United Sued Over Beverage Service Gone Wrong

A man is taking United to court, claiming that a rogue serving cart caused him “serious physical and psychological injuries” on a 2013 transpacific flight.

Peter Tampon of Hawaii filed a lawsuit against United Airlines in a federal court this week, blaming the airline for “serious” injuries he sustained from an unattended beverage cart while flying from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to Narita International Airport (NRT) in 2013.

Tampon says he was in an aisle seat of the exit row when the unattended serving cart toppled over, falling on his left knee. He claims to have required three separate surgeries as a result of the incident.

In the lawsuit, Tampon and his wife allege the injuries were a direct result of a flight attendant parking the service cart next to his seat and then simply walking away. The accident continues to have a lasting effect on Tampon’s quality of life according to court documents obtained by Honolulu’s KHON2, a portion of which reads:

Mr. Tampon has suffered and continues to suffer serious physical and psychological injuries, including but not limited to extreme pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional and mental distress relating to his injuries, loss of enjoyment of life, and special damages, including but not limited to medical care expenses, travel expenses, substitute services, all in amounts to be determined and proven at the time of trial.

Tampon and his wife are seeking $75,000 in compensation. The case is scheduled to go to conference November 16.

“The safety of our customers is paramount to our business, however, we cannot comment on pending litigation,” United spokeswoman Mary Ryan told KHON2.

[Photo: United Airlines]