The family of a disabled Florida woman who was paralyzed and died after being “thrown” into the aisle of a Southwest Airlines flight has settled a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, the Post reported.
The family’s attorney, Robert Solomon, confirmed the settlement to the Post, but declined to disclose the amount.
Gabby Assouline, 25, suffers from a genetic muscle disease and used a wheelchair when traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Denver in February 2022.
She and her mother sought assistance from Southwest Airlines employees and sought millions of dollars in medical bills and damages, according to the lawsuit.
Her family claimed that her request was denied and she was forced to negotiate a jet bridge to the plane herself.
Assoulin then hit a ridge and was “thrown” from his wheelchair, landing on his head and suffering severe injuries that left him paralyzed from the neck down, the complaint states.
Assuline passed away in January 2023 after being bedridden for 11 months.
Veteran Miami personal injury attorney Nicholas Gerson of Gerson & Schwartz said the final amount will likely be in the millions of dollars, given the circumstances of the case.
“There are a lot of variables, but given what happened here, I feel comfortable saying this is in the seven-figure range,” he said.
Her mother, plaintiff Sandra Assouline, said her daughter was forced to use a feeding tube last year and was unable to speak after the incident.
“The fear and pain my daughter sees in her moments of waking clarity is unbearable,” her mother said at the time.
Assoulin said her daughter has a disease that turns muscle tissue into bone, which limits her mobility.
The airline expressed its condolences at the time of her death while the case was being fought in court. Mr. Southwest claimed early on that Mr. Assoulin declined his offer of assistance.
“Southwest Airlines extends its deepest condolences to Ms. Assouline’s family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched,” the February 2023 statement read.
Assuline’s family said they had hoped Gaby would eventually be able to return home before her condition worsened.
“Gabby’s life was tragically interrupted 11 months ago, but she fought her biggest battle with grace, friends, laughter and a strong belief that she would soon be out of the hospital and home.” wrote online. “Unfortunately, complications robbed Gabby of that closure.”
