A former flight steward is taking legal action against Singapore Airlines (SIA), seeking $1.78 million in damages over an incident where he claims to have slipped on a grease patch and sustained injuries on a flight from San Francisco to Singapore on September 6, 2019. The ex-employee, Mr Durairaj Santiran, alleges negligence on the part of SIA for maintaining an unsafe working environment.
Mr Durairaj, who served as a flight steward from April 2016 until April 2021, recounted the incident occurring approximately 2.5 hours before the scheduled landing. He claims to have slipped in the economy-class galley, resulting in a fall that caused significant spinal injuries, rendering him medically unfit to continue his career as a flight steward. Currently employed as a customer care analyst in Malaysia, Mr Durairaj appeared in court on February 13, the first day of the trial, donning a neck brace.
The lawsuit details Mr Durairaj’s claim for damages, including $1.29 million for loss of future earnings, $30,000 for diminished earning capacity, and $150,000 for anticipated medical and transportation expenses. His legal representatives argue that SIA failed to ensure the aircraft’s floor was safe from slip hazards and did not implement an effective cleaning system to maintain floor safety. They contend that the absence of preventive measures indicates an inadequate work system and an unsafe workplace.
SIA, in response, has denied the allegations, with their legal team emphasizing the airline’s commitment to addressing valid employee claims while firmly contesting those deemed invalid or questionable. They highlighted Mr Durairaj’s history of work injury claims in 2017 and 2018, which were not disputed by SIA and resulted in compensation through the Work Injury Compensation Act (Wica) process for back and neck injuries. The airline’s defense portrays the current claim as highly suspect and one that necessitates a resolute challenge.
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