ATLANTA– A Delta Air Lines (DL) passenger is suing the airline after a flight attendant accidentally poured boiling hot water on her head during a transatlantic flight.
The woman, who suffered severe burns and neurological injuries, is now also battling her health insurer over medical expenses tied to the accident.
The incident occurred on a Delta Air Lines service from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) in August 2023.
The passenger, Sylvia Chimhina, says the accident left her with life-altering injuries and escalating medical costs, while Delta’s initial compensation offers fell far short of covering her treatment.
Photo: Clément AlloingDelta Passenger Burned Sues Airline
According to court filings, Chimhina had requested a cup of hot tea during the first drinks service on the flight. Instead of pouring the water into a cup, a flight attendant allegedly turned toward a colleague and poured a pot of boiling water directly onto Chimhina’s head.
The scalding liquid drenched her braids and clothing, causing immediate burns and severe pain. Passengers seated nearby reportedly gasped in shock, and an off-duty doctor rushed to provide first aid. On arrival in Atlanta, medical personnel met the aircraft to treat her injuries.
Chimhina later claimed she sustained burns, spinal damage, and neurological trauma. Once a loyal Delta flyer for two decades, she says the accident left her unable to maintain her business and burdened with mounting medical debt, reported PYOK.
Photo: Clément AlloingCompensation Offers and Insurance Dispute
Delta initially offered her 4,000 SkyMiles points, which she valued at just $37. The airline’s insurer later revised this to $1,600 in cash and $600 in travel vouchers.
When Chimhina declined the offer, citing the severity of her injuries, Delta increased the amount to $5,000 in cash.
Despite this, her medical bills far exceeded the compensation, leading to debt collection efforts and eventually a lawsuit from her health insurance provider.
She argues that Delta should have provided an upfront cash advance to cover her medical costs, as required under international aviation law.
Photo: Clément AlloingMontreal Convention and Legal Action
Under the Montreal Convention, which governs international air travel, airlines are required to provide immediate financial assistance to passengers who are injured.
The agreement allows for advance payments and compensation of up to 151,880 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), a currency basket currently valued at about $219,000.
Chimhina is seeking a $20,000 advance payment from Delta to address urgent medical expenses and prevent further legal action from her insurer. She is also suing the airline for negligence, breach of contract, and defamation.
Delta Air Lines has not yet filed a formal response to the lawsuit, which is being heard in a Florida district court.
Photo: Clément AlloingBottom Line
This case highlights the complexities surrounding passenger injury claims in international aviation.
While accidents involving hot beverages are not uncommon on flights, the severity of Chimhina’s injuries and the legal battle with her insurer underscore the importance of adequate compensation and compliance with international obligations.
Airlines operating long-haul services are required to balance customer care, safety, and legal accountability. How Delta handles this case could influence future claims and compensation standards for in-flight accidents.
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The post Delta London to Atlanta Flight Passenger Burned by Hot Water Files Lawsuit appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
