Woman files federal complaint against United Airlines

 by Krystal Paco

Guam - A complaint and demand for jury trial has been filed in federal court against United Airlines.

Plaintiff Christine Palacios alleges she received callous, cruel, careless and oppressive treatment when she was escorted off a United Airlines flight from Manila to Guam back in December 2014.

Court documents indicate Palacios suffers from several illnesses, including metastatic cancer. Days before the flight, she was released from the hospital for respiratory failure and severe pneumonia. Because her condition required additional medical equipment and her physician as an escort, she alleges she made attempts but was denied purchase of a business class ticket.

Shortly after boarding onto economy class, Palacios reports she and her baggage were removed from the plane, despite pleas from herself and her physician to stay. 

The complaint states the incident was willful misconduct on United Airlines' part and that as a result she suffered severe and grievous injuries and aggravation of pre-existing conditions, medical expenses, aggravation of her respiratory illness, sustained physical and mental pain, injury, suffering, anguish, grief, humiliation, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment.

Palacios is seeking punitive damages and/or exemplary damages.