Air travel has become a standard mode of transportation for many Americans, and it is now easier to fly now than ever before, and airlines adapted in recent times to give a better experience to its customers. Most airlines have updated entertainment systems, food and drinks, and generally work to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. They know that flying can be a very frightening concept for a lot of people. The idea of moving hundreds of miles per hour while thousands of feet in the sky can seem unsettling, but for many people who are afraid of flying the fear starts and stops at the altitude.
Sometimes, however, the concept of 30,000 feet isn’t frightening, it’s not knowing who you are seated next to. This fear came to life for one Pennsylvania resident flying Frontier in April of 2024. On her flight to a cheer competition, a teenage girl was assigned a seat next to a passenger she didn’t know. This passenger, who was already visibly intoxicated upon entering the plane, would eventually sexually assault her during the flight. Prior to the assault the man was showing disruptive behavior before the plane took off, and despite this drunken behavior, the flight staff served him alcoholic beverages including 5 glasses of hard liquor and 3 servings of Vodka. As a result of overserving him they were held liable for the assault because of Dram Shop Liability. Dram Shop Liability states that if someone is overserved alcohol, the server is held liable for the damaging acts of the customer. In this case, the flight attendant overserved the already visibly intoxicated man who would then go on to sexually assault the teenage girl. To make things worse, the girl overheard the flight staff joking about the assault after it happened.
The teenage girl suffered immense damages from her sexual assault, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress, emotional distress, and psychological damage that interrupted her daily life and routine. These damages have not gone unnoticed by Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, and once she became our client we knew we could help her. Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, is currently fighting for justice for the victim of the sexual assault. We know that the flight staff overserved the man, even though he showed visibly drunken behavior before the plane took off. Through Dram Shop Liability the airline was responsible for his behavior and the ensuing sexual assault because they overserved him. Once the assault began, the flight staff did not look out for the wellbeing of the girl and only acted to defend the girl after she was able to escape. The crew of the Frontier Airlines flight staff were negligent through their carelessness and non-action that led to serious mental harm.
Everyone should feel safe on airplanes, but when someone is not safe, the airline must be held accountable. If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted on a commercial airplane call Bellwoar Kelly, LLP at 610-314-7066. We will not stop until we get what you deserve. Call and schedule a free consultation today.