American Airlines has been ordered to pay nearly $9.6 million after a jury found it ignored its own medical protocols when a passenger experienced a stroke mid-flight.
Midair, while flying over the Atlantic, Plasencia suffered a full stroke. Flight attendants asked passengers to keep watch on him but never alerted the pilot or diverted the plane. More than eight hours would pass before he received hospital care after landing in Spain. When all was said and done, the jury awarded $13.28 million. But due to partial fault attributed to the plaintiff (he should not have boarded the plane in the first place), the final award was reduced to $9.6 million.
Plasencia now lives with severe disabilities, no longer able to speak, write, or walk independently. According to court documents, he depends entirely on round-the-clock care. His family says it will use part of the award to make their home wheelchair accessible.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
