Tressler’s Aviation Law Team Successfully Defends Southwest Airlines
Don Machalinski and Linda Schneider, partners at Tressler LLP, obtained a defense verdict in the Circuit Court of Cook County on December 18, 2019 on behalf of Southwest Airlines Co. The Plaintiff alleged that Southwest violated the Air Carrier Access Act by negligently failing to provide a wheelchair to her at Chicago Midway Airport in July 2016, which resulted in her fall. Plaintiff also claimed that Southwest voluntarily undertook a duty to meet her curbside with a wheelchair but failed to do so. The Plaintiff initially sustained a severe shoulder fracture requiring a reverse total shoulder replacement. She then sustained a periprosthetic fracture requiring a second surgery. Following the one-week trial, Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award $3,100,000 to his client. Tressler successfully defended the case by proving that Southwest complied with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and that Southwest acted reasonably in assisting the passenger.
“We are proud of this verdict,” said Don Machalinski and Linda Schneider in a recent statement. “We are honored to represent Southwest Airlines. As our Aviation Practice continues to expand, we look forward achieving more great results on behalf of our clients.” Don can be reached at dmachalinski@tresslerllp.com and Linda can be reached at lschneider@tresslerllp.com.
About Tressler’s Aviation Practice Group
Aviation cases require a hands-on understanding of the aviation world and its unique culture. Tressler's Aviation Team is well-versed in aviation law and brings airport operations and piloting experience to the table. Our experience includes tort defense litigation arising out of aviation accidents, aviation insurance coverage counseling and litigation, and products liability/property damage litigation involving aircraft and airport property. We also assist with FAA enforcement actions involving alleged violations of the FAR's, FAR compliance consulting, environmental and toxic tort issues involving airport property, noise abatement issues, and other matters involving civil litigation in connection with airports, aircraft, FBO's and airport property. Click here to contact us.