A shocking incident at Chicago O'Hare International Airport has led to a lawsuit against two major service providers. On April 17, 2025, Robert Koterbay filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, against American Airlines, Inc., and Prospect Airport Services, Inc., following an alleged mishap involving wheelchair assistance that resulted in personal injuries.
The case centers around events on May 4, 2024, when Koterbay was traveling with American Airlines from Providence, Rhode Island to Moline, Illinois. Due to mobility impairments, he required wheelchair assistance while navigating through Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The complaint alleges that after a delay in his connecting flight AA6172, the assigned wheelchair attendant left Koterbay unattended at the gate. When boarding commenced and no attendant was available to assist him down the jet bridge safely, a gate agent abruptly took over without warning or ensuring Koterbay's safety. This action allegedly caused Koterbay to fall out of the wheelchair and sustain injuries.
Koterbay's lawsuit accuses both American Airlines and Prospect Airport Services of negligence and breach of duty as common carriers. The plaintiff claims that American Airlines failed to provide adequate training for its staff and did not ensure proper safety measures were in place for passengers requiring special assistance. Similarly, Prospect is accused of not maintaining control over their employees who were responsible for assisting passengers like Koterbay.
In his complaint, Koterbay seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for personal injuries sustained due to what he describes as careless and negligent actions by both defendants. He demands judgment against them for failing to uphold their responsibilities as service providers at one of the nation's busiest airports.
Representing Robert Koterbay is Wise Law Offices with attorney Chloe J. Schultz leading the case. The filing also names the City of Chicago as a respondent in discovery due to its potential possession of information relevant to identifying additional liable parties. The case ID is 2025L005224.