JetBlue Coffee Spill Leads to Judo Coach's Life-Changing Injury

JetBlue Coffee Spill Leads to Judo Coach’s Life-Changing Injury

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Arturas Lanchinskas, a Team USA judo coach and owner of a prominent martial arts school in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, has faced life-altering consequences after a JetBlue flight attendant accidentally spilled hot coffee on him during a flight to the Pan American Judo Championships in Lima, Peru in July 2023. In a lawsuit he filed, Lanchinskas describes the incident that resulted in permanent vision loss in his right eye, stating, “It felt like a surge of fire hit the surface of my eyeball,” detailing the excruciating pain he endured.

The incident took a dramatic turn when a doctor who was a fellow passenger rushed to assist him, advising him to wash his eye repeatedly. However, Lanchinskas was met with indifference from the flight attendants, who admonished him for his frequent trips to the bathroom in an effort to manage his injury. According to his attorney, Erin R. Applebaum, he was told, “Sir, you’re not the only one on the airplane, we have other guests who need to use the facilities.”

After landing, Lanchinskas sought medical attention in Peru, where doctors provided treatment for the burns he sustained. Follow-up evaluations by eye specialists in New York confirmed a thermal injury and chemical burn to his right eye, resulting in reduced vision and heightened sensitivity to light.

Lanchinskas runs Darfight Martial Arts, which is highly regarded and ranked second in the United States by USA Judo. Beyond that, his coaching contributed to Team USA earning two silver and five bronze medals at the Pan American U15 Championships, showcasing his dedication to nurturing young judo talent.

While this incident has significantly impacted Lanchinskas’ life, it also highlights the urgent need for awareness and training among flight attendants regarding safety and responsiveness to passenger injuries. Such training could prevent similar incidents and ensure that passengers receive the care they need promptly and compassionately.

This unfortunate event reminds us of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Despite these challenges, Lanchinskas continues to strive in the world of judo, emphasizing resilience and determination.

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