Latest News - Disabled Citizens Sue for Right to Travel by Air

Bernstein Scores Landmark Victory in Disabled Fliers' Lawsuit

Court Rules Airlines Must Obey Americans With Disabilities Act

On April 14, 2008, attorney Richard Bernstein filed a disability discrimination lawsuit against Northwest Airlines and the Wayne County Airport Authority, based on their violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Air Carrier Act and the Rehabilitation Act.

In response, the defendants denied that they engaged in discriminatory practices. Moreover, Northwest Airlines insisted that it was not subject to the Americans With Disabilities Act.

On September 2, 2008, U.S. District Court Judge George Steeh denied Northwest Airlines' request to dismiss the case and ordered the parties to prepare for trial. The Judge's decision has national importance, because this is the first Court ruling that the ADA applies to commercial airlines. The plaintiffs in this case and their attorney, Richard Bernstein, are making history!

Click here to download the U.S. District Court Opinion, which holds that Northwest Airlines is required to obey the Americans With Disabilities Act

Click here to download the legal Complaint filed to commence this lawsuit Thomas vs. Northwest Airlines and Wayne County Airport Authority

Click here for more information about Attorney Richard Bernstein.

Click on the links below to find out the latest developments in this ground-breaking disability discrimination lawsuit.

• Livingston Press Argus - Judge: Airline Suit May Proceed
• Detroit News - Judge: Disabilities Act Applies to Airlines
• Detroit Free Press - Aviation: Access Suit Allowed
• Oakland Press - Judge: Americans with Disabilities Act Applies to Airlines
• Macomb Daily - ADA Claims Remain in Case
• Detroit News - Federal judge: Airports, Airlines Subject to ADA Rules
• WDET - Detroit Public Radio - Wheelchair Users Sue Northwest Airlines
• Macomb Daily - Disabled Group Sues Airport
• Livingston Press & Argus - Wheelchair User Alleges Bias in Suit Against Airport, Carrier
• Oakland Press - Airline Files Motion for Summary Dismissal
• Oakland Press - Suit Challenges Northwest, Metro
• Associated Press - 5 Disabled Travelers Sue Wayne County Airport, Northwest Airlines
• Detroit Free Press - 5 People with Disabilities Sue NWA, Airport
• Crains Detroit - 5 Disabled Detroit-Area Residents Sue NWA, Airport Authority Over Access
• Detroit News - Lawsuit Accuses Northwest of Discriminating Against Disabled
• Detroit Free Press - Metro Airport Ignoring Needs of Disabled, Lawsuit Says
• WDIV - Detroit TV Channel 4 - Disabled Residents Sue Northwest

Click here to learn more about the Complaint that Richard Bernstein filed in U.S. District Court, in Thomas vs. Northwest Airlines and Wayne County Airport Authority.