Karen Gibbs, a close friend of Vice President Kamala Harris, has filed a lawsuit against British Airways, claiming she was injured when a flight attendant accidentally struck her in the head while dealing with a disruptive passenger. The incident occurred in August 2024 on a flight from London Heathrow to Washington.
Gibbs, a former US Navy lawyer, alleges she was an "innocent bystander" who sustained a "forceful blow" during the cabin crew's intervention. According to court documents, she experienced immediate symptoms including head pain, blurred vision, dizziness, disorientation, and distress. Medical professionals later advised that her symptoms were consistent with a migraine.
The lawsuit states that British Airways provided only an ice pack and offered medical attention approximately 90 minutes after the incident. Gibbs further alleges that following a complaint, the airline offered a goodwill payment of 50 British pounds. Upon landing, she reportedly required a wheelchair to navigate the airport.
Documents filed in the lawsuit detail ongoing post-concussive symptoms, including persistent migraines, vision disturbances, memory and concentration problems, cognitive fatigue, disorientation, and balance issues. Gibbs claims the incident has had a lasting physical toll, forcing her to retire early from her position as a senior federal attorney in the US civil service due to cognitive fatigue and memory problems.
Before the alleged incident, Gibbs is described in the claim as being active, independent, and mentally sharp, capable of handling demanding legal work and significant personal responsibilities. Family, friends, and medical professionals reportedly observed a noticeable decline in her condition after the flight.
Gibbs is seeking damages for past and future medical expenses, lost compensation and employment benefits, mental anguish, and "loss of enjoyment of life."
British Airways declined to comment on the matter, stating that it is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.
Gibbs, who spent 26 years with the US Navy and later served as senior counsel at the Department of Justice, met Vice President Harris at Howard University in the 1980s. She attended Harris's inauguration and is a godmother to her children.