United Settles With Doctor Who Was Dragged Off Flight
Airlines & Airports United Airlines Patrick Clarke April 27, 2017

United Airlines has reached a settlement with Dr. David Dao, according to CNN Money.
The 69-year-old's lawyers announced the deal Thursday, less than three weeks after the April 9 incident in which he was violently dragged off of an overbooked flight at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Dao reportedly suffered multiple injuries during the incident, including a concussion, broken nose and lost teeth.
Financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed as part of the agreement, according to CNBC.
While the incident set off a seemingly never-ending PR nightmare for the airline, Dao's attorney Thomas Demetrio praised United and its CEO Oscar Munoz.
"Mr. Munoz said he was going to do the right thing, and he has," Demetrio said via CNN Money. "In addition, United has taken full responsibility for what happened...without attempting to blame others, including the City of Chicago."
"Dr. Dao has become the unintended champion for the adoption of changes which will certainly help improve the lives of literally millions of travelers," Dao's lawyer added in a separate statement.
After his initial response to the viral incident sparked even more backlash against the airline, Munoz went on an apology tour that included writing an email to United's top-level frequent fliers promising to get better. The Chicago police officer who removed Dao from the flight has been suspended.
READ MORE: United Delivers Response To Lawmakers
The settlement comes the same day that United announced a series of policy changes designed to improve how it interacts with passengers in wake of the incident. The carrier will no longer call on law enforcement officers to assist unless it is dealing with a safety or security issue.
What's more, United said it will not force seated passenger to give up their spot involuntarily unless a safety or security threat is posed and passenger compensation incentives for voluntary denied boarding has been bumped up to $10,000.
"Every customer deserves to be treated with the highest levels of service and the deepest sense of dignity and respect. Two weeks ago, we failed to meet that standard and we profoundly apologize," Munoz said in a statement accompanying Thursday's announcement.
"However, actions speak louder than words. Today, we are taking concrete, meaningful action to make things right and ensure nothing like this ever happens again."
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