A jury in California has ordered a clothing company to pay over $1 million to four American Airlines flight attendants who claimed that chemicals used in the production of their uniforms caused various health issues, including rashes, headaches, and breathing problems. This ruling, which came last week, may be just the beginning, as lawyers state that they represent more than 400 other flight attendants who have made similar claims against the uniform manufacturer.
However, the judge has not yet confirmed the jury’s decision, with a lawyer for the flight attendants dismissing it as a technicality. The uniform maker’s legal team has not indicated whether they plan to appeal.
In 2016, American Airlines provided new uniforms to its flight attendants, ending a decade of wearing the same outfit. Initially, many were pleased with the change, but complaints soon arose regarding various health issues. Tracey Silver-Charan, a flight attendant based in Los Angeles with 37 years of experience, described waking up with swollen eyes and struggling to breathe, often feeling like she would pass out while working. She even sought medical attention at urgent care. In response to the complaints, American Airlines allowed flight attendants to continue wearing their old uniforms or choose outfits from Macy’s or JCPenney.
Silver-Charan was part of a group of flight attendants who filed a lawsuit in 2017, and she was one of the four involved in the recent bellwether trial in Alameda County Superior Court near San Francisco. The jury concluded that the uniforms supplied by Twin Hill Acquisition Co. were a significant contributing factor to the flight attendants’ harm. However, they did not find the company negligent in the design of the garments or in failing to recall them when complaints arose.
Daniel Balaban, one of the lawyers representing the airline employees, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “It’s been a long road, but we’re very happy with the outcome. We couldn’t represent better clients — who doesn’t love a flight attendant?” Balaban also mentioned that if Twin Hill refuses to settle other cases, they may proceed to trial.
Twin Hill has the option to request a reduction in the jury’s award and could also appeal the verdict. Robert V. Good Jr., the company’s lawyer, declined to comment on the matter when contacted.
American Airlines eventually terminated its contract with Twin Hill and enlisted Land’s End for uniform production.
The flight attendants’ lawsuit claimed that their uniforms contained traces of formaldehyde, toluene, and other toxic chemicals associated with health problems. Formaldehyde has been used in fabric for wrinkle-free and long-lasting clothing. A 2010 study conducted by congressional researchers revealed that formaldehyde levels in clothing are generally low, but some individuals experience allergic reactions such as rashes, blisters, and itchy or burning skin. While washing clothes before wearing them can help, it is not always effective.
During the trial, the flight attendants’ lawyers presented witnesses who discussed a 2018 study by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health. The study found a connection between new uniforms and health complaints among Alaska Airlines attendants.
On the other hand, Twin Hill’s legal team called expert witnesses who downplayed the potential health effects of the uniforms. Silver-Charan noted that none of the defense experts ever spoke to her or requested to test her uniform for chemicals.
The jury proposed compensation of $320,000 for lost income and pain and suffering for Silver-Charan, and $750,000 in damages for Brenda Sabbatino, the two attendants selected by their lawyers. The defense lawyers chose two other flight attendants who reported less severe health effects, and the proposed damages for them were $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.
