DENVER — A lawsuit filed in Denver District Court describes a painful incident involving an airline pilot in November of 2022.
Kenneth Gow, a pilot who lives in Utah, filed the lawsuit against TK Elevator Corporation in December of 2023.
Video of the incident shows a missing comb plate at the end of the walkway moments before the open slot caught Gow’s foot, leading to a fall and a mangled shoe.
Gow’s lawsuit alleges he suffered shoulder and foot injuries, including bone contusions, that required physical therapy and missed work.
“It's really fortunate that Mr. Gow wasn't hurt worse,” said Gow’s attorney Brian Aleinikoff.
Aleinikoff said the lawsuit's aim is to get TK Elevator to cover medical bills and take responsibility for the missing part that led to Gow’s injuries.
“It was fortunate that Mr. Gow was wearing a pretty hefty shoe. It's fortunate that he didn't lose his toes,” Aleinikoff said.
9NEWS reached out to TK Elevator Corporation for comment but never received a response.
While the Denver International Airport is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, a spokesperson responded over email with a statement.
“The safety of our passengers and employees is always a top priority and we work diligently every day in partnership with our contractors to address issues,” the airport’s statement said.
9NEWS Legal Analyst Whitney Traylor reviewed the video and the lawsuit and said Gow likely has a strong liability claim.
The lawsuit also alleges “mental anguish.”
“This is a pilot. He’s going to be riding escalators for as long as he works," Traylor said. Could that create psychological damage?
“A jury could say, ‘Yeah this is frightening. This is my biggest fear, my foot gets caught in the escalator,’ which is exactly what happened. So there’s where you could get some damages.”
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