A Delta pilot has filed a lawsuit against an elevator company after a moving walkway at the Denver International Airport swallowed his foot whole.
On Nov. 4, 2022, pilot Kenneth Gow was walking through Concourse A of the Denver airport when his foot caught on the end of a moving walkway, which was missing a protective plate, according to the complaint.
Gow’s foot, shoe and sock were all severely damaged when his foot was trapped in the open slot, the complaint alleges.
The Utah pilot originally filed the complaint against TK Elevator Corporation in Denver District Court on Dec. 20, but a combination of factors removed the case to Colorado’s federal district court on Jan. 26, according to court documents.
Video of the incident gathered by 9News shows a missing comb plate at the end of the walkway moments before Gow trips and falls.
When Gow visited a Utah clinic following the incident, he was prescribed physical therapy for the pain in his left ankle and left foot, but also for injuries to his left shoulder due to the fall he took after his foot was stuck, according to the lawsuit.
Physical therapists diagnosed Gow with inflamed joints, a strained left Achilles tendon and bone contusions, the complaint states.
Even after undergoing therapy, he remains in serious pain, according to the complaint.
While the incident happened in Colorado, because Gow and the corporation are from different states and Gow is claiming more than $75,000 in damages, the case was removed from state to federal court.
Gow is seeking compensation for physical and emotional damages, as well as to cover doctors’ fees, prescriptions, hospital care, physical therapy and other medical procedures. The amount will be determined at trial.
