JetBlue Faces $1.5M Lawsuit Over Hot Water Burn Incident

A passenger is suing JetBlue for $1.5 million after allegedly being left with “disfiguring burns” when hot water was spilled on her as the cabin crew carried out the inflight service during turbulence. The passenger in question, Tahjana Lewis, is suing the airline for damages for personal injuries.

Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock

According to a report by USA Today, Lewis has filed the complaint in the US District Court for the District of Connecticut, alleging that JetBlue “failed to provide her with reasonably safe traveling conditions.” The alleged incident took place on May 15th onboard JetBlue Flight 2237 from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut.

The complaint in detail

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

Photo: Angel DiBilio | Shutterstock

The complaint, which was submitted on June 24th, states that Lewis has experienced scarring, mental anguish, and anxiety as a result of the incident. It remains to be seen what the outcome of the case will be.

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JetBlue flies twice per day between Orlando and Hartford. The carrier faces competition no the route from Breeze Airways and Southwest Airlines. The Florida airport is a major hub for the airline, with more than 20 destinations on offer across 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 the headlines once more

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

Then, last month, an Air Europa Boeing 787 traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) to Montevideo Carrasco International Airport (MVD) in Uruguay hit severe turbulence, forcing it to make an emergency landing at Greater Natal International Airport (NAT) in the north of Brazil.

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Another Severe Turbulence Incident: Dozens Injured On Air Europa Uruguay Bound Boeing 787 Flight

At least 10 passengers were reportedly taken to hospital upon landing.

What do you make of this passenger suing JetBlue for $1.5 million? Have you experienced a similar incident when flying? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.