A man dragged screaming off a United Airlines flight described his ordeal as “more horrifying” than his experiences in the Vietnam War, his lawyer says.
Attorneys for Dr David Dao, who lost two front teeth and suffered a broken nose and “significant” concussion in the incident, say they will sue.
His daughter, Crystal Dao Pepper, told the news conference in Chicago they are “sickened” by his treatment.
Law enforcement officials dragged Dr Dao off Sunday evening’s Chicago to Louisville, Kentucky, flight because it was fully booked, and the airline wanted four passengers to make way for staff members.
Lawyer Thomas Demetrio told journalists on Thursday: “He [Dr Dao] said that he left Vietnam in 1975 when Saigon fell and he was on a boat and he said he was terrified.
“He said that being dragged down the aisle was more horrifying and harrowing than what he experienced when leaving Vietnam.”
Ms Dao Pepper, who lives in suburban Chicago, said: “What happened to my dad should have never happened to any human being, regardless off the circumstance.
“We were horrified and shocked and sickened to learn what happened to him and to see what happened to him.”
Dr Dao’s lawyers have filed an emergency court request for the airline to preserve evidence ahead of a hearing next Monday morning.
The filing with an Illinois state court demands that United Airlines and the city of Chicago preserve all surveillance videos, cockpit voice recordings, passenger and crew lists related to the flight.
United Airlines said it would refund the ticket costs of all passengers on Sunday’s flight.
Dr Dao was released on Wednesday night from a Chicago hospital, his lawyer said, adding that he planned to have reconstructive surgery.
The City of Chicago runs O’Hare International Airport.
The airline has confirmed it is “reaching out” to customers on United Flight 3411 and “offering compensation for their flights”.
On Wednesday, the airline’s chief executive, Oscar Munoz, said he felt “shame and embarrassment” and vowed it would never happen again.
Two online petitions calling for Mr Munoz to resign have gained 64,000 signatures and 75,000 signatures respectively.
Source : http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39586391
