NEW YORK – A mother is suing Qatar Airways for $5 million after her 3-year-old daughter suffered severe anaphylaxis following an allergic reaction to a Kit Kat bar allegedly given to the child by a flight attendant, according to a lawsuit filed this week.
The lawsuit claims that Neerukonda had repeatedly informed cabin crew of her daughter’s life-threatening allergies to both dairy and nuts before and during the flight.While the mother briefly used the restroom, she entrusted her daughter to a female Qatar Airways flight attendant, again emphasizing the severity of the allergy.
Upon her return, Neerukonda “shockingly” discovered the flight attendant feeding her child the candy bar, wich appeared to be a Kit Kat, attorney Abram Bohrer, representing neerukonda, told The Post. The flight attendant then allegedly admitted to giving the snack to the child and “mocked” the mother’s concerns, “belittling” her reaction and claiming, “I know better than you,” according to the complaint.
The child quickly began experiencing severe anaphylaxis,with her condition rapidly deteriorating. Neerukonda administered an EpiPen injection,but the lawsuit alleges no proclamation was made to passengers.further, a flight attendant allegedly intervened when Neerukonda attempted to inform a fellow passenger who might serve as a witness, citing airline policy.
After landing, the child was initially cleared by paramedics for a connecting flight to India.However,she experienced a rebound reaction upon arrival and required two days of intensive care treatment.
The lawsuit seeks $5 million from Qatar Airways to cover economic losses and the “grate pain, agony, and mental anguish” endured by the child.
“A mom should be able to trust that a flight attendant could keep an eye on her child for a few minutes,” Bohrer said. “This is a young child who, through no fault of their own, ends up attached to all these cables, wires, needles. It’s beyond bizarre. It’s unforgivable.”
Qatar Airways has not yet responded to a request for comment from The Post.
