In response to ongoing safety concerns stemming from past high-profile workplace injury cases at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Attorney Raymond Bishop, Founder and Principal of Bishop Legal, was recently interviewed by King5 News to discuss Sea-Tac’s systemic safety issues and the importance of accountability.

As reported by King5, two of the most severe recent incidents involved airport workers represented by Bishop and our firm who suffered life-changing injuries due to alleged unsafe conditions at Sea-Tac, which is operated by the Port of Seattle.

• One worker received an $11 million settlement, the largest settlement ever for an injured airport employee, after her leg was crushed and ultimately amputated when her baggage tug collided with another vehicle.
• Another worker sustained a permanent disability when she was thrown from a baggage tug during a near-collision with a van. Her lawsuit remains pending against the Port, Alaska Airlines, and the contracting company.

Speaking with King5, Ray Bishop highlighted his longstanding concern over inadequate safety measures at the airport:

“The Port of Seattle has just found a way to make these types of incidents affordable. They're willing to injure these people and just pay and move on. We're trying to find a way to make this stop once and for all.”

Bishop’s comments are backed by extensive experience representing workers injured at Sea-Tac. In addition to representing the two women profiled by King5, he and our team also helped secure notable a record-setting $40 million jury verdict against the Port of Seattle in a previous Sea-Tac injury case from 2015.

In that landmark case, a ground crew member was left triplegic after the brakes and steering on his baggage tug failed, causing a severe collision that crushed his spine. After initially being dismissed, the case reached the Washington State Supreme Court, which affirmed our client's right to a jury trial. Following seven years of litigation, a jury awarded our client a landmark $40 million verdict.

“We've seen too many of these cases. They're completely preventable,” Bishop said.

In discussing these the latest case and pending lawsuit against the Port of Seattle, Bishop detailed specific safety failures that contributed to the second incident:

“In Valentine’s case, the tug wasn’t even equipped with the original seat. It had a replacement seat—already broken and tilted—and no functioning seatbelt.”

Bishop also pointed out straightforward safety measures that could significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries:

“Simple safety changes, like doors or a cab, could prevent tragedies in the future.”

Watch the full King5 segment featuring Attorney Ray Bishop here.

Here to Help Injured Workers Across Seattle and Beyond

Ray Bishop and our team at Bishop Legal have earned a reputation for aggressive advocacy and meaningful results in workplace injury and serious injury cases. Our record of success includes landmark outcomes, record-setting verdicts, and a proven ability to stand up for injured victims’ rights.

If you or someone you know has been injured due to unsafe workplace conditions or negligence, Bishop Legal can help. We’re available 24/7 and offer free and confidential consultations. Contact us to request yours.