Suit Requests Compensation For Medical Bills, 'Loss Of Affection'

From: KNBC News

LOS ANGELES -- A married couple filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against United Airlines, seeking damages for medical bills and loss of affection because a flight attendant knocked a cup of "hot scalding coffee" onto the wife's lap.

Blanca and Jose Ramirez, of Los Angeles County, filed their lawsuit Thursday afternoon in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

Representatives from United Airlines were not immediately available for comment.

The couple allege that in January 2006, a flight attendant on United Flight 273 from Orlando to Los Angeles International Airport knocked over Blanca Ramirez's cup of coffee as it lay on her food tray in front of her.

The coffee caused second-degree burns to her inner thighs that required medical treatment, the lawsuit said.

Raul Granados, the Ramirezes' attorney, said it was reasonably foreseeable that such an accident could occur mid-flight.

"I don't think airlines should be serving scalding coffee on planes that are in flight," he said.

Blanca Ramirez is seeking $17,000 in damages while her husband wants $10,000 for loss of companionship and affection.

The lawsuit also seeks the costs of bringing the lawsuit, plus other relief.