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Woman Sues Airline After Near-Fatal Allergic Reaction
7 Mar
Summary
- Lawsuit alleges flight attendants twice served nuts despite allergy warnings.
- Dipping sauce for gyoza contained hidden tree nuts, triggering anaphylaxis.
- Couple seeks damages for physical injury, emotional trauma, and lost companionship.
A federal lawsuit has been filed against American Airlines by Heather Wing, a Texas woman who alleges a near-fatal allergic reaction occurred on a transatlantic flight last fall. Wing claims that flight attendants twice attempted to serve her items containing nuts, despite her being deathly allergic and providing multiple warnings.
The complaint states that Wing accepted a plate of chicken and vegetable gyoza, which was assured to be nut-free and had no allergen warning on the menu. However, the accompanying dipping sauce allegedly contained hidden tree nuts, triggering a severe anaphylactic reaction.
Wing reported a significant delay in receiving assistance after activating her call button, exacerbating her condition. Medical professionals onboard ultimately intervened, administering aid. The lawsuit accuses American Airlines of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act by failing to accommodate Wing's disability and subjecting her to unsafe conditions.
The couple, who were returning from their fifth wedding anniversary trip to Paris, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. They also request an injunction for improved allergen training and menu labeling on American Airlines flights. The airline has not yet responded to requests for comment.
