Airline Crew Accused of Breaking Disabled Woman’s Leg, Family Sues For Damages

An airline is being taken to court by a family who claims negligence caused their disabled daughter to break a leg while flying.

A disabled flyer is taking Austrian Airlines to court with accusations the carrier was negligent in accommodating her on a flight last summer, causing her to break a leg while traveling. The Chicago Tribune reports the Austrian flag carrier is being sued by Svetlana Dordieski and her daughter, Mary, who allegedly broke her leg when crew members tried to fit her into a seat that was too small for her.

Mary has spina bifida and utilizes a wheelchair for mobility, she also has limited speaking abilities. When the Dordieski’s booked their trip with Austrian Airlines — flying from Chicago to Macedonia with a stop in Vienna — they arranged for Mary to have a bulkhead seat, which would make it easier for her to get in and out.

However, the first segment of their flight from Chicago to Vienna was redirected to Toronto due to mechanical issues. Unable to continue, the Dordieski’s were forced to fly out the following day. Upon re-booking, the Dordieskis claim they were unable to secure a bulkhead seat for Mary. Svetlana alleges she told airline officials in Toronto that her daughter would not be able to fit into her assigned seat assigned. According to the Dordieski’s account, the airline allegedly told the crew to lift Mary from her wheelchair and place her into the seat.

Because of Mary’s condition, the Dordieski’s claim that she cannot bend her right leg at the knee downward. Svetlana is accusing the ground crew of forcing Mary’s leg to bend in order to fit her into the seat. It wasn’t until they arrived in Vienna that Svetlana discovered her daughter’s leg had been broken.

The Dordieski family is suing Austrian Airlines for damages resulting from the incident, including medical expenses. At the time of reporting, Austrian Airlines had yet to comment on the lawsuit.

[Photo: Austrian Airlines]