American Airlines Sued over Woman’s Death on Puerto Rico-Bound Flight

AMR Corp.’s American Airlines, the world’s largest carrier, was sued by the family of a woman who died on a flight after requests for emergency oxygen allegedly went unheeded. The family is now seeking more than $100,000 in damages.

Martina Camacho, 69, died en route from Orlando, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on December 7, 2005, after flight attendants and crew members denied repeated requests for supplemental oxygen, according to a lawsuit filed last week by Camacho’s son Mario Castro in federal court in Orlando.

Camacho required additional oxygen to treat a pre-existing medical condition, according to the complaint. Her family, including two brothers who were traveling with her, had made arrangements for oxygen to be waiting at the airport in Puerto Rico. Camacho had trouble breathing before the flight landed and was repeatedly refused medical assistance, the complaint said.

“Martina Camacho was no longer breathing and the supplemental oxygen was never administered,” the complaint said. “Camacho suffered painful and severe physical injuries and mental suffering, severe emotional distress, shock, fright, fear of impending death and mental anguish, all ultimately leading to her death.”

The airline breached its duty to use reasonable care and offer safe passage to Camacho, the complaint said. The airline also failed to comply with accepted practices and federal aviation regulations in the emergency and neglected to call air- to-ground medical service to assist in Camacho’s diagnosis and treatment, the suit said.