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A Michigan appellate court ruled Thursday that Lynette Love's negligence lawsuit against Alaska Airlines Inc. could continue, despite the airline's attempt to have the case dismissed. The case stems from an incident in which Love, a ticket agent at the Detroit Metro Airport, fell after a conveyor belt was activated while she was crossing over it to access a supply cart.

The Michigan Court of Appeals majority found that Love's claim that the airline created an unsafe work environment by placing baggage conveyor belts around each workstation could proceed. While the court ruled that Love could not bring a premises liability claim—since Alaska Airlines did not possess the ticket area—the negligence claim focusing on the workplace arrangement and lack of proper training and policies was allowed to continue.

The ruling upheld a Wayne County Circuit Court decision partially granting and partially denying Alaska Airlines' motion for summary judgment. The appellate panel found that the airline had a general duty to provide a safe work environment, even though it did not own the ticket area where the accident occurred.

Judge Mark T. Boonstra dissented, criticizing the majority's ruling and particularly taking issue with the vague reasoning offered by Wayne County Circuit Judge Dana M. Hathaway. Hathaway had ruled in September 2022 that Love's negligence claim could proceed, but Judge Boonstra described Hathaway’s explanation as unclear and poorly worded, especially regarding the reference to "safer options."

In his dissent, Judge Boonstra argued that Love's decision to cross over the conveyor belt was contrary to the airline’s policy, which instructed agents to use their designated workstations' belts and communicate with colleagues when crossing other belts. He contended that Love’s actions were a direct violation of the airline’s policy, and her allegations should have been treated as premises liability, not general negligence, since Alaska Airlines did not possess or control the area in question.

The majority, however, maintained that the allegations centered on how the airline managed its workplace and trained employees, a broader duty of care that extended beyond its control over the physical space.

Alaska Airlines declined to comment on the decision. Representatives for both Love and the airline did not immediately respond to requests for further comments.

The case, Lynette Love v. Alaska Airlines Inc., case number 364791, is pending in the Michigan Court of Appeals.