Delta Passenger Settles with Airline After Allegedly Suffering Burns from Coffee. The Airline Claimed She Spilled It Herself

A legal dispute between Delta Air Lines and a Michigan woman, Kimberly Hickey, has been resolved following a lawsuit concerning alleged burns sustained during a flight. Although the settlement was reached earlier this month, the specifics of the agreement have not been disclosed, as per court documents reviewed by PEOPLE.

The case originated from an incident that took place on August 19, 2024. Hickey, who was on a flight from Detroit to Amsterdam, accused the airline of negligence after she suffered second and third degree burns from spilled hot liquid. In her lawsuit, which she filed on May 8, 2025, she detailed how a flight attendant placed a cup of “excessively hot” beverage on her slanted tray table, which subsequently spilled onto her lap, causing severe burns to her lower abdomen and thighs.

Hickey claims that following the incident, Delta’s flight crew were unresponsive to her distress. She asserts that they exhibited a lack of concern when she sought assistance for her injuries. Upon returning to the United States after her travels—which had included a trip to Tanzania—Hickey sought medical attention at the University of Michigan Hospital Burn Centre, where her injuries were diagnosed.

Delta Air Lines responded to the lawsuit, denying Hickey’s accusations of neglect. The airline’s filing on May 27, 2025, stated that their employees acted appropriately and were not dismissive of her situation. Delta further contended that Hickey had not immediately sought help following the incident. The airline claimed that evidence collected during the discovery phase showed that she chose to remain seated in her wet clothes rather than accept assistance.

Legal proceedings continued, and on March 31, 2026, Delta sought a motion for summary judgement. In this motion, the airline argued that Hickey had ordered decaf coffee, which necessitated hot water and was expected to cool down before consumption. Delta alleged that Hickey inadvertently bumped the cup, causing the spill. They referenced video deposition from Hickey to support their claims.

The airline further stated that their flight attendants had offered support to Hickey, including the provision of napkins, wipes, and ice packs. Delta’s documentation indicated that roughly 30 minutes after the incident, Hickey finally activated her call button to report her injuries, suggesting that she delayed in seeking attention.

Despite the opposition from Delta, all claims were settled amicably around a month after the airline’s motion, as a mediator informed the court that an agreement had been reached. An order of dismissal was filed on April 29, signalling the conclusion of the dispute.

Neither Delta Air Lines nor Hickey’s legal representatives have provided additional comments regarding the settlement. The outcome of the settlement has raised questions but also highlights the complexities of such legal disputes in the aviation sector, particularly when it pertains to passenger safety.

As this case illustrates, incidents during flights can lead to significant legal ramifications, particularly if passengers suffer injuries. Both airlines and consumers must navigate the intricacies of airline liability and passenger rights, often resulting in lengthy and complicated legal processes.

Moving forward, it will be interesting to see whether this case will influence Delta’s policies regarding the handling of hot liquids on flights and their protocols for responding to passenger injuries. The issue of passenger safety remains a critical concern for airlines as they strive to maintain both comfort and security during travel.