Tourist Sues Ketchikan Borough After Mobility Scooter Accident

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 19, 2024 23:30 PMNews
Share:
A men on a mobility scooter and a woman with a cane
Mobility scooter accident sparks lawsuit. Source: unsplash

A 91-year-old cruise ship tourist is suing the Ketchikan Gateway Borough for negligence following an incident where his mobility scooter tipped over on a public bus. This case highlights the importance of safety measures for travelers, especially those with mobility issues.

The lawsuit was filed on May 8 in federal court in Alaska. Donald Gillingham, from Montana, was visiting Ketchikan with his wife during a September cruise when the accident occurred. Due to his limited mobility, Gillingham had rented a motorized scooter for the trip, emphasizing the need for accessible and safe travel options for elderly tourists.

According to the complaint, the scooter tipped over when the bus made a left turn, causing Gillingham to fall. At the time, he did not realize the severity of his injuries. It was only after returning to the cruise ship and being evaluated at Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau that Gillingham learned he had sustained three broken ribs and a punctured lung.

Ketchikan’s public buses are equipped with internal straps to secure mobility scooters, but the complaint alleges that the driver did not require Gillingham to use them, as they are not mandatory. This incident underscores the necessity for mandatory safety protocols to protect vulnerable passengers. Gillingham’s attorneys argue that the borough neglected its duty of care by failing to ensure the safe transportation of passengers with mobility devices.

Mark and Jon Choate, Gillingham’s attorneys, declined to comment on the case. Ketchikan Borough Manager Ruben Duran acknowledged being aware of the potential lawsuit but stated that he had not yet been officially notified.

The lawsuit includes accusations of negligence and loss of consortium. The latter charge is filed on behalf of Gillingham’s wife, Patricia Gillingham, and claims that the physical and emotional trauma her husband suffered has negatively impacted their marriage.

This case serves as a reminder for travelers to be aware of their safety and for transportation services to implement stringent safety measures to prevent such incidents.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM