Passenger trips while exiting plane, sues United Airlines

A past United Airlines passenger is suing the company for injuries she allegedly received two years ago while exiting a plane and tripping over an uneven surface in the jet way.

Ayatan Abdallah filed suit against United on April 13 in the U.S. District Court for Southern Texas, Houston Division.

According to the lawsuit, Abdallah and her husband booked a flight with United to travel from Los Angeles to Houston to attend a family wedding. The flight departed April 26, 2013. Upon landing, the couple disembarked the plane and entered the jet way.

“However, and unbeknownst to Plaintiff, there was an … uneven area within the jet way, causing Plaintiff to trip and fall forward onto the jet way floor,” the suit states.

“Immediately after her fall, Plaintiff was attended to by several passengers and a United employee. Upon information and belief, some of the other disembarking employees within the jet way informed … employees of the ‘uneven’ area … tripping hazard.”

As a result of her fall, Abdallah claims she suffered serious injuries to her ankle, ribs, low back, neck, shoulders, and other parts of her body for which she sought, and continues to receive, medical treatment.

The suit accuses United and its employees of negligently ignoring the condition of the jet way, which created a dangerous condition.

Abdallah is suing for pain, disability, medical expenses, disfigurement and impairment.

Pearland attorney Brenton Allison of Gilman Allison represents her.

Case No. 4:15-cv-00957