Trending...
- Kevin Francis Design Introduces CHROMA, a Collection of Saturated Solid Color Wool Rugs
- Tacoma: City Council Adopts Updated Stormwater Management Manual to Enhance Environmental Health and Regulatory Compliance
- Spokane: 2026 Pools & Aquatics Information
KING COUNTY, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A jury rendered a $3.19 million verdict in favor of the family of Bernice Kekona. The elderly and disabled passenger suffered fatal injuries when she fell down an escalator while in her wheelchair after Alaska Airlines failed to provide gate-to-gate transportation—which had been requested and confirmed five times—to a connecting flight in 2017. The verdict against Alaska was handed down Monday, February 22, 2021 in King County Superior Court.
"Bernice Kekona was the victim of a tragic failure by Alaska to provide basic services between their flights," said Robert Gellatly of Luvera Law Firm, who represented the Kekona family. "Alaska failed Bernice miserably, and the company has continued to wield the legal system like a weapon to blame Bernice, evade responsibility, and undermine her grieving family in the most hurtful ways."
The jury sided with the relatives of 75-year-old Kekona, an amputee and disabled passenger, who was traveling home from Hawaii to Spokane, and had scheduled assistance traveling between gates at the Portland International Airport. When the escorts her family arranged left Kekona alone due to miscommunications between Alaska and its contractor, she attempted to make the trip herself, ultimately falling down 21 steps on an airport escalator in her wheelchair – a horrific incident captured on surveillance video.
More on Washingtoner
Kekona's injuries included trauma to her head and chest and escalator marks on her face, but the most significant was an Achilles tendon injury that led to septic infection. After three months of a painful and ultimately unsuccessful recovery process, doctors finally amputated her remaining leg, and she died the day after the surgery from overwhelming infection.
"Passenger consumers trust that airlines will provide basic services in keeping with safety regulations, and Alaska really dropped the ball in taking simple steps to ensure Mrs. Kekona's well-being," said Brook Cunningham of Randall Danskin, co-counsel for the Kekona family. "We're honored to help hold the airline accountable and ensure safety for other passengers."
The court rejected an earlier move by Alaska to dismiss the case. Throughout legal proceedings, the airline repeatedly tried to lay blame solely on Kekona herself, despite the fact that employees disregarded the family's arrangements and the company's own safety protocols in allowing a disabled septuagenarian to venture off, alone.
More on Washingtoner
In its verdict, the jury found the airline 90 percent responsible for the injuries that led to Kekona's death, which Gellatly said he hopes will bring a measure of closure to the Kekona family.
"For the past four years, this grieving family has asked Alaska for transparency and accountability to ensure this wouldn't happen to another vulnerable passenger," Gellatly said. "We admire this family's bravery in continuing to fight in Mrs. Kekona's memory, and we thank the jury for their time and thoughtfulness in holding Alaska responsible for passenger safety."
About Luvera Law Firm:
Luvera Law Firm is a nationally recognized firm, with high standards of ethical conduct. The firm specializes in medical malpractice, brain injury, death and other major damage cases, and seeks justice for clients as well as positive changes in corporate and governmental behavior. Find more at www.luveralawfirm.com
"Bernice Kekona was the victim of a tragic failure by Alaska to provide basic services between their flights," said Robert Gellatly of Luvera Law Firm, who represented the Kekona family. "Alaska failed Bernice miserably, and the company has continued to wield the legal system like a weapon to blame Bernice, evade responsibility, and undermine her grieving family in the most hurtful ways."
The jury sided with the relatives of 75-year-old Kekona, an amputee and disabled passenger, who was traveling home from Hawaii to Spokane, and had scheduled assistance traveling between gates at the Portland International Airport. When the escorts her family arranged left Kekona alone due to miscommunications between Alaska and its contractor, she attempted to make the trip herself, ultimately falling down 21 steps on an airport escalator in her wheelchair – a horrific incident captured on surveillance video.
More on Washingtoner
- Inframark–Slater Joint Venture Selected to Manage Fulton County Wastewater Operations
- Cancun International Airport Reports Strong Start to Summer 2026 Travel Season
- Freedomtech Solutions Launches the World's First Pre‑Installed Agentic AI Server — Instant, Sovereign, Infrastructure‑Native Intelligence
- GitKraken Introduces Code Flow, a Framework for Software Development in the Agentic Era
- SanctionsLookup Launches Free OFAC Search Tool for U.S. Sanctions Screening
Kekona's injuries included trauma to her head and chest and escalator marks on her face, but the most significant was an Achilles tendon injury that led to septic infection. After three months of a painful and ultimately unsuccessful recovery process, doctors finally amputated her remaining leg, and she died the day after the surgery from overwhelming infection.
"Passenger consumers trust that airlines will provide basic services in keeping with safety regulations, and Alaska really dropped the ball in taking simple steps to ensure Mrs. Kekona's well-being," said Brook Cunningham of Randall Danskin, co-counsel for the Kekona family. "We're honored to help hold the airline accountable and ensure safety for other passengers."
The court rejected an earlier move by Alaska to dismiss the case. Throughout legal proceedings, the airline repeatedly tried to lay blame solely on Kekona herself, despite the fact that employees disregarded the family's arrangements and the company's own safety protocols in allowing a disabled septuagenarian to venture off, alone.
More on Washingtoner
- RIGHT CARS Announces Landmark African Expansion Through Strategic Collaboration Agreement Across Eight Nations
- Spokane: Housing and Human Services Dept. Provides Update on Housing and Homelessness Initiatives
- Boston Industrial Solutions' Natron® 717N Series UV LED Ink Receives CPSIA Certification
- Spokane City Clerk To Retire After 30 Years In Role, Successor Named
- purelyIV Expands Mobile IV Therapy to Jackson, MI and Launches PlaqueX® IV Therapy
In its verdict, the jury found the airline 90 percent responsible for the injuries that led to Kekona's death, which Gellatly said he hopes will bring a measure of closure to the Kekona family.
"For the past four years, this grieving family has asked Alaska for transparency and accountability to ensure this wouldn't happen to another vulnerable passenger," Gellatly said. "We admire this family's bravery in continuing to fight in Mrs. Kekona's memory, and we thank the jury for their time and thoughtfulness in holding Alaska responsible for passenger safety."
About Luvera Law Firm:
Luvera Law Firm is a nationally recognized firm, with high standards of ethical conduct. The firm specializes in medical malpractice, brain injury, death and other major damage cases, and seeks justice for clients as well as positive changes in corporate and governmental behavior. Find more at www.luveralawfirm.com
0 Comments
Latest on Washingtoner
- Brilliant Minds to Gather in Fort Worth for National Mensa Event
- UK Financial Ltd Completes One Of The Most Extensive CoinMarketCap Supply Verification Packages For Maya Preferred PRA (MPRA)
- Data Tiles Strengthens U.S. Presence with Chief Revenue Officer John Goode
- Haven Media Solutions Offers Web Design and PPC Services in Atlanta GA
- Spokane: 2026 Pools & Aquatics Information
- TREND Network Announces Miami Based Reality Series "Coming Up Miami" Premiering July 1
- Beemok Hospitality Collection And KLH Group Announce Preferred Partnership
- Expanding Access to Mental Health Care in Toronto with Dr. Stephen Shainbart
- Dr. Stephen Shainbart Launches Expanded Mental Health Support for Anxiety and Depression in Toronto
- Equipment Leases, Inc. Launches Updated Family Office Equipment Financing Page
- Spokane: Council Members Introduce An Ordinance Imposing Data Center Moratorium
- The $5 Million Man Still Begging: Incumbent Jimmy Panetta Hits Up Voters for More Cash Despite Massive War Chest
- Kevin Francis Design Introduces CHROMA, a Collection of Saturated Solid Color Wool Rugs
- $150+ Million Contracted Backlog, Strategic Acquisitions Adding Millions In Recurring Revenue, Improving Margins & A Clear Path Toward Profitability
- Record Revenue Growth, AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation, Expanding Proprietary Brand and Targeting $200 Million Revenue By 2029: Cosmos Health Inc
- Bergey's Truck Centers Recognized in 2026 MACH Alliance Composable Impact Awards
- Tacoma: City Council Adopts Updated Stormwater Management Manual to Enhance Environmental Health and Regulatory Compliance
- Spokane Police Sergeant Pulls Elderly Female from Burning Home
- What Would you Do with Your Time if it Was Actually Money?
- Mr. Hospital Bed Showcases the Best Hospital Bed and Air Mattress for Bed Sores for 2026