Generally, parties cannot be held responsible for harm caused by the criminal acts of other individuals. There are exceptions, though, that would allow for the imposition of liability. For example, in a recent New York opinion, a court examined whether an airline could be deemed accountable for one passenger’s sexual assault of another. If you suffered harm while flying, you might be able to pursue claims against multiple parties, and it is advisable to speak to a Syracuse personal injury attorney about your potential causes of action.
The Plaintiff’s Allegations
It is alleged that in June 2017, the plaintiff boarded a flight operated by the defendant airline that was traveling from Colorado, to Arizona, to New York. She sat in the window seat, and another passenger sat in the aisle seat. Shortly before takeoff, the tortfeasor sat in the middle seat of the row, next to the plaintiff. According to the plaintiff, the tortfeasor smelled of alcohol and was stumbling, slurring his words, and was fidgeting and agitated.
It is reported, though, that other parties testified that the tortfeasor was merely enthusiastic. At some point during the flight, the tortfeasor sexually assaulted the plaintiff. The plaintiff ultimately filed a lawsuit against the defendant, arguing, among other things, that its negligence caused the plaintiff harm. The plaintiff then moved for summary judgment on numerous issues. Continue reading