California Jury Awards Damages to Flight Attendants Over ‘Toxic’ Uniforms

A California jury has delivered a verdict in favor of four American Airlines flight attendants, awarding over $1 million in a lawsuit against a uniform manufacturer over alleged toxic chemical exposure from their work attire.

The flight attendants accused their uniforms of causing serious health issues such as rashes, headaches, and breathing difficulties. This landmark decision could pave the way for similar claims from over 400 other flight attendants represented by the same lawyers.

While the jury concluded that the uniforms from Twin Hill Acquisition Co. were responsible for harm, they did not find the company negligent in design or in their response to the complaints. This mixed verdict arrived after a bellwether trial in Alameda County Superior Court, which may set the tone for subsequent cases.

Despite the verdict, the judge has yet to confirm the jury’s decision, a move deemed a formality by the plaintiff’s attorney. Meanwhile, the defense has not disclosed whether they intend to appeal.

The issue began when American Airlines introduced new uniforms in 2016, sparking immediate health complaints from the staff. The airline offered alternatives, but for many affected employees, the damage was already done.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about chemical use in clothing production and its potential impact on health, echoing findings from studies including a 2018 Harvard School of Public Health research linking uniform chemicals to health complaints by Alaska Airlines attendants.

With American Airlines having severed ties with Twin Hill and moved to a different uniform supplier, the current focus shifts to whether the manufacturer will settle pending cases or challenge the jury’s award, potentially influencing the textile industry’s standards and practices.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, dallasnews.com