Passenger Sues JetBlue For $1.5 Million Claiming Hot Water Burned Her During Turbulence (image-X/JetBlue)
A passenger sued JetBlue for $1.5 million, claiming she suffered “disfiguring burns” after being burned by hot tea water during turbulence on the flight.
Travelling with her family on JetBlue flight 2237 from Orlando to Hartford, Connecticut, on May 15, Tahjana Lewis alleged in her complaint filed in the US District Court for the District of Connecticut that she incurred severe injuries due to the airline’s negligence.
Read Also: Passenger Stuck In Aircraft Toilet Throughout Mumbai-Bengaluru Flight
In the complaint, she alleged that JetBlue failed to ensure “reasonably safe travelling conditions” during the flight, which led to the incident. Lewis alleged that while the aircraft experienced turbulence and the seatbelt sign was illuminated, during the in-flight beverage service, one of the crew members accidentally spilled the hot tea on her.
The complaint also alleged that the water was at an “unreasonably” hot temperature during turbulence.
Lewis has suffered second- and third-degree burns on her chest, right arm, legs, and backside.
“They didn’t do much for her. They were very cavalier about it.” Edward A. Jazlowiecki, Lewis’ attorney from Connecticut-based personal injury law firm Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki, LLC, told USA TODAY.
She also claimed that the in-flight crew did not “administer first aid” and instead advised her to seek medical help upon landing. The complaint also measured that Lewis suffered mental anguish, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress from the incident.
Read Also: Why This Scottish Woman Sued Netflix
The airline has yet to make an official statement.
In May, one person died of a heart attack while 30 others were treated for injuries when a Singapore Airlines flight underwent severe turbulence. Although it remains unclear whether the turbulence contributed to the death, the incident pushed the airline to suspend hot beverages and mean service when the seatbelt sign is on.
