Judge Tosses Lawsuit Against American Airlines Over Sexual Abuse

PORTLAND, OR – American Airlines won't have to face a trial over charges that they failed to protect a 13-year-old girl from being sexually abused on one of their flights. The trial had been scheduled to begin next month.

The case stemmed from an attack on a 2016 flight to Portland from Dallas. Chad Camp sexually abused the girl, groping her, while sitting next to her. He had refused to move to one of several open seats on the flight and since pleaded guilty.

"I felt frightened and trapped," the teen had told an FBI agent who met the plane when it landed in Portland.

The girl's family sued on her behalf charging that the airline should have done more to protect the teen who was flying as an unaccompanied minor. Get all the latest information on what's happening in your community by signing up for Patch's newsletters and breaking news alerts.

American, which is based in Texas, had argued that since the attack had occurred while the plane was in Texas airspace, the suit had to be tossed because state law there prevents punitive damages from being collected in such a case.

The teen's family argued that Oregon law, which allows such suits, should apply. They were seeking nearly $3 million to help them pay for her counseling and other treatment.

Federal Judge Marco Hernandez ruled in favor of the airline and tossed the suit. He said that the airline did not have "a duty to prevent" Camp's actions.

Photo of Chad Camp via Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.