A Delta Air Lines pilot is taking legal action after his foot was "swallowed" by a moving walkway at Denver International Airport in what could be described as someone's nightmare.
The suit was filed against TK Elevator Corporation by pilot Kenneth Gow, who claims he suffered physical injuries and mental anguish as a result of the November 2022 incident.
According to the lawsuit, obtained by Law & Crime, Gow was approaching the end of a moving walkway, known as a travelator, when he suddenly felt a surge of pain in his foot and collapsed.
The suit claims, "Ken looked over and saw that his foot and shoe had been swallowed by the walkway as it was missing a plate. Ken's foot, sock, and shoe were severely damaged."
Video of the incident, obtained by KSUA, appears to show Gow's foot getting trapped in the exact spot of the missing plate. Another traveler helps free Gow's foot as the conveyer belt continues to move.
Gow's lawsuit alleges he suffered severe injuries to his foot and shoulder and missed roughly two weeks of work.
Attorney Brian Aleinikoff said it's "fortunate" Gow wasn't hurt worse.
"It was fortunate that Mr. Gow was wearing a pretty hefty shoe. It's fortunate that he didn't lose his toes," Aleinikoff told KUSA.
TK Elevator Corporation hasn't commented on the lawsuit. Although not listed as a defendant, the Denver International Airport issued a statement to KUSA saying passenger and employee safety is a top priority, and that it "work[s] diligently every day in partnership with our contractors to address issues."
Gow's lawsuit alleges negligence, noting that the broken walkway "posed an unreasonable risk of injury to passengers on it." He's seeking damages for medical expenses, physical suffering, emotional distress and mental anguish, among other things.
"Mr. Gow wants to make sure this doesn't happen to anybody else and just wants this elevator company to take some responsibility and accountability for what happened," Aleinikoff told KMGH.
"I'm sure next time you're riding an escalator — I know I will — I'll think twice about when it's coming to the end of the walkway, something that I've never done before... and most travelers haven't and probably shouldn't have to," he added.