Hartford, Conn. – A Connecticut woman is pursuing legal action against JetBlue, claiming she sustained severe burns when a crew member accidentally spilled a hot beverage on her amidst flight turbulence. According to the lawsuit, Tahjana Lewis, a 27-year-old resident of Hartford, is seeking $1.5 million in damages for injuries she alleges to have occurred during a May 15 flight from Orlando to Hartford.
Lewis’s attorney, Edward Jazlowiecki, detailed that the incident took place while the flight traversed a turbulent zone, causing a crew member to spill hot tea directly onto Lewis who was seated in an aisle seat. The resulting spill allegedly led to second- and third-degree burns on her chest, arms, and legs. Jazlowiecki emphasized that the severity of the burns was such that emergency medical attention was required immediately upon Lewis’s arrival in Hartford, with potential skin grafts being anticipated due to peeling skin.
Further complicating the matter, the lawsuit claims that the hot tea was served at a dangerously high temperature and that the JetBlue crew failed to administer proper first aid following the incident. Instead, Lewis was reportedly given something to absorb the tea and advised to seek medical care once the flight landed.
The legal complaint criticizes the decision to serve hot drinks while the aircraft was experiencing turbulence and the “fasten seat belt” signs were illuminated, suggesting negligence on part of the airline. “It’s gross negligence,” Jazlowiecki asserted, emphasizing the risk involved in such actions during unstable flight conditions.
JetBlue, through its attorney Steven Arnold, has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
This incident draws parallels to other cases involving injuries from hot beverages during flights, which have spotlighted the hazards associated with handling hot liquids aboard aircraft. It also echoes historical incidents, such as the notable lawsuit against McDonald’s in the 1990s when a customer suffered third-degree burns from a spilled hot coffee, which resulted in a substantial punitive damages award and became a widely publicized event.
As part of her claim, Lewis alleges she suffered scarring and disfigurement and has been unable to fully return to work, leading to lost wages on top of her physical and emotional distress. The lawsuit seeks compensation not only for her immediate medical expenses but also for ongoing treatment and mental anguish.
While the lawsuit progresses, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unforeseen dangers passengers might encounter while flying, particularly during turbulent conditions. It also raises questions about airline policies on service protocols during such periods and their implications for passenger safety.
As the case unfolds, it is anticipated that more attention will be drawn not only to the details of this incident but potentially to broader industry practices concerning passenger safety and comfort. With air travel regaining momentum post-pandemic, such incidents underscore the ongoing challenges airlines face in ensuring passenger well-being amidst the complexities of operating in variable and often unpredictable conditions.