Safety Warning: Elderly Passenger Sues Lufthansa After Accident in Frankfurt

Incident Overview

Patricia Gunsser, an elderly passenger, has taken legal action against Lufthansa after a flight attendant rushed her down slippery stairs at Frankfurt Airport, resulting in a severe fall and serious injuries. The Pennsylvania resident endured significant pain and spent weeks hospitalized in both Germany and Ireland.

Mrs. Gunsser was traveling from Philadelphia (PHL) to Frankfurt (FRA) on November 29, 2025. Although her flight was booked with Lufthansa, it was actually operated by Discover Airlines, a subsidiary of Lufthansa. While the transatlantic flight went smoothly, complications arose after landing in Frankfurt.

Issues at Frankfurt Airport

Anyone who has flown through Frankfurt knows that it's common for planes to park far from the terminal. Instead of directly approaching the jet bridge, aircraft often park on the tarmac, requiring passengers to disembark via mobile stairs and then board a bus back to the terminal. I've experienced this multiple times and can’t say I enjoy it, especially in inclement weather.

These stairs can be slippery, unstable, and pose significant risks for elderly passengers, especially those carrying luggage or uncomfortable navigating wet steps.

Details of the Lawsuit

According to the lawsuit, Mrs. Gunsser alleges that her flight from Philadelphia to Frankfurt was operated by Discover Airlines. Upon arrival, the aircraft parked in a distant location, necessitating passengers to descend via mobile stairs before boarding a bus to the terminal. At that time, the weather was cold and damp, with the stairs reportedly soaked from rain and lacking any protective covering.

Mrs. Gunsser paused at the top of the stairs to discuss safe descent options with her daughter, who helped her with luggage and advised her to wait, slowing the flow of passengers. The lawsuit states that a flight attendant observed this situation and hastily instructed Mrs. Gunsser to leave the aircraft as other passengers were waiting.

Consequences of the Accident

As Mrs. Gunsser attempted to descend the stairs, she slipped just a few steps down and fell. She sustained serious injuries, including a fractured collarbone, fractured sternum, a bruised heart, and other wounds. She remained hospitalized for about two weeks in Frankfurt.

When it was time to return, Lufthansa barred her from flying due to health concerns, and once she was cleared to fly, she struggled throughout the journey due to the "physical and mental stress" caused by the accident, necessitating a diversion to Shannon, Ireland (SNN), where she had to be hospitalized again.

Lessons Learned

While this lawsuit has much to prove, the safety issue surrounding wet stairs is undeniably serious. Elderly passengers may require more time and should not be rushed during their movements. If you feel unsafe while navigating stairs, it’s perfectly acceptable to remain still until others have exited. It’s better to ask for assistance if you’re uncomfortable descending stairs.

Others may feel frustrated by having to wait, but that pales in comparison to the risk of a serious fall. In some cases, remaining seated on the plane until everyone else has disembarked could be a safer strategy.

Conclusion

Mrs. Gunsser is suing Lufthansa after alleging that a flight attendant from Discover Airlines hastily directed her down wet stairs in Frankfurt, leading to her fall and serious injuries. The takeaway from this incident is clear: wet stairs are no trivial matter, especially for elderly travelers.

If you plan to travel to Frankfurt, be mindful of the rainy season and weather conditions. Navigating wet stairs can present numerous risks, so proceed with caution. Ensure you have a solid plan for assistance and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.

Article referenced and edited from: Live and Let's Fly