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| Theresa DeMaria's oxygen mask photo is part of the February 13 lawsuit filing. (Image: Theresa DeMaria) |
On February 13, 2025, Theresa DeMaria filed a negligence lawsuit against American Airlines following a harrowing experience on a flight that required two emergency landings due to severe cabin pressure issues. The incident, which occurred in January 2024 on a flight originally scheduled from Chicago to Phoenix, has spotlighted concerns about airline safety protocols and passenger well-being. According to the lawsuit, the Fort Worth-based airline failed to adequately address a critical mechanical problem, putting passengers at risk and causing significant distress.
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The trouble began when the flight encountered cabin pressure issues shortly after departure, forcing an emergency landing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cabin pressure is essential for maintaining a safe and breathable environment at high altitudes, and its failure can lead to dangerous levels of hypoxia, where the body lacks sufficient oxygen. DeMaria and other passengers reportedly experienced symptoms such as nausea, chest pressure, and blurred vision, indicating a serious threat to their health. After a five-hour delay on the ground, during which passengers were told the issue had been resolved, the flight attempted to continue. However, a flight attendant allegedly informed passengers that there was uncertainty about whether the problem was fully fixed, raising further alarm. Within 20 minutes of resuming the journey, the same symptoms reemerged, prompting the pilot to make a second emergency landing, this time in Dallas.
The lawsuit alleges that American Airlines neglected to ensure the aircraft was safe before allowing it to continue, failed to properly repair and test the cabin pressurization system after the first emergency landing, and prioritized operational convenience over passenger safety. DeMaria, who fainted during the ordeal, was among several passengers who had to be carried off the plane on stretchers, highlighting the severity of the situation. The legal action claims that the airline’s decisions endangered lives and caused physical and emotional harm, including anxiety and fear for safety, as DeMaria was reportedly texting her children during the flight, believing she might not survive.
This case underscores broader concerns about airline maintenance and emergency response procedures. Cabin pressure failures are rare but can have catastrophic consequences if not handled promptly and effectively. The lawsuit seeks to hold American Airlines accountable for what it describes as a failure to prioritize passenger safety over profits, a claim that echoes past incidents where mechanical issues or crew negligence led to legal action. While the airline has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit, the incident has drawn attention to the need for rigorous safety checks and transparent communication during such crises. As the legal proceedings move forward, this case could set a precedent for how airlines manage in-flight emergencies and the accountability they face when systems fail, potentially influencing industry standards and passenger trust in air travel safety.