A lawsuit has been filed against Delta Air Lines alleging negligence in a case where a flight attendant sustained severe burns from a coffee spill during a flight from Paris to Seattle. The incident occurred on December 15, 2023, when a flight attendant, who is also a flight attendant for another airline, was enjoying a movie. According to court documents, a flight attendant placed an excessively hot coffee on a tilted food tray, causing it to slide and spill onto the victim’s lap.
The victim immediately reported her injuries to Delta’s crew and requested medical assistance. However, the lawsuit alleges that the crew was dismissive and only provided a pain reliever and a bandage. Despite repeated requests, including a plea to a flight attendant in the lavatory to assess the severity of her burns, the victim’s pleas for proper medical attention were ignored.
The lawsuit further alleges that Delta’s captain and crew failed to make the standard announcement asking if any passengers were medical professionals who could assist, nor did they contact a medical provider, such as MedAire, for guidance on treating her injuries. Upon landing at SeaTac Airport, paramedics evaluated the victim’s burns and were reportedly shocked by their severity, describing them as the worst they had ever encountered from a coffee spill.
The victim sustained blistering burns on her hip, side, and abdomen, which caused her significant pain and discomfort. Due to her severe burns, she was unable to shower or wear her usual clothing for several months. Everyday activities like driving, sitting, and even sleeping became difficult. Doctors prescribed opiates to manage her intense pain, but these medications left her feeling groggy and impaired her ability to function fully.
The lawsuit, filed by aviation attorney Mark Lindquist, claims violations of the Montreal Convention and negligence. It asserts that Delta’s flight attendant served coffee at dangerously high temperatures exceeding industry standards. The suit further contends that Delta’s crew did not provide timely and adequate medical assistance, exacerbating the victim’s injuries. “Common sense tells you an airplane is the wrong place to serve burning hot coffee,” said Lindquist.
This case highlights the importance of in-flight safety protocols and the responsibility of airline personnel in responding to medical emergencies. The victim’s experience raises serious concerns about the adequacy of training and procedures for dealing with such incidents. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence and inadequate medical care during air travel.
