The suit was filed yesterday in federal court in White Plains, New York. On April 28, 2016, Charles Johnson and his wife Helga were flying from Hartford, Connecticut to Charlotte, North Carolina. According to the claim, a 300-pound fully-stocked beverage cart that was unsecured quickly travelled down the aisle on takeoff. The cart struck Johnson on the head causing his hat to fly off. The man received a severe gash on his forehead that resulted in severe bleeding. Johnson lost consciousness.
The complaint also alleges rather than go back to Hartford or make an emergency landing elsewhere, the pilot continued the plane’s two-hour flight to Charlotte. Johnson also claims none of the crew knew how to help him and he was treated by fellow passengers during the flight, one of whom was a nurse.
Johnson is suing the airline for $10 million. According to the claim, he suffered “chronic traumatic brain injury and post-concussive syndrome.” As a result of his injuries, Johnson claims he has headaches and suffers from anxiety and mood swings. He also claims he cannot work or even bend down and says his marriage has become strained since he was injured.
Matt Miller, a spokesman for the airline, said the company is reviewing the complaint.
The lawsuit comes at a time when a lot of attention is being paid to how major airlines treat passengers. This focus began in April when a video of a passenger being physically dragged of a plane in Chicago went viral. Many of the publicized incidents have to do with passengers not being allowed to board aircraft because of overbooking. In some complaints, accusations of racism have been made against major carriers.
SEE ALSO: Online fury as passenger dragged off overbooked United flight
The lawsuit was filed at a time when American Airlines reversed its decision to shrink the legroom on its new Boeing 737s. The airline had planned to reduce the pitch (the distance between rows) by two inches. By using thinner materials for the seats and a new design, the pitch will be reduced by one inch but the airline says it will feel more spacious than it actually is.
American issued a statement saying the airline received a lot of feedback and are aware passengers are becoming more frustrated when flying and feel “less valued when they fly.”
