FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) faces a lawsuit from a passenger who experienced severe chest pain on a flight from Miami (MIA) to São Paulo (GRU), but crew members dismissed his symptoms and threatened him instead of providing aid.

The incident occurred on June 18, 2023, when Paulo Oliveira, an Orlando resident, sought help during the journey, leading to claims that the airline now aims to exhaust his resources to drop the case.

American Airlines Faces Lawsuit

Paulo Oliveira boarded American Airlines (AA) Flight from Miami (MIA) to São Paulo (GRU) to visit family.

Five hours into the 7 hour trip, while over central Brazil, he felt intense chest pain and shortness of breath.

He alerted flight attendants, expecting medical support. Instead, they dismissed his concerns, with one stating nothing could be done. When Oliveira insisted, the attendant accused him of faking symptoms.

The interaction escalated as the crew warned that diverting the flight would anger other passengers and turn them against him. The purser then told Oliveira to stay quiet or face consequences from the captain, making the situation worse for him.

Upon landing, medical checks showed normal vitals, confirming no serious illness. Oliveira argues the crew’s response to his symptoms at the time violated proper procedures.

Similar Incidents

Oliveira views his experience as part of a pattern at American Airlines (AA). In September, a jury awarded $13.2 million to Jesus Plasencia and his family after flight attendants failed to follow medical protocols during his stroke on a 2021 flight to Madrid.

Plasencia, traveling with his wife, showed signs of an inability to hold his phone and slurred speech at the gate. Crew assessed him briefly, deemed him fit to fly, and departed without further aid.

An hour later, he suffered a major stroke, but help came only near landing. The jury ruled the crew’s deviation from standards caused an accident under the Montreal Convention, despite Plasencia’s partial contribution.

He now requires constant care for basic tasks and cannot speak, write, or walk. Reported by PYOK, these cases highlight potential systemic failures in handling in-flight medical events.

Legal Battle and Implications

Oliveira filed his lawsuit in a Florida district court, alleging negligence. American Airlines (AA) denies liability but, according to claims, uses tactics to drain his finances and bury the case.

This approach raises questions about airline accountability in passenger safety. Oliveira seeks recognition that symptoms deserve serious attention, regardless of final diagnosis, to prevent future risks.

Need for Better Medical Response

Industry analysts emphasize that every in-flight medical emergency must be approached as potentially life-threatening until proven otherwise.

While airlines train crews for such events, inconsistent implementation of those protocols can lead to tragic or avoidable outcomes.

Advocates call for stronger oversight and transparency in incident reporting, ensuring airlines like American Airlines (AA) are held accountable for lapses in passenger care.

Improved training, communication tools, and medical equipment accessibility remain central to enhancing passenger safety worldwide.

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