Alaska Airlines ordered to pay USD3 million for passenger’s wrongful death

Friday, 23 Feb, 2021 0

Alaska Airlines has been ordered to pay $3.19 million to the family of an elderly passnger who died of injuries sustained during a lay over.

A jury awarded the family the large pay out for the wrongful death of Bernice Kekona, 75, who fell down an escalator while in a wheelchair.

The tragic incident was captured on surveillance video and used in evidence.

She suffered injuries to her head, chest, and Achilles tendon which led to a septic infection, and she later died in hospital.

Kekona made the trip from Spokane to Maui alone on a regular basis but this time during the usual layover at Portland, an Alaska Airlines gate agent failed to arrange passenger assistance to the gate.

She was left alone and decided to find it herself.

According to attorney Robert Gellatly, she became confused and mistook the escalator for an elevator.

The airline was adjudged 90% responsible for the accident.

Alaska had blamed the Kekona’s family for allowing her to travel by herself.

That was heavily criticized by Gallatly.

"The Air Carrier Access Act allows that. Alaska spent so much time, instead of just accepting accountability, blaming the family. To me that was really not acceptable," he said.

"We’re disappointed in the ruling and are evaluating next steps. There is no more important responsibility than the safety and wellbeing of our guests, whether they’re in our care or the care of a vendor," the airline said in a statement.

Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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