US doctor sues Singapore Airlines after suffering severe shrimp allergy mid-flight

Dr. Doreen Benary, 41, filed the lawsuit this week in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. She claims the Oct. 8, 2024 incident aboard Singapore Airlines Flight SQ026, en route from Frankfurt to New York’s JFK Airport, has left her with lasting physical and emotional trauma, The Straits Times reported.

According to court documents, Benary, seated in business class, had informed the cabin crew of her shellfish allergy after boarding. Despite her warnings, she says she was served a meal that contained shrimp. Not realizing the ingredient was present, she ate part of the dish before recognizing the shrimp, and almost immediately began feeling unwell.

The crew allegedly acknowledged the mistake and apologized, but by then her condition had worsened. As her symptoms escalated rapidly, the crew declared a medical emergency and diverted the flight to Paris. Upon landing, Benary was rushed to two different medical facilities for urgent treatment.

The lawsuit describes the ordeal as "severe," detailing excruciating pain, extensive medical intervention and ongoing psychological distress. Benary claims the incident has severely impacted her quality of life and ability to enjoy personal activities.

The legal filing does not specify whether she was carrying an epinephrine auto-injector, commonly known as an EpiPen, which is often used to counter anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly allergic reaction commonly triggered by shellfish proteins such as tropomyosin.

Benary is seeking unspecified monetary damages, as well as legal costs, interest and related expenses. Her attorney declined to comment, citing client confidentiality, while Singapore Airlines said it could not comment on ongoing litigation, The Independent reported.