Passenger Says American Airlines Flight Attendant Repeatedly Punched Him in the Face

A passenger is suing American Airlines alleging that a flight attendant repeatedly punched him in the face and head on a flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to Philadelphia last year.

According to USA Today, the alleged incident occurred more than a year ago on January 5, 2018. Gregory Lagana claimed he sustained "scalp hematomas, abrasions, swelling, redness, bruising and defensive wounds to his hand" after the crew member pinned his right arm down and punched him multiple times in the face and back of the head while he was seated with the seatbelt fastened.

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"As a result of the accident, plaintiff suffered severe, serious and permanent personal injuries, as well as mental and emotional injuries rendering him permanently and severely injured," the lawsuit stated.

The lawsuit claims Lagana "was not involved in any wrongdoing that jeopardized the safety of the aircraft. His attorney said the alleged incident began when Lagana and the flight attendant—identified as Lance Wiley, according to Bloomberg Law—started arguing over his drink order.

"We are reviewing the lawsuit and the details of the flight," said American Airlines spokesman Matt Miller in a statement.

The lawsuit—which was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on Friday—argues that the carrier is liable for no less than approximately $161,000.

Lagana and his family were on the final leg of their return flight home from Aruba when the alleged assault occurred.