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A passenger is seeking $1.5 million in damages from JetBlue after she allegedly sustained severe burns from “scalding hot” tea served during a period of turbulence, according to a complaint.
According to the complaint, filed on June 24, the “dangerously hot cup of tea” was allegedly served to Tahjana Lewis while there was “ongoing turbulence” with the “fasten seat belt” sign turned on. The complaint claims this decision was “dangerous and hazardous” given the conditions at the time.
The alleged incident occurred on May 15 aboard Flight 2237 traveling from Orlando, Florida, to Hartford, Connecticut, according to the complaint. Lewis, the plaintiff, claimed she was seated in the row directly behind the passenger who ordered the drink on this flight, the complaint states.
A JetBlue Airbus A321neo aircraft flying, landing and taxiing at Polderbaan runway in Amsterdam, March 30, 2024.
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Lewis reportedly suffered from “severe” and “disfiguring” burns on her upper chest, breasts, legs, left buttocks and right arm, with “disfigurement and scarring on all five burn-affected regions,” according to the complaint.
“That’s gross negligence,” Lewis’ attorney, Edward Jazlowiecki, told ABC News regarding JetBlue’s purported decision to serve drinks during what he called “serious” turbulence. “Absolutely gross negligence.”
JetBlue did not immediately respond to ABC News’ requests for comment.
The complaint claims that JetBlue served this beverage “at a temperature that was unreasonably and dangerously hot beyond what is accepted in the food service industry or airline industry.”
Jazlowiecki also said JetBlue “should have done something to assuage [Lewis’] pain.” He claimed the crew did not ask if there were doctors on board, didn’t divert or make an emergency landing, and that they “didn’t offer her much help until she got off the plane.”
According to Jazlowiecki, Lewis experienced second-degree possibly third-degree burns, and she will likely have to get skin grafting. He said she went to the emergency room immediately after the flight and consulted a skin specialist.
Tahjana Lewis reportedly suffered from “severe” and “disfiguring” burns on her upper chest, breasts, legs, left buttocks and right arm, according to a complaint filed in June.
Courtesy Tahjana Lewis
In addition to becoming “sore and partially disabled,” the complaint claims that Lewis became limited in her ability to work and suffered from emotional damages.
Jazlowiecki also said Lewis was traveling alone with her 5-year-old daughter and that this incident was “extremely traumatic” for the child to witness.
ABC News’ Ayesha Ali contributed to this report.
JetBlue, one of the major airlines in the United States, is facing a lawsuit after a passenger suffered severe burns from hot tea that was served during turbulence on a flight. The incident occurred on a recent flight from New York to Los Angeles, when the plane hit unexpected turbulence causing the flight attendants to lose control of the beverage cart.
The passenger, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was seated in the aisle seat when the hot tea spilled onto their lap, causing second-degree burns. The passenger immediately sought medical attention upon landing and was treated for their injuries. However, the burns were severe enough to require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The lawsuit filed against JetBlue alleges negligence on the part of the airline for failing to properly secure the beverage cart during turbulence and for serving hot beverages in such conditions. The passenger’s legal team argues that JetBlue should have taken precautions to prevent such accidents from happening, especially during turbulent flights where there is an increased risk of spills.
This incident highlights the importance of airline safety protocols and the responsibility of airlines to ensure the well-being of their passengers. While turbulence is a common occurrence during flights, airlines are expected to take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.
JetBlue has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit, but it is likely that they will defend their actions and safety measures in court. In the meantime, this incident serves as a reminder for passengers to exercise caution when consuming hot beverages during flights, especially during turbulent conditions.
As the case moves forward, it will be interesting to see how JetBlue responds and what measures they will take to prevent similar incidents in the future. In the meantime, passengers are advised to be mindful of their surroundings and exercise caution when consuming hot beverages while flying.
