Lehrman Law Files Lawsuit Against Spirit Airlines for Passenger’s In-Flight Sexual Assault

Boca Raton, Florida – Lehrman Law attorney Seth Lehrman has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a female passenger, Jane Doe, who was sexually assaulted on a Spirit Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Fort Lauderdale. The complaint, filed in the Circuit Court of the 17th  Judicial Court of Florida in Broward County, alleges negligence on the part of Spirit Airlines.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred on May 2, 2024, when the assailant, Jeffrey Stephen Tate, who had been served multiple alcoholic beverages by Spirit Airlines, groped the plaintiff as she was returning to her seat from the bathroom. Prior to this assault, it is alleged that Tate had already sexually harassed and assaulted another female passenger on the same flight. Despite being informed of Tate’s inappropriate behavior and the clear danger he posed, Spirit Airlines failed to take any action to protect the plaintiff or other passengers.

The lawsuit claims that Spirit Airlines had a duty to ensure the safety of its passengers, which it breached by allowing an intoxicated and dangerous passenger to remain with other passengers without necessary precautions. The complaint further alleges that Spirit Airlines failed to properly train and supervise its employees to handle such situations, contributing to the assault on the plaintiff.

As a result of the incident, the plaintiff has suffered severe physical and emotional trauma, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for the injuries and distress caused by Spirit Airlines’ negligence.

CASE INFORMATION
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Court of Florida in Broward County
JANE DOE V. SPIRIT AIRLINES, INC.
204865083