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JetBlue faces $1.5 million lawsuit over hot water burn incident

Summary

  • JetBlue passenger sues for $1.5 million over alleged burns from hot water during turbulence. Cabin crew allegedly failed to help.
  • The incident on JetBlue Flight 2237 is said to have caused passenger Tahjana Lewis to suffer second and third degree burns, scarring and emotional distress.
  • Turbulence in air traffic is making headlines: most recently, flights operated by Singapore Airlines and Air Europa were affected.



A passenger is suing JetBlue for $1.5 million after she allegedly suffered “disfiguring burns” when hot water was poured on her while cabin crew were performing in-flight service during turbulence. The affected passenger, Tahjana Lewis, is suing the airline for personal injury damages.

LOS ANGELES, USA – September 3, 2022: A JetBlue Airlines airplane floats against a backdrop of a blue sky.

Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock

According to a report by USA Today, Lewis filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, claiming that JetBlue “has failed to provide her with reasonably safe travel conditions.” The alleged incident occurred on May 15 aboard JetBlue Flight 2237 from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut.



The complaint in detail

A member of the cabin crew was allegedly serving a drink to a passenger seated behind Lewis when turbulence struck, and they spilled the hot water on Lewis, causing her to suffer second and third degree burns. Lewis also claims that the cabin crew did not administer first aid, but instead advised her to seek medical attention on the ground in Hartford.

Airbus A321-231 of JetBlue Airways landing at Los Angeles International Airport.

Photo: Angel DiBilio | Shutterstock

The complaint, filed on June 24, states that Lewis suffered scarring, emotional anguish and anxiety as a result of the incident. It remains to be seen how the case will end.


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Top 5: The most turbulent flight routes in the world

Turbulence is causing passengers more concern than ever before.

JetBlue flies twice daily between Orlando and Hartford. The airline faces competition on this route from Breeze Airways and Southwest Airlines. The Florida airport is a major hub for the airline, which flies to more than 20 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, including New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Cancún International Airport (CUN).

Turbulence makes headlines again

This is not the only time in recent months that turbulence has made headlines around the world. In May, a Singapore Airlines flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) was diverted to Bangkok (BKK) after the Boeing 777-300ER encountered severe turbulence, resulting in the death of a passenger.


Then last month, an Air Europa Boeing 787 en route from Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Montevideo Carrasco International Airport (MVD) in Uruguay encountered severe turbulence and was forced to make an emergency landing at Greater Natal International Airport (NAT) in northern Brazil.

Read more:

Severe turbulence again: Dozens injured on Air Europa Boeing 787 flight to Uruguay

According to reports, at least ten passengers were taken to hospital after landing.

What do you think about this passenger suing JetBlue for $1.5 million? Have you ever experienced a similar incident while flying? Share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment below.

  • Lufthansa Airbus A321-200

    JetBlue

    IATA/ICAO code:
    B6/JBA

    Hub(s):
    Boston Logan International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, New York JFK Airport, Orlando International Airport

    Founding year:
    2000

    CEOs:
    Robin Hayes

    Country:
    United States