United Airlines Destroys the Life of Another Disabled Person

Despite increasing scrutiny of their treatment of disabled passengers, airlines have continued their behavior undeterred. While the industry as a whole is complicit in this issue, two airlines seem to stand above the rest in the worst way possible: Air Canada and United Airlines. My last airline story was about Air Canada, so I guess it’s United’s turn. A recent Reuters article announced that United had reached an over $30 million settlement in a 2019 lawsuit with the family of Nathaniel Foster Jr. The details of this lawsuit are horrific, and they demonstrate that disabled people aren’t just risking their equipment when they fly; they’re risking their lives. Nathaniel Foster Jr., known to his family as NJ, was a biology major and aspiring neurosurgeon when he was hit by a car in 2016. The accident paralyzed NJ from the neck down, resulting in him using a power chair, tracheostomy, and ventilator, and derailing his surgical plans. Over the next two years, NJ worked through his rehabilitation. He returned to his studies in college, and he developed a passion for creating and producing music. In February 2019, NJ traveled across the country to attend his aunt’s funeral with his mom, dad, and younger sister. The family booked tickets with United Airlines to fly from San Francisco, California to Monroe, Louisiana, connecting through Houston, Texas. After booking the tickets, NJ’s mom, Pamela, called United Airlines’ accessibility desk to ensure all necessary accommodations would be in place for their trip. Pamela explained to the accessibility agent what equipment NJ used, noted the size of his chair, and asked for assistance in getting NJ on and off the plane. <a href="https://medium.com/counterarts/united-airlines-destroys-the-life-of-another-disabled-person-669363ed0939">Read More</a>