United Airlines has agreed to pay a $30 million settlement this week to a quadriplegic man who was left in a vegetative state after deplaning a flight to Monroe, Louisiana, Reuters reported.
On February 8, 2019, Nathaniel Foster Jr. and his family traveled from San Francisco to Monroe to attend a funeral. The family claimed in the suit that, due to Foster’s condition wherein he relies on a wheelchair, ventilator, and tracheal tube, they arranged for accessibility needs when booking the United flight. When deplaning, the family alleges Foster’s chair was pushed in an “aggressive” and “forceful” manner by the ramp supervisor, which dislodged his tracheal tube and left him without adequate oxygen supply.
Foster subsequently suffered cardiac arrest, causing “significant” brain damage. The lack of oxygen caused him to fall into a coma from which he hasn’t recovered, the complaint states, rendering him unable to communicate verbally or consume solid food.
The lawsuit, filed in 2019, included claims of negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, and “intentional infliction of emotional distress.”
Foster’s family members, including his mother, father, and sister, were also present during the incident and had purchased tickets from United Airlines.
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Due to the incident, Foster, 26, is now only expected to live until 31, the court documents state, tacking eight years from his previous life expectancy of 39.
The family has been caring for Foster in their home in California and has said the settlement is “fair and reasonable,” per Reuters.
In a statement to the outlet, United said: “Our top priority is to provide a safe journey for all our customers, especially those who require additional assistance or the use of a wheelchair. We are pleased to share that this matter has settled.”