Airline Company Forced to Shell Out $9.6 Million Due to Neglect Towards Passenger Who Experienced Stroke
In a landmark decision, a federal California jury in San Jose has ordered American Airlines to pay $9.6 million to Jesus Plasencia, a chef from Watsonville, California. The ruling was issued following a six-day trial that uncovered negligence by the airline in treating Plasencia, who suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini stroke, on flight 68 from Miami to Madrid in March 2021.
The incident occurred at the gate in Miami, where Plasencia, unaware of the attack, was experiencing symptoms such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, and blurred vision. His wife, Marcela Tavantzis, alerted a flight attendant that her husband temporarily lost motor control and began speaking 'gibberish'. Despite these clear signs, the flight crew did not follow American Airlines' policies and procedures, according to Plasencia's lawyers.
A TIA is a temporary lack of blood flow to part of a person's brain, similar to a temporary stroke. It is a warning sign for a potential stroke, and people may have a stroke shortly after a TIA without realizing what the TIA was. The Cleveland Clinic, a healthcare provider that offers information about TIAs on its website, states that most TIA symptoms subside within minutes, but they are often a warning sign that a stroke is possible or even imminent.
The Cleveland Clinic also provides information about the risks and potential outcomes of TIAs. A TIA does not cause lasting damage, unlike a stroke, but it can be a precursor to one. Plasencia's case highlights the importance of prompt and proper treatment for TIAs, as neglecting such treatment can lead to severe consequences, as it did in this instance.
The statement was issued by Plasencia's lawyers, who argued that American Airlines failed to provide adequate care and treatment to their client, thus causing him harm. The evidence presented at the trial supported this claim, leading to the jury's decision to award Plasencia a significant sum in damages.
American Airlines has yet to comment on the ruling, but this case serves as a reminder for all airlines to prioritise the health and safety of their passengers, especially in emergency situations. For passengers, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of a TIA and to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect they or someone else is experiencing one.
Read also:
- Inadequate supply of accessible housing overlooks London's disabled community
- Strange discovery in EU: Rabbits found with unusual appendages resembling tentacles on their heads
- Duration of a Travelling Blood Clot: Time Scale Explained
- Fainting versus Seizures: Overlaps, Distinctions, and Proper Responses
