Landmark Verdict Redefines Airline Obligation in International Medical Emergencies
A San jose federal jury delivered a $9.6 million verdict against American Airlines on September 17,2025,finding the airline in violation of its obligations under the Montreal Convention. The case, Tavantzis et al. v.American Airlines, Inc. (Case No: 5:23-cv-05607-NW, Northern District of California, San Jose Division), centered around the severe, life-altering stroke suffered by a passenger, Mr. Plasencia, during a transatlantic flight.
The litigation,led by attorney Navin Singh,revealed a series of critical failures by American Airlines that contributed too the severity of Mr. Plasencia’s condition.singh’s investigation, initiated after observing the profound impact of the stroke, uncovered not one, but two instances where the airline could have potentially mitigated the outcome.
According to Singh, the initial failure occurred while the flight was still at the gate in Miami. Despite observing symptoms indicative of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), airline personnel did not consult with medical professionals. The second, and more critical, failure involved the airline’s decision not to divert the eight-hour transatlantic flight to numerous available destinations equipped with stroke centers when Mr. Plasencia subsequently suffered a major stroke mid-flight.
“After I deposed the pilot…we knew it wasn’t one instance of misconduct, but in fact two separate instances-one at the gate and one inflight,” Singh stated. “There were two separate opportunities for American Airlines to save Mr. Plasencia from being 24/7 nursing-care dependent, and they failed both times.”
Recognizing the potential for a protracted legal battle,singh strategically partnered with the Texas-based firm Burns Charest,bringing in trial attorneys Darren Nicholson and Hannah Crowe.Singh noted American Airlines’ history of “stretching the boundaries for evading passenger rights claims” and believed a strong trial team was essential.
During the six-day trial, Burns Charest partner Darren Nicholson powerfully argued that American Airlines prioritized operational concerns over passenger safety, questioning the airline’s emphasis on “personal responsibility” without acknowledging “corporate responsibility.” He asserted that the airline’s actions were reflective of established company policy.
The jury ultimately found American Airlines liable for:
* Failing to consult medical personnel after observing stroke symptoms at the gate.
* Clearing the passenger for takeoff despite clear neurological warning signs.
* Refusing to divert the transatlantic flight when additional stroke symptoms appeared.
* Ignoring the airline’s own established emergency medical protocols.
The $9.6 million award is intended to cover Mr. Plasencia’s extensive and ongoing 24/7 nursing care needs for the remainder of his life. Singh believes the verdict will establish a significant legal precedent, reinforcing the legal obligations airlines have to adhere to their own safety protocols when passengers entrust them with their lives during international travel.
“We believe this will be a landmark decision for passenger rights under the Montreal Convention,” Singh concluded.
(Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.This release is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.)
