Passenger on American Airlines sues after he was left with 'severe and permanent injuries' that damaged his tattoo when flight attendant spilled hot coffee on him on journey from Vietnam to New York

An American Airlines passenger is suing the company after a flight attendant accidentally spilled hot coffee on his arm during a New York-bound flight from Vietnam.

George Latorre filed the suit against the Dallas-based carrier alleging that the attendant spilled piping hot coffee on his left arm, resulting in 'second degree [burns] to his upper left arm; blistering; peeling, bleeding; possible permanent cosmetic deformity and scarring,' according to the complaint filed in Manhattan state court last Thursday.

The Pennsylvania resident was sitting in seat 33J next to his son on the flight home when the coffee was being served.

The passenger's complaint alleges that the serving attendant was 'careless, reckless, and negligent in serving scalding coffee to the plaintiff in an unsafe manner.'

George Latorre filed the suit against the Dallas-based carrier alleging that the attendant spilled piping hot coffee on his left arm

The passenger claims he has 'second degree [burns] to his upper left arm; blistering; peeling, bleeding; possible permanent cosmetic deformity and scarring,'

The lawsuit also argues that the airline allegedly failed 'to hire and retain competent personnel and employees.'

As well as 'extreme pain and suffering,' Latorre claims he has endured 'emotional harm, mental anguish and distress.'

Latorre claims he tried to buy a business seat for the remainder of the flight after the spill but was denied by the crew. 

Upon landing he saw a doctor who told him the injury was 'serious enough' to consult with a surgeon.

He also claims to have experienced 'loss of sleep' as a result of the pain, which will necessitate further medical treatment, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also argues that the airline allegedly failed 'to hire and retain competent personnel and employees'

The incident is reminiscent of the famous 1994 multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by a 79-year-old woman, Stella Liebeck, who suffered third-degree burns after accidentally spilling coffee in her lap after buying it from a local McDonald’s restaurant.

A jury awarded Liebeck around $3 million in damages, but a judge later reduced the amount.

The two sides eventually came to agreement on an undisclosed settlement.

A spokesperson for American Airlines told DailyMail.com the company does not comment on pending legal matters.