A New York man is suing Delta Air Lines, alleging that a flight attendant spilled scalding hot coffee on his lap during a flight, causing severe burns and permanent scarring.
Frank Morello, 63, was traveling on a Delta flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport in October 2025, returning from a vacation in Puerto Rico, when the incident occurred. According to the lawsuit filed in Queens Supreme Court, the coffee was "overheated" and "dangerous," scorching his right leg. His attorney, Michael G. LoRusso, stated that Morello's skin blistered immediately and resulted in permanent scarring.
Morello did not receive any medical treatment for his injuries until after the plane landed at JFK. He is seeking an unspecified amount of damages for pain, suffering, and the alleged permanent injuries.
This incident brings to mind previous legal cases involving hot beverages. In July 2025, a couple sued Scandinavian Airlines for $10 million after a flight attendant allegedly spilled excessively hot coffee on the woman's lap, causing severe burns, pain, and scarring. Morello's case also echoes the landmark 1994 lawsuit against McDonald's by Stella Liebeck, who suffered third-degree burns from a hot coffee spill, leading to a significant settlement after her initial award was reduced.
Delta Air Lines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.