American Airlines has been ordered to pay nearly $9.6 million after a jury found it ignored its own medical protocols when a passenger experienced a stroke mid-flight.

American Airlines Must Pay $9.6 Million: Jury Finds Crew Ignored Stroke Warning Signs

In November 2021, Jesus Plasencia, a 67-year-old chef from Watsonville, California, boarded an American Airlines flight from Miami (MIA) to Madrid (MAD). While still at the gate, he suffered what witnesses later called a mini-stroke: he lost motor control, could not speak clearly, and even dropped his phone. His wife reported his symptoms to flight attendants. The crew allegedly dismissed her concerns, clearing the plane for takeoff. The lawsuit claimed they even joked with Plasencia.

Midair, while flying over the Atlantic, Plasencia suffered a full stroke. Flight attendants asked passengers to keep watch on him but never alerted the pilot or diverted the plane. More than eight hours would pass before he received hospital care after landing in Spain. When all was said and done, the jury awarded $13.28 million. But due to partial fault attributed to the plaintiff (he should not have boarded the plane in the first place), the final award was reduced to $9.6 million.

A Hard Verdict Against Neglect

The verdict called attention to the inadequacy of how American handled this medical emergency. The jury ruled American was negligent under the Montreal Convention, a treaty that governs international airline liability, because the crew failed to follow medical protocols, which calls for a diversion in the case of a serious medical episode like a stroke.

Plasencia now lives with severe disabilities, no longer able to speak, write, or walk independently. According to court documents, he depends entirely on round-the-clock care. His family says it will use part of the award to make their home wheelchair accessible.

American Airlines released a statement: “The safety and well-being of our passengers is our highest priority.” AA added that it disagrees with the verdict and is reviewing next steps, which may include an appeal. In AA’s defense, finding a safe diversion point halfway over the Atlantic is not easy and if the plane was closer to Madrid than Bermuda, I’m not sure there was a better alternative.

My Thoughts

We expect airlines to handle emergencies with expertise and care…after all, flight attendants always remind us they are “primarily here for your safety.” A stroke is nothing to take lightly. Symptoms should trigger immediate action, diversions when necessary, and onboard medical escalation. A moment’s hesitation can yield life-long damage. By allegedly ignoring his warning signs, crew members contributed to Plasencia’s permanent injury.

Had American followed its own protocols, a medical hotline could have been alerted, a diversion considered, or in-flight medical support deployed. Instead, that did not happen and the jury determined that outcome could have been avoided.

CONCLUSION

American Airlines is on the hook for $9.6 million after a jury ruled it was negligent in caring for a passenger who suffered a stroke onboard. There is some fault to go around, but it appears the pilot was never even alerted, which is a damining indictment against the flight attendants. All the money in the world, though, cannot restore good health, as Plasencia and his family certainly realize.

image: American Airlines