SAN DIEGO, June 9 (UPI) -- A Hawaii woman suing American Airlines says workers refused to set up a wheelchair ramp in San Diego and she was forced to crawl onto her plane.
Theresa Purcell, who suffers from a bone disease and requires the use of a wheelchair, filed a lawsuit Friday against American Airlines seeking $75,000 plus damages for the incident two years ago.
Purcell, a hip hop artist who frequently flies, said she informed American Airlines prior to her flight that she would need a wheelchair ramp to get on the plane, but when she arrived at the gate an agent told her there wasn't enough time to set up the ramp.
Purcell said there was a ramp near the gate, but airline workers refused to set it up for her and she ended up having to crawl from the gate to her seat.
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"I was humiliated. It was embarrassing to have 50-something people watch you crawl into a plane," Purcell told KHON-TV.
The airline issued an apology last month.
"On behalf of US Airways and American Airlines, please accept our apologies for the difficulties Ms. Purcell experienced with her request for level entry boarding. It is imperative to provide essential care and to have a sensitive approach when assisting our passengers who have special needs," the statement read in part.
However, the airline later denied a request for compensation from Purcell's attorney.
"Thank you for your letter of demand on behalf of Theresa Purcell. American Airlines will not be issuing any compensation for your client's injuries claim," read a letter issued to Purcell's attorney.
