Sea-Tac Airport Ramp Agent Secures Multimillion-Dollar Settlement After Injury

Bishop Legal attorney Raymond Bishop resolves lawsuit over catastrophic workplace incident at Seattle airport.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:24pm

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A ramp agent at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Tia Valentine, has secured a multimillion-dollar settlement after being ejected from and run down by an airport tug driven by a co-worker in 2022. The lawsuit included claims against the Port of Seattle, Alaska Airlines, tug manufacturer TLD America, maintenance company Daifuku, and aircraft cleaning company Unifi Aviation. Bishop Legal attorney Raymond Bishop represented Valentine and announced the resolution of the multiparty case.

Why it matters

This settlement highlights the importance of workplace safety, especially in high-risk industries like airport operations. The incident raised concerns about equipment design, maintenance, and coordination between various contractors at the airport. The case also demonstrates the legal recourse available to workers who suffer serious injuries due to negligence.

The details

In September 2022, Tia Valentine was working as a ramp agent for McGee Air Services at Sea-Tac Airport when she was ejected from and run over by an airport tug driven by a co-worker making a sharp turn. Valentine's right leg was crushed and her skin was ripped off by the tug's wheels. The tug had no doors, cab, or guardrails to keep her inside, and the replacement seat had a faulty seatbelt that caused her to slip off the side. Valentine sued the Port of Seattle, Alaska Airlines, tug maker TLD America, maintenance company Daifuku, and aircraft cleaner Unifi Aviation for their alleged roles in the incident.

  • The incident occurred on September 16, 2022 at Sea-Tac Airport.
  • The multiparty lawsuit was resolved and the settlement announced on March 13, 2026.

The players

Tia Valentine

A ramp agent for McGee Air Services at Sea-Tac Airport who was seriously injured when she was ejected from and run over by an airport tug in 2022.

Raymond Bishop

An attorney with Bishop Legal, a nationally recognized personal injury law firm, who represented Tia Valentine in the lawsuit.

Port of Seattle

The operator of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which was sued for exposing ramp workers to unsafe conditions and failing to ensure compliance with safety laws.

TLD America

The manufacturer of the airport tug involved in the incident, which was sued for defective design.

Daifuku

Formerly known as Elite Line Services, the company responsible for maintenance of the tug's passenger seat and seatbelt, which were found to be in poor repair.

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What they’re saying

“Bishop Legal is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals who have suffered serious injuries due to negligence, unsafe working conditions, and defective products.”

— Raymond Bishop, Attorney, Bishop Legal

What’s next

The Port of Seattle's $2.175 million share of the settlement, paid by its insurer, will not affect the Port's operating budget. Tia Valentine is officially dismissing her lawsuit and trying to move on with her life after receiving the full settlement payments.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of workplace safety, especially in high-risk industries like airport operations, and demonstrates the legal recourse available to workers who suffer serious injuries due to negligence. The multimillion-dollar settlement sends a strong message about the need for corporations and institutions to prioritize worker safety.