American Airlines is facing a lawsuit from a passenger who claims a cabin crew member spilled hot coffee on him, resulting in physical injuries and damage to his tattoo.
The incident occurred on an October 9, 2023 flight from Vietnam to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK).
As per a report by the New York Post, Pennsylvania resident George LaTorre alleged that a flight attendant spilled hot coffee on his left arm, resulting in “second degree [burns] to his upper left arm; blistering; peeling, bleeding; possible permanent cosmetic deformity and scarring.”
LaTorre’s attorney told the NY Post that LaTorre was seated in 33J, next to his son on the flight when a flight attendant began serving him coffee.
It is alleged that the flight attendant was “careless, reckless, and negligent in serving scalding coffee to the plaintiff in an unsafe manner.” The injuries, according to the complainant, resulted in “extreme pain and suffering” and “emotional harm, mental anguish and distress”.
LaTorre said the physical discomfort also resulted in loss of sleep, and that the second degree burns left permanent damage to his tattoo.
After the incident, LaTorre tried to make himself more comfortable and asked to purchase a business class seat, but was turned down.
When he arrived in New York, LaTorre sought a professional medical examination, where he was told that the damage from the incident required the treatment of a surgeon.
An American Airlines representative told the NY Post that the company “does not comment on pending litigation”.