A Long Island woman has filed a lawsuit against JetBlue Airways, alleging negligence after she fractured her ankle during a seatbelt mishap on a flight to the Bahamas. The passenger, who filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court of the State of New York in July 2024, also claims that the crew on board the aircraft did not provide proper assistance at the time of the incident.
Incident details
Maria Mistretta, a resident of Long Island, was travelling with her husband from John F. Kennedy International Airport to the Bahamas when the accident took place. According to lawsuit documents, Mistretta attempted to stand and step into the aisle when her foot became entangled in what is described as a “hanging seatbelt, or other object.” As a result, she fell backward, causing her ankle to twist and fracture. The court documents detail the moment, stating that she landed on her back, with her foot still tangled in the object.
Lack of immediate medical assistance
Following the fall, Mistretta and her husband, Salvatore Mistretta, requested medical assistance from the flight crew. However, they were reportedly told that the first aid kit and ice were “packed up” and “inaccessible” for the remainder of the flight. The lawsuit further alleges that the couple was required to wait until all other passengers had disembarked before they could leave the aircraft. At that point, the airline allegedly provided them with a “broken” wheelchair that lacked proper support for Mistretta’s injured leg.
Challenges in Nassau and return to New York
Upon arrival in Nassau, the lawsuit claims that JetBlue personnel advised the couple against calling an ambulance and instead suggested returning to New York for medical evaluation. This decision necessitated booking a return flight, navigating customs, and enduring multiple gate changes “without assistance” while using the same “broken wheelchair.” At the departing gate, the couple requested ice and a bandage but were reportedly denied access to these items by JetBlue staff.
Allegations of neglect on return flight
The lawsuit also alleges that on the return flight to New York, JetBlue staff again denied assistance. The suit claims that the crew informed the couple that “to open the first aid kit onboard their return flight, an incident report would need to be filled out, and since their accident did not occur on the current flight, a report would not be filled out to provide access to the first aid kit on board.”
Once back in New York, Mistretta was diagnosed in an emergency room with a right ankle fracture, deep vein thrombosis in her right leg, and aggravation of a previous back injury. The couple is now seeking $170,000 in damages related to the incident. The lawsuit raises serious questions about JetBlue’s in-flight emergency protocols and passenger safety. As the case progresses, it will likely bring increased scrutiny to the airline’s handling of medical emergencies during flights. JetBlue has not yet commented on the ongoing litigation.
