Former Air Stewardess Wins Six-Figure Settlement After Severe Leg Injury on Flight

Eden Garrity, a 31-year-old former air stewardess from Leigh, Greater Manchester, has received a six-figure compensation settlement after suffering a severe leg break in seven places as a result of turbulence on a Thomas Cook flight from Cuba to Manchester in August 2019.

The incident occurred when the plane encountered a tropical hailstorm over the Atlantic. The aircraft was violently thrust 500 feet upwards, causing Garrity to be thrown to the ground while she was pushing a trolley and serving passengers. She lay on the floor in agony for an hour before six passengers helped carry her to a row of seats.

Garrity sustained severe injuries, including breaking her fibula in five places, her tibia once, fracturing the side of her foot, and cracking her ankle bone. She required surgery to insert screws and metal plates, in addition to an external brace. The injury left her unable to walk for two months and with nerve damage that makes it painful to stand for long periods.

Due to her injuries, Garrity was unable to return to her job as an air stewardess, which she described as her "dream job." She expressed her frustration, saying, "It has left me bitter, I'm resentful for it. It's just frustrating. It was the best job in the world and I feel like I've lost a piece of my personality."

This incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of airline staff and passengers during flights, particularly in adverse weather conditions. It also highlights the need for improved inflight safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Garrity made a compensation claim via Thomas Cook's insurers after the company went bust in 2020. Despite initially denying responsibility, the insurers agreed to pay an undisclosed six-figure compensation care package. Injury law expert Neil Richards, who represented Garrity, stated, "The circumstances surrounding the incident in which Miss Garrity sustained her injuries should have been foreseen."

The incident highlights the dangers of turbulence for airline staff and the importance of taking necessary precautions. Garrity's lawyers argued that staff should have been made aware of the adverse weather conditions and that additional safety measures should have been implemented. This case has drawn attention to the need for improved inflight safety protocols.

Garrity's ordeal has had a profound impact on her life. She now works at a travel agent because of her ongoing health issues. Reflecting on her situation, she said, "I feel lost, I've got a family and a son and it is great, but I'm very restricted in terms of what I can do. I miss making memories, seeing different countries."

The compensation settlement provides some financial relief, but Garrity emphasizes that it cannot replace what she has lost. "I appreciate the payout but it doesn't bring back what I've lost," she said. "I'm 31 and I have the rest of my life ahead of me and I can't do what I want to do."

Garrity's case highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of airline staff and passengers during flights, particularly in adverse weather conditions. By sharing her story, she hopes to highlight the need for better safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Eden Garrity, 31, suffered a severe leg break in 7 places due to turbulence on a Thomas Cook flight.
• The incident occurred when the plane encountered a tropical hailstorm over the Atlantic.
• Garrity received a six-figure compensation settlement after being unable to return to her job as an air stewardess.
• The incident highlights the importance of ensuring airline staff and passenger safety during flights, especially in adverse weather.
• Garrity hopes her story will lead to improved inflight safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.