Lawsuit Filed Against Qatar Airways Over Passenger Death on LA to Doha Flight

LOS ANGELES– A shocking in-flight incident has led to a wrongful death lawsuit against Qatar Airways (QR). This comes after an 85-year-old man from Southern California, who adhered to a strict vegetarian diet, tragically passed away due to complications after receiving a meat-based meal in error during a long-haul flight.

Asoka Jayaweera was en route from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Colombo, Sri Lanka, with a layover at Hamad International Airport (DOH). Allegedly, he began to choke while attempting to avoid the meat in the non-vegetarian meal presented to him.

Qatar Airways Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The lawsuit filed in California federal court alleges negligence and wrongful death. It contends that Qatar Airways did not supply the pre-ordered vegetarian meal, compelling Mr. Jayaweera to eat around the meat in the single available option.

Tragically, just after the meal incident, he began choking and lost consciousness about two and a half hours into the flight. This distressing account comes from legal documents submitted by his son, Surya Jayaweera.

Despite the flight team’s attempt to provide assistance with medical tools and remote guidance from MedAire, Jayaweera’s state worsened.

Reports indicate that his oxygen saturation plunged to a perilous 69%, with him remaining unresponsive for over three hours until an emergency landing was finally made in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Location Disputed in Complaint

The flight crew initially expressed to a companion of Jayaweera that the airplane could not divert due to being over the Arctic Ocean.

However, the lawsuit disputes this, arguing that the aircraft was over the U.S. Midwest, particularly Wisconsin, where an emergency landing could have been possible.

This reported delay in diversion is claimed to have significantly impacted the outcome, eventually leading to Jayaweera’s diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia, which ultimately became fatal.

Qatar’s Policies Under Scrutiny

Qatar Airways provides up to 19 different special meal options, featuring seven meat-free selections tailored to accommodate various dietary and religious requirements.

However, there have been several reports recently highlighting food-related complications on Qatar Airways flights, including allergic responses to incorrectly labeled meals.

This case shines a light on airline catering practices, especially regarding their handling of special dietary requests.

It further prompts discussions about communication protocols in in-flight medical emergencies and the guidelines for making emergency diversions.

Implications Under Montreal Convention

Since both Qatar and the U.S. adhere to the Montreal Convention, which regulates airline liability, Qatar Airways faces a maximum statutory payout limit of around $175,000 for personal injury or death claims.

Nonetheless, Surya Jayaweera seeks damages that surpass this threshold, which includes legal expenses and pre-judgment interest.

As of now, Qatar Airways has yet to issue a public statement regarding the lawsuit. Legal proceedings are anticipated to reveal whether lapses in procedure or miscommunication played a role in this tragic incident.

Bottom Line

This case involving Jayaweera could potentially set a significant precedent for future claims related to special meal requests and emergency medical procedures aboard international flights.

The lawsuit underscores the essential need for accuracy in meal handling, effective real-time medical responses, and comprehensive training for flight crews in managing life-threatening emergencies at high altitudes.