Man Claims He Has Felt Persistent Effects of Toxic Fumes For More Than a Year

A Delta passenger has filed a $40 million lawsuit against Boeing, claiming to have suffered neurological and respiratory harm after inhaling toxic fumes aboard a B737. The incident allegedly occurred in August 2024 on a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles.

The plaintiff, Philadelphia-based law professor Jonathan Harris, says the aircraft remained on the ramp for roughly 45 minutes after landing at LAX while waiting for a gate. During that time, he claims the cabin filled with fumes he described as smelling like “dirty socks.” This type of odor is commonly associated with toxic fumes due to the air conditioning system using engine bleed air.

According to the lawsuit, the smell intensified as time on the ramp stretched on. Harris alleges he became nauseous, experienced trouble breathing, and vomited before deplaning. Another passenger also reportedly fell ill, leading the flight’s captain to apologize for the odor over the PA system.

The complaint argues that multiple passengers asked to exit the aircraft due to the fumes but were shot down. By the time he got off the plane, Harris says that he was suffering from a severe headache and had difficulty speaking clearly.

The next morning, Harris sought medical treatment. The lawsuit states that blood tests showed relatively low oxygen levels, high bicarbonate levels, and carbon monoxide. Rather than improving, Harris alleges his condition deteriorated over several months, with symptoms including ongoing dizziness, vertigo, confusion, nausea, muscle pain, memory loss, and balance problems that interfered with daily activities. His doctor later prescribed an inhaler to address breathing issues.

At the time of the lawsuit, which comes more than a year after the flight, Harris claims he has not improved and continues to experience severe headaches, depression, anxiety, and mental anguish. The $40 million lawsuit seeks damages for lost income, since his health issues have allegedly limited his ability to work.

FMI: www.boeing.com