American Airlines Passenger Having Temporary Stroke Was Cleared to Fly, Then Left Paralyzed

American Airlines Ordered to Pay £9.6M for Neglecting Passenger Who Suffered Temporary Stroke

American Airlines has been directed to pay a substantial sum of £9.6 million in damages following a federal jury in California finding the company negligent in its care for a passenger who suffered a stroke during a flight. The verdict was reached by a San Jose-based jury after a six-day trial ending on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

The case revolved around Jesus Plasencia, a resident of Watsonville, Calif., who experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often known as a mini-stroke, while on a flight that had just departed from Miami International Airport on November 8, 2021. TIA is a brief blockage of blood flow leading to stroke-like symptoms that resolve quickly but can be a precursor to a full-blown stroke.

Despite Plasencia’s wife, Marcela Tavantzis, alerting the flight crew to her husband exhibiting symptoms such as speaking incoherently and losing motor control temporarily, the crew did not seek immediate medical assistance or follow proper procedures. Instead, the pilot cleared the passenger to continue the flight to Madrid, Spain, contravening the airline’s own policy on handling medical emergencies onboard.

Tragically, while en route over the Atlantic Ocean, Plasencia suffered a left-MCA stroke which resulted in dire consequences. Upon arriving in Madrid, he was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, where he remained for over three weeks before being repatriated to the U.S. via air ambulance.

Following the incident, Plasencia’s health deteriorated significantly, leaving him unable to communicate effectively, carry out daily activities independently, or undergo essential tasks without constant assistance. This severe decline in health has necessitated extensive in-home care and rehabilitation for Plasencia, altering his life drastically.

The legal battle that ensued highlighted the airline’s failure to act promptly and appropriately in a medical emergency situation, leading to dire consequences for Plasencia and his family. The plaintiff’s legal team, led by Darren Nicholson of Burns Charest LLP, emphasised the importance of timely medical intervention in such cases and the need for awareness of stroke symptoms.

In response to the verdict, American Airlines expressed disagreement with the jury’s decision and stated that they are evaluating their next steps. The airline reiterated their commitment to passenger safety and well-being as a top priority, despite the outcome of the lawsuit.

The outcome of the case serves as a poignant reminder of the critical nature of responding effectively to medical emergencies, especially in high-stress environments like air travel. It underscores the importance of adhering to established protocols and guidelines to ensure the welfare of passengers in distress.

Moving forward, this incident may prompt airlines to review and reinforce their procedures for handling medical emergencies aboard flights, aiming to prevent similar lapses in care and potentially saving lives in the future. The substantial damages awarded to Plasencia and his family underscore the significant impact of negligence in such situations and the responsibility that airlines bear in ensuring passenger safety.

In conclusion, the verdict against American Airlines serves as a cautionary tale for the aviation industry, highlighting the repercussions of failing to act promptly and appropriately in medical emergencies onboard flights. The substantial compensation awarded underscores the serious consequences of such lapses and reinforces the importance of prioritising passenger welfare above all else.