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How Ill Is Ill Enough to Request An Emergency Landing?

Chicago, IL, USA - March 17, 2016: A United Airlines 747-400 landing on 28C at the Chicago O'hare Airport.

Lewis and Roseanne Christman are suing United after crew apparently refused to make an emergency landing in order for Mr. Christman to receive medical treatment for an attack of acute pancreatitis. The Christmans accuse United of negligence and United says that it is looking into the matter.

United Airlines passenger who took ill during a Rome-bound flight is bringing legal action against the carrier after crew allegedly refused to conduct an emergency landing in order for him to receive treatment, Bloomberg reports.

During the May 2016 incident, the outlet reports that passenger Lewis Christman, who suffered an attack of acute pancreatitis while flying from Chicago to Rome, was forced to endure severe pain and nausea for the entirety of the flight. Christman, who was traveling to Italy with his wife, Roseanne, was in considerable discomfort during the trans-Atlantic journey, the outlet reports. He was eventually given a business class seat, but spent the rest of the flight “in agony.”

As reported by the outlet, Christman alleges that the carrier failed to offer him immediate medical assistance, “and declined a recommendation from a doctor on board that they divert the flight.” Christman also alleges that crew members did not alert medical staff on the ground to the severity of his illness, something that he believes had a negative impact on his condition as it delayed necessary medical treatment.

According to court documents, Christman received hospital treatment upon landing in Rome and then returned to the U.S. via an air ambulance in June 2016. He was hospitalized for three months in Chicago and had to undergo both gallbladder and gastric surgery as a result of his condition.

The outlet reports that, “The couple, who are alleging negligence and loss of consortium, are seeking at least $100,000 in damages.”

Commenting on the case, David Axelrod, the couple’s legal representative, said, “When there is an emergency situation with someone who was as sick as Mr. Christman was, United Airlines has an obligation to land the plane, and get him to the emergency room as quickly as possible.”

United spokesperson Erin Benson Scharra, commented only to say, “We are aware of the suit and are looking into the matter.”

[Photo: Shutterstock]

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23 Comments
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polinka June 7, 2018

I think acute pancreatitis can happen without symptoms (thus the "acute") and I feel terrible for the guy. That's a long time to be in pain and agony. However, my sympathy is mitigated by the fact that he hired David Axelrod.

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DirtyDan June 3, 2018

The real tragedy here is that the crew honestly thoguht a seat in UA C cabin would lessen his pain...

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Julesmac June 1, 2018

A few years ago travelling from Melbourne to Auckland my husband got up to go to the loo and face planted in the aisle. We were about 45 minutes into a three hour flight. As he';d had heart troubles of course I was concerned that was the issue; however prior to setting off he'd been fine..He was moved to the back of the plane and on oxygen for the remainder of the flight.Upon landing we got the full emergency bit, carried off the plane to a waiting ambulance and straight to hospital. It turned out to be, thankfully, just massive dehydration and all was fine after a night in hospital. However it was interesting that one of the ambos asked me why I was not given the option to request the plane turning back. I have since discovered that the crew have access to medical advice but in view of my husband's history of a heart issue the ambo said it might have been better to return to Melbourne. I'm not sure how one goes about getting crew to agree to that request! We could not however, fault Qantas's care, concern and assistance at the time. I guess you never know when a problem will strike

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ylefin June 1, 2018

We diverted to Stockhom after one hour on 4 hour flight from Helsinki to Malaga. I must say we passengers felt a bit cheated when the sick person walked out in seemingly good condition.But ofcourse these situations are taken very seriously, but still.....

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dagny11 May 31, 2018

Pancreatitis is a life threatening illness. It is also one of the most painful illnesses ever, and it can start very quickly . The passenger was probably fine when he got on the flight. That being said , a blood test is required to diagnose pancreatitis.