Do you have a Personal Injury case? Click here to fill out a form to find out more
Call us at 1-888-CALL-SAM or email us

The Bernstein Advantage

Aviation: Access Suit Allowed


Detroit Free Press

Michigan business briefs: Air carrier access suit allowed

September 4, 2008

A lawsuit claiming Detroit Metro Airport and Northwest Airlines impose obstacles to air travel for travelers with physical disabilities can proceed, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

The suit, filed in April by five southeastern Michigan passengers who have disabilities, claims that the Wayne County Airport Authority and the Minnesota-based airline have dropped disabled passengers to the floor, denied them accessible parking and repeatedly damaged wheelchairs, among other problems.

U.S. District Judge George Steeh in Detroit denied Northwest's motion to dismiss the case, and ruled it can proceed under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the federal Rehabilitation Act.

Steeh did grant Northwest's motion to dismiss the lawsuit's claims that fell under the Air Carrier Access Act.

The lawsuit's Air Carrier Access Act claims against the airport authority also were dismissed.

In a statement, Northwest officials said the court concluded that discovery is needed to determine the applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. The airline is reviewing the ruling, according to a spokeswoman.

Airport authority officials declined to comment.

"For disabled people, this is monumental," said Farmington Hills attorney Richard Bernstein, who represents those suing the airline.

Bernstein is not seeking monetary damages.

TopGet Help Now

no fee guarantee

Our Clients:

"The Bernstein family of lawyers . . . I trust them, I believe in them, and you can too."
"You can really talk to the Bernstein family of lawyers. They are good people you can trust."
"The Bernsteins took care of me and my family. The Bernstein Law Firm put me first. The Bernsteins are great lawyers."
"If you need legal help, then you need to call the Bernsteins - the Bernstein Law Firm."
"The Bernstein Law Firm worked tirelessly to get me the compensation I deserved."
"I wanted to put the history and experience of three generation of Bernstein lawyers to work for me. And it worked."
"The Bernstein family treated me like I was family. Fighting for me. The Bernstein Law Firm was with me every step of the way."
"The Bernstein Law Firm fought for me and got me results."
"I called the Law Offices of Sam Bernstein. It was the best call I ever made."
"Sam Bernstein fought for my rights, stayed with it, and never quit."
"Sam's office did what they said they would do."
"I knew I needed help in the fight. I knew I shouldn’t do this on my own. I Called Sam. Sam fought for me and got results."
"I talked to Sam personally about my case…Sam Bernstein's office does it right."
"When I got hurt…I knew I needed a well-established law firm with substantial resources and experience."
"After my auto accident…I didn't really know what to do…I Called Sam. I'm glad I did."
"I Called Sam Bernstein. I needed a strong, trustworthy firm with a national reputation."
"After my son's fatal accident…I called his office. His office visited me at home and answered all of my questions. His firm is protecting my legal rights."
"I didn't know where to turn until I called Sam. Sam's office went right to work for me…I would strongly recommend Sam Bernstein."
"These are good people, working hard, to help those who need support through tough times. I am proud to know the Bernstein's and call them my friends."
"It was me against a large corporation. I knew I needed a tough smart attorney fighting for me. I'm glad I called Sam."
[read more]

Our Results:

Car/Truck Accident
$3,000,000
A truck driving recklessly and at an excessive speed strikes our client. Our client suffered catastrophic injuries.
Medical Malpractice
$2,875,000
Medical malpractice involving general anesthetic of a young child during surgery. Our client suffered severe and permanent brain damage.
Car Accident
$2,700,000
Our client's vehicle was rear-ended by a bus. Our client suffered a Closed Head Injury (CHI), coma condition, internal bleeding, and spinal trauma.
Burn Injury
$2,200,000
An explosion occurred while pumping gas. The explosion was caused by the gas station. Our client suffered major burns.
Burn Injury
$2,150,000
Our client, a young girl, suffered electrical burns resulting in permanent scarring.
Car Accident
$2,000,000
Our client died as a result of multiple injuries caused by a car accident.
Car/Truck Accident
$3,000,000
A truck driving recklessly and at an excessive speed strikes our client. Our client suffered catastrophic injuries.
Medical Malpractice
$2,875,000
Medical malpractice involving general anesthetic of a young child during surgery. Our client suffered severe and permanent brain damage.
Car Accident
$2,700,000
Our client's vehicle was rear-ended by a bus. Our client suffered a Closed Head Injury (CHI), coma condition, internal bleeding, and spinal trauma.
Burn Injury
$2,200,000
An explosion occurred while pumping gas. The explosion was caused by the gas station. Our client suffered major burns.
Burn Injury
$2,150,000
Our client, a young girl, suffered electrical burns resulting in permanent scarring.
Car Accident
$2,000,000
Our client died as a result of multiple injuries caused by a car accident.
[read more]
Get Help Now
.