A passenger has filed an injury lawsuit against JetBlue Airways, claiming that he was injured when a flight attendant allegedly spilled hot coffee on him.
According to the complaint, plaintiff Arturas Lanchinskas was a fare-paying passenger on JetBlue Airways Flight 1825 traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Lima on July 12, 2023, when he suffered severe injuries in an onboard accident involving a flight attendant. While serving coffee to another passenger, the flight attendant allegedly dropped the pot, causing hot liquid to splash onto Lanchinskas’s face and into his eye. The incident resulted in serious burns and lasting injuries.
The lawsuit is brought under the Montreal Convention, which governs international air travel and imposes liability on airlines for accidents resulting in passenger injury. The plaintiff argues that the incident qualifies as an “accident” under Article 17 of the convention because it was both unexpected and external to him. He further contends that JetBlue cannot avoid liability under Articles 21(2)(a) and (b), as the airline cannot prove it was not negligent or that the injuries were caused solely by third parties.
Lanchinskas is seeking full compensation for medical expenses already incurred and anticipated future costs. He also claims significant pain and suffering, mental anguish, and a diminished quality of life. The complaint seeks judgment in an amount to be determined at trial, as well as interest and legal fees.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Erin R. Applebaum of Kreindler & Kreindler LLP. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 1:25-cv-03779.