An individual aboard an American Airlines flight that experienced a fire after being redirected to Denver International Airport has initiated legal proceedings against the airline. Jerry Adamson, one of over 170 passengers and six crew members who evacuated a Boeing 737-800 aircraft on March 13, filed the lawsuit in Denver District Court citing negligence and misconduct. The complaint asserts that as a consequence of the airline's negligent actions, Mr. Adamson has endured physical injuries, medical expenses, emotional distress, and mental anguish.

On March 13, the flight departed from Colorado Springs at 4:52 p.m., en route to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. After approximately 20 minutes in the air, it was rerouted to Denver due to operational concerns. According to court documents, the plane was reportedly flying unusually slow for its model. The suit accuses the airline of failing to exercise reasonable care in maintaining and operating the aircraft.

Further allegations include the flight crew not adhering to emergency protocols, delaying requests for emergency assistance, and improperly managing the evacuation process. It is also argued that the aircraft should have returned to its origin instead of proceeding to Denver. The lawsuit claims that the airline neglected its responsibility to adequately train its personnel, thus contributing to the incident.

The document further contends that the airline exhibited negligence in hiring and supervising its staff. There are accusations that the airline failed to ensure compliance with manufacturer guidelines and FAA regulations. Additionally, the crew allegedly operated the plane despite known engine issues and chose to taxi using a faulty engine rather than seeking airport support. Despite recognizing the situation's severity, they reportedly declined emergency assistance upon landing, leading to an eight-minute delay before the right engine caught fire.

During the evacuation, Mr. Adamson suffered smoke inhalation and exposure to fire retardant chemicals, necessitating hospitalization. He was among twelve individuals transported to the University of Colorado Hospital for treatment, all of whom have since been discharged. This case highlights significant concerns regarding safety protocols and the airline’s response to emergencies, underscoring the importance of rigorous training and adherence to procedures.