Woman falls on airport stairs: Failure to assist passenger: Leg, wrist injuries: Verdict

Law Reporter, Apr 2004

Jubran v. Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Inc., U.S. Dist. Ct., N.D. Tex., No. 3-02-CV-1923-R, Sept. 16, 2003.

Jubran, 74, was descending access stairs in an airport to board a flight. Jubran's daughter was assisting her, but airline personnel stopped her because she was not a passenger on the flight. The airline personnel then allegedly failed to assist Jubran in descending the staircase. She fell, sustaining injuries to her leg and wrist and breaking two teeth. Her medical expenses totaled approximately $60,000.

Jubran sued the airline, alleging negligence in failing to help her descend the staircase. The airline alleged contributory negligence in that she had not specifically asked for assistance and that she proceeded down the stairs without help.

A jury awarded $145,000, which was reduced to reflect its finding that plaintiff was 30 percent at fault.

Plaintiff's expert was Barbara Dunn, travel law, Vancouver, British Columbia, Can.

Plaintiff's Counsel

* Jeffrey W. Hightower Jr., Dallas, Tex.

* Marc C. Lenahan, Dallas, Tex.