Woman Sues American Airlines After In-Flight Coffee Spill Causes Severe Burns

A 68-year-old passenger, Gina Mason, has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines after suffering first- and second-degree burns when a pot of scalding coffee fell into her lap during a turbulent flight. The incident occurred on a February 11 flight from Baltimore to Detroit, with the burns affecting Mason’s legs, thighs, and genital area.

Mason claims the beverage cart, left unsecured by a flight attendant during turbulence, caused the hot coffee pot to spill. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, accuses the airline of negligence for failing to secure the cart and the coffee pot during extreme turbulence.

In addition to physical burns, Mason alleges the incident has caused her significant emotional distress, including anxiety and depression. She is seeking compensation for her injuries, diminished quality of life, and medical expenses.

This lawsuit is one of several recent cases involving passengers suffering burns from hot beverages during flights, raising safety concerns about airline procedures during turbulence.