Delta and KLM sued over 'too fat to fly' Vilma Soltesz

[EnglishLady]

The husband of a US woman who was too big to be flown home from Europe - where she later died - is to sue the airlines involved for damages.

Vilma Soltesz, who weighed about 30st (193kg, 420lbs), was refused a place on two flights in October.

She died of kidney failure before a suitable flight could be found, after refusing treatment from local doctors.

Delta Airlines said every effort was made to accommodate her but it had been "physically unable" to get her aboard.

But Peter Ronai, the lawyer acting for her husband, Janos, told CBS: "They [the airlines] took on the responsibility to get her to Hungary, it's their responsibility to get her back."

Mrs Soltesz needed to return to New York from her holiday home in Hungary to resume medical treatment.

She suffered from kidney disease and diabetes and reportedly "did not trust" Hungarian doctors.

But the Dutch airline KLM was unable to get her on board a flight on which she had booked two seats to accommodate her.

She was then told to drive to Prague in the Czech Republic where she would be given seats on a larger Delta Airlines flight.

But, according to Mr Ronai, she was unable to be belted into that plane and "the captain came out of the cockpit and made her get off".

Mrs Soltesz died of kidney failure before an alternative flight could be found.

In a statement Delta Airlines and KLM said they had done everything possible to assist the family.

"Our records indicate Delta staff in Prague made repeated attempts for nearly an hour to board the customer, but they were unable to get her onboard the aircraft," Delta claimed.

Mr Soltesz is seeking $6m (£3.7m; 4.6m euros) in damages from Delta and KLM.

BBC News - Delta and KLM sued over 'too fat to fly' Vilma Soltesz

 

[layoutshooter]

She should have never went to Europe in the first place if she was that ill.

 

[EnglishLady]

She should have never went to Europe in the first place if she was that ill.

Why does the husband think he stands a chance suing the airline though?

Surely refusing medical treatment is key here

 

[layoutshooter]

Don't ask me, I don't know what the guy is thinking. The airlines must have been singing the "Too Fat Polka" during this episode.


"OH!, I don't want her, you can have her, she's to fat for me, HEY! she's too fat for me, HEY, she's too fat for me..................."


Drew Carey & Frankie Yankovic - Too Fat Polka - YouTube

 

[LDB]

If she managed to fly from the U.S. to Hungary she should have been able to reverse the process on the same type plane(s). That doesn't mean she could do the same on different plane types. She should have found the identical plane/airline for the flight out. Additionally, if her health was that bad she should have sought medical treatment. Additionally, if her health was that bad and she didn't trust foreign doctors she shouldn't have left the country. As to why her husband is suing the airline, that's because the 95% of bad lawyers do nothing but promote litigation and because the liberal society that expects everything for nothing have created a populace that sues first and asks questions later.The airline probably has some degree of liability but probably not nearly as much as they are asking.

 

[Mdbtyhtr]

The airlines lose either way as they have to mount a defense regardless of outcome.

Scott

 

[Moot]

Vilma Soltesz, who weighed about 30st (193kg, 420lbs), was refused a place on two flights in October.

Delta Airlines said every effort was made to accommodate her but it had been "physically unable" to get her aboard.

In a statement Delta Airlines and KLM said they had done everything possible to assist the family.

Where's the Ragman when you need him? Sorry I couldn't wait any longer.