A passenger sued JetBlue seeking $1.5 million for damages owing to “disfiguring burns” allegedly inflicted by terribly hot water from tea during a rocky flight, according to a USA Today report.
Tahjana Lewis of Seminole County, Florida, said she was traveling with her family on JetBlue flight no. 2237 from Orlando to Hartford on the 15th of May when the airline’s negligence caused her severe injuries. The lawsuit filed by her alleges in federal court in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut that JetBlue did not maintain a safe travel condition during its turbulent flight.
According to the lawsuit, the flight attendant accidentally spilled hot tea all over Lewis while serving beverages, despite the ongoing turbulence and illuminated seatbelt sign. This doused Lewis in scalding tea on her chest, right arm, legs, and back, with burns of the second and third degrees.
Edward A. Jazlowiecki, Lewis’ attorney of Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki, LLC, the CT-based law firm in a statement mentioned that was something that JetBlue shouldn’t have done, and it created a huge problem for them.
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The lawsuit states that, at the time of the accident, the crew was serving water that was “unreasonably” hot while the plane was enduring “ongoing turbulence,” which made drink service unsafe. Not only that, but Lewis also claims the crew failed to give the victim any first aid and asked her only to acquire medical care upon landing. Jazlowiecki added that JetBlue didn’t do anything to relieve Ms. Lewis. Overall, they didn’t show much concern regarding the incident.
The complaint outlines that Lewis has, over time, acquired scars at the site of her burns. Not just this, she has even been through anguish, stress, and trauma because of this unexpected, and unpleasant occurrence. . Jazlowiecki marked that Lewis is likely to need grafting to her skin.
This incident came within a period of another turbulence-related incident in May where one suffered a fatal heart attack and 30 sustained injuries on a Singapore Airlines aircraft. Though it remains doubtful whether turbulence was the cause of his death, that incident made the airline revise its policy of suspending meal, and hot beverage services when the seatbelt sign is on.
As litigation flows through the courts, this case may light up the dark corners of in-flight service during turbulent conditions, maybe even forcing some second thoughts on airlines about their safety protocols.