PHILADELPHIA – A Pennsylvania man has filed a federal lawsuit against Frontier Airlines, alleging he suffered severe burns to his genitalia after being served an “excessively” hot cup of tea without a lid during a September flight.
Sean Miller, 56, claims the tea, served during a Sept. 20 flight from Myrtle Beach to Philadelphia, was filled to the brim and handed to him without a lid. According to the lawsuit filed Sunday, the tea spilled through his pants and onto his genitalia, causing third-degree burns.
“Due to the tightly-situated plane seat configuration, Mr. Miller was unable to get up from his seat after the spill and, instead, was trapped in agonizing pain while his body was being burnt,” Miller’s attorney, Adam S. Barrist, said in a statement.
Miller was met by emergency responders upon landing in Philadelphia, transported to a hospital, and later transferred to a burn center for further care. Court documents state he has been left with disfiguring scars on his penis, testicles, and thighs.
The lawsuit alleges that Frontier Airlines has not responded to multiple attempts to seek payment for Miller’s medical bills and ongoing treatment. “It was, therefore, necessary to institute suit right away,” Barrist said.
The case highlights concerns over airline safety practices, including handling and serving hot beverages during flights.