PHILADELPHIA - Eddieberto Martinez filed a federal complaint on October 19 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against American Airlines for negligence.
According to the complaint, on April 24, 2021, Martinez was boarding a plane in Philadelphia to travel to Kansas City, Mo. Martinez possessed and utilized a specially made, custom-fit wheelchair that had dimensions and cushions fit precisely for his stability, support, and comfort.
Martinez’s paraplegia had never previously been an issue for him while flying and Martinez traveled on an American Airlines plane at least three prior times within the previous year without incident, he says.
During this day, though, Martinez alleges watching an American Airlines employee throw his wheelchair down a ramp to be loaded into storage. Martinez alleges that the employee made no effort to break down the wheelchair and take proper care for the safety and security of the wheelchair.
After the wheelchair was thrown down the ramp, it hit the ground, which caused damage and rendered the wheelchair inoperable, the suit says.
Martinez is represented by Aaron J. Freiwald.
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania case number 2:21-cv-04572-JMY