U.S. Jury Orders American Airlines to Pay $11M Over Stroke Incident on Miami–Madrid Flight

A California jury has ordered American Airlines to pay $11.06 million in damages to the family of Jesus Plasencia, a retired chef who suffered a debilitating stroke after airline staff allegedly ignored warning signs before takeoff.

The Incident: Ignored Stroke Symptoms Before Departure

Court filings revealed that in November 2021, Plasencia boarded American Airlines Flight 68 from Miami to Madrid. Before departure, he showed alarming symptoms — unable to speak or lift his phone — which his wife, Ana Maria Marcela Tavantzis, quickly identified as potential signs of a stroke.

Tavantzis immediately alerted the crew, pleading for medical help. However, the pilot reportedly dismissed her concerns, joked with Plasencia, and proceeded with the flight without consulting the airline’s medical hotline or checking for doctors onboard — both of which are required by company policy.

Stroke Over the Atlantic, Lifelong Consequences

Mid-flight, Plasencia suffered a severe stroke. Upon landing in Madrid, he was rushed to the hospital and spent over three weeks in critical care before being flown back to the U.S. by air ambulance. Now, he cannot speak or write and requires 24-hour medical care, according to the lawsuit.

Jury Verdict Under Montreal Convention

The court found American Airlines liable under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty governing airline responsibilities, citing the crew’s negligence in handling the emergency.

The jury awarded $13.28 million in damages, later reduced by 27.5% due to partial liability assigned to the plaintiffs. With interest, the final judgment stands at $11.06 million.

American Airlines has not yet issued a public response to the ruling.