emphasized that United Airlines had repeatedly assured them of their ability to provide safe transportation.
After one day of trial, the settlement was reached on Tuesday. United Airlines expressed their satisfaction with the resolution in a statement to Reuters, saying, “We are pleased to share that this matter has settled.” The settlement includes $12 million for legal fees and $3 million to cover other expenses.
The case sheds light on the importance of proper handling and accommodation for passengers with disabilities. It serves as a reminder for airlines to prioritize the well-being of all passengers, especially those with special needs, to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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