A shocking incident on an international flight has led to a lawsuit against one of the world's largest airlines. On June 11, 2024, Stacey Perkins Rock and Paul Rock filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, against American Airlines, Inc., alleging severe negligence that resulted in significant injuries.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on June 13, 2022, during American Airlines Flight 151 from Paris, France to Chicago, Illinois. Stacey Perkins Rock was a passenger on this flight when it encountered extreme turbulence near Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). According to the complaint, despite being aware of hazardous weather conditions—including tornadoes in the Chicago area—American Airlines proceeded with the scheduled destination without adequately warning passengers or ensuring their safety. As a result, Stacey was violently thrown from her seat and sustained multiple fractures to her ribs and clavicle along with severe bruising.
"American’s decision to fly the aircraft to ORD despite known hazardous weather conditions and its failure to warn Plaintiff Stacey Perkins Rock to fasten her seatbelt constitutes an 'Accident' under Article 17 of the Montreal Convention," reads the complaint. The plaintiffs argue that American Airlines failed in its duty as a common carrier by not taking evasive action or diverting to another airport. They further allege that the airline did not properly train its pilots and flight attendants on how to handle such dangerous weather events.
Stacey's husband, Paul Rock, is also a plaintiff in this case. He brings forth a loss-of-consortium claim against American Airlines due to his wife's injuries. The couple alleges that American Airlines' negligence has caused significant disruption in their lives. "As a result of the significant injuries to his wife, Plaintiff Paul Rock has been deprived of his wife’s support, society, and companionship," states the complaint.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for Stacey's physical injuries and emotional distress as well as for Paul's loss of consortium. They demand judgment against American Airlines for all damages available under law along with court costs.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Austin Bartlett from BartlettChen LLC based in Chicago and Michael S. Miska along with Cynthia M. Devers from Devers Miska Law based in Pennsylvania. The case is identified as Case No. 24-cv-4833 and will be presided over by judges from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.