Passenger sues Emirates after ‘slipping’ on blanket

An Emirates passenger who claims she slipped on a blanket and injured her knee while trying to help a person stuck in a toilet mid-flight is suing the airline. Marie Hobbs is seeking unspecified damages over an incident on an Emirates flight in August 2013 that left her with “permanent and continuing disabilities”. According to a recently filed Supreme Court writ, Ms Hobbs was asleep on a flight from Perth to Dubai when another passenger became stuck in the toilet. Ms Hobbs was woken by knocking noises and allegedly got up to help the trapped person when airline staff did not come to their aid. “Unbeknown to the plaintiff a blanket wrapped in a plastic bag had fallen on to the floor of the aircraft,” the writ says.

Unbeknown to the plaintiff a blanket wrapped in a plastic bag had fallen on to the floor of the aircraft.

The writ stated.

Ms Hobbs allegedly suffered injuries that included a torn anterior cruciate ligament, fractures and cartilage tears in her left knee. It is alleged the contact with the seat left her with bruising and cuts to the chin. The writ says Ms Hobbs needed medical treatment and experienced loss and damages as a result of her injuries. It claims she will continue to suffer economic loss. An Emirates spokeswoman said it would be inappropriate to comment on the case while it was before the courts.

The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.

An Emirates spokeswoman said.

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