Woman's neck, back broken in air turbulence on Continental plane

[2muchplastic]

Poor lady!

We just don't know her situation and why she needed to go to the toilet at that particular time? Maybe she just couldn't hold it any longer and just had to go - and when you have to go, you have to go.

Or it was, as has already been mentioned, she's <ahem> part way through and unable to stop.
I'm sure that's happened to all of us on here. You've waited half the flight for the meal to be served, the trays to be collected, the trolley to finally get out of your way, and then you decide you REALLY need to let out the five Crownies and QP party pies. Nothing will stop you. No-one will stand between you and that tiny cubicle. You toss small children out of the way that dare to stand in your path. You park yourself and BONG! the seatbelt sign goes on.:shock:
I see this story and think "there but for the grace of <<insert appropriate deity/flying spaghetti monster/other subject of non-denominational belief structure here>> go I".

And so yes, I do have more than just a bit sympathy. The one time in a million where the loss of dignity would have prevented a life changing event.

 

[bambbbam2]

However, I find that the total lack of empathy displayed in posts #2 and #3 (and maybe others, frankly I couldn't be bothered to read anymore) to be disgustingly callous in it's disregard for the person who will be in a wheel chair or worse for the rest of their life.

Well my apologies if it was me who sounded callous.. and I say this as someone who vomited all over an AA plane bathroom just this week and had to have it go u/s.

We don't know if she will be in a wheelchair?

I think Dave Noble is correct in that the US airlines cry wolf far too often (I noticed how many people just ignore the sign) and the woman for getting up.

 

[anat0l]

However, I find that the total lack of empathy displayed in posts #2 and #3 (and maybe others, frankly I couldn't be bothered to read anymore) to be disgustingly callous in it's disregard for the person who will be in a wheel chair or worse for the rest of their life.

I think it really reduces down to you have to somewhat feel sorry for her when she does end up being paralysed, but I'll start spitting chips if the medical lawyers get involved. That's what it reduces down to.

The article doesn't exactly detail how she 'disobeyed the directions to remain in her seat'. I'd like to think that she really only did this if she was really, really desperate, otherwise it's truly folly judgement.

 

[dajop]

I think Dave Noble is correct in that the US airlines cry wolf far too often (I noticed how many people just ignore the sign) and the woman for getting up.

Another one in this camp too. Several times on US airlines seat belt sign has been on for almost entire flight, yet no sign of turbulence. At least with QF if the seat belt sign is on you know you better take notice of it.

 

[Alanslegal]

And then there are times when I'm Busting To Go and the darn seatbelt light is on Decisions decisions!

I did mention previously in another post when a DJ flight I was on - in a holding pattern for ages in turbulent conditions - the pilot announced that "if you REALLY need to use the bathroom, you can do so at your own risk etc"

 

[Alanslegal]

but I'll start spitting chips if the medical lawyers get involved.

hey hey, they're not medical lawyers, they're Ambulance Chasers

 

[Flashback]

hey hey, they're not medical lawyers, they're Ambulance Chasers

Oh, the Waaaahmbulance!

 

[JohnK]

"We have a lady who got off her seat coming out or into the bathroom, that's when the situation occurred," her attorney Ramon Garcia, told Texas’s KRGV News.

She has an attorney already? I feel sorry for the lady but how is the airline responsible? Turbulence happens and this is just one of those unfortunate accidents.

I went to use the bathroom at the rear of the 737 just after take-off travelling BNE-SYD a couple of weeks ago when I got inside the aircraft hit some turbulence and I was knocked from side to side but lucky I was able to keep my balance. We should not take anything for granted even if the airlines in the USA keep the seat belt on for long periods of time. Be seated and buckled unless it is absolutely necessary to be up and about....

 

[samh004]

She has an attorney already? I feel sorry for the lady but how is the airline responsible? Turbulence happens and this is just one of those unfortunate accidents.

In the US many people have attorneys just to make an official statement. I'd assume that was all it was, as she's probably not in any condition to be talking to the press.

 

[Commuter]

On the subject of loo seat belt, how about the system like they have on some roller coasters where a restraint comes down from above and pushes down onto one's shoulder? Then there should be no skin contact. This should work as long as one is seated... As for the standing position, that would be a different matter.

 

[straitman]

As for the standing position, that would be a different matter.

The mind boggles :!: :shock: