Delta passenger suffers permanent hearing loss after 737-900 pressurization failure

(SALT LAKE CITY) A Utah passenger has sued Delta Air Lines after a reported Boeing 737-900 pressurization malfunction left her with permanent hearing loss, placing renewed focus on airline safety duties and what injured travelers—U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike—can do when a medical crisis happens at altitude.

The federal lawsuit, filed by Utah resident Jaci Purser, stems from a September 15, 2024 incident on Delta flight 1203 from Salt Lake City to Portland. Soon after takeoff, the cabin allegedly failed to pressurize above 10,000 feet, forcing the aircraft to return to Salt Lake City International Airport.

Purser says she endured “extraordinary decompression for some 10 to 15 minutes,” suffered a ruptured eardrum, and now faces ongoing partial deafness. She seeks damages for medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. The case, active in Utah federal court as of August 29, 2025, names Delta as the defendant and accuses the airline of negligence for not properly maintaining the aircraft and for allowing passengers to remain onboard during a hazardous condition.

Other passengers reported severe discomfort, including nosebleeds and distress among infants. Delta has apologized, saying the safety of customers and employees is its highest priority, and confirmed affected travelers were re-accommodated on another aircraft. The company declined to comment on the pending litigation.

The lawsuit arrives amid a long-running debate over aircraft maintenance standards on aging fleets and the precise steps crews must take when pressurization anomalies occur. While cabin pressurization failures are rare, aviation doctors note that even short periods of pressure loss can cause serious ear and sinus injuries. In more extreme events, hypoxia—low oxygen in the blood—can develop quickly. Purser’s claim of permanent hearing loss places a human face on risks many fliers never consider until something goes wrong.

Aviation safety advocates say the outcome could shape how airlines plan pre-flight checks and how they respond to early warning signs after takeoff. Legal analysts add that a plaintiff verdict could expand airline exposure for in‑flight medical injuries linked to mechanical faults. As of late August 2025, there are no new federal rules directly tied to this incident, and no trial date has been set.

For international visitors and immigrants traveling within the United States 🇺🇸, the legal and medical issues look the same as for citizens: airlines owe a duty of care, and injured passengers may seek relief in U.S. courts. In practice, noncitizen travelers can face extra hurdles—time limits, language barriers, and the need to keep travel status in good order while pursuing claims. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, early documentation is critical for all passengers, but it can be especially important for visitors who might leave the country soon after an incident and later need records for insurers or U.S. legal counsel.

Passengers on flight 1203 described a quick return to Salt Lake City following the pressurization issue. That swift descent is consistent with standard cockpit responses to cabin pressure loss. The case still turns on what caused the reported failure, whether any warnings appeared before or during the climb, and whether the airline’s maintenance and decision‑making met industry standards.

Regulatory and legal context

• The complaint alleges Delta’s “negligent acts and/or omission” caused Purser’s injuries and emotional distress. The suit seeks unspecified damages to be decided by a jury.
• In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets and enforces maintenance and safety standards for pressurization systems. Airlines must inspect, record, and correct faults.
• Travelers who observe safety concerns can report them to the FAA Aviation Safety Hotline. Official resource: the FAA Safety Hotline page is available at https://www.faa.gov/contact/safety_hotline.
• Pressurization systems are designed to keep cabin altitude at a level the human body can tolerate. When these systems falter, rapid descent and oxygen procedures may be required.
• No FAA directive specific to Boeing 737‑900 pressurization checks has been announced in direct response to this case as of August 2025, though industry observers expect continuing oversight.

Health outcomes after a pressure event vary. Many passengers recover fully, but some face lasting tinnitus, vertigo, or hearing deficits. Purser claims partial deafness and a ruptured eardrum following what she describes as prolonged decompression. Her reported timeline—10 to 15 minutes—will likely be a focus for both medical experts and the jury.

What travelers — including visa holders — should do after in‑flight injuries

When a pressurization incident happens, the first priority is medical care. After landing, ask for documentation from the airline and airport responders. For noncitizen travelers, this paper trail can help with insurance claims abroad or future U.S. legal steps.

Practical steps for any passenger:

1. Seek immediate evaluation from a doctor or ear, nose, and throat specialist. Ask for written findings on eardrum status, hearing tests (audiograms), and recommended follow‑up.
2. Keep all travel records: boarding passes, seat number, flight timeline, and any airline messages or apologies. Save receipts for medical care and related costs.
3. Take notes soon after the incident. Write down symptoms, how long they lasted, and what crew announced or did during the event.
4. Request the airline’s incident report number and customer care contact. Keep emails and case references organized.
5. If you wish to report a safety concern, use the FAA Aviation Safety Hotline: https://www.faa.gov/contact/safety_hotline.
6. For passengers whose immigration status depends on travel timelines—students, workers, or visitors—track delays that could affect status maintenance and speak with your school DSO, employer, or counsel as needed.

For foreign nationals, hearing loss itself is not a bar to entering or staying in the country. But medical costs and time away from work or school can strain budgets and compliance with program rules. If treatment will keep you in the U.S. longer than planned, consider:

• Updating travel plans,
• Contacting your local school office if you’re on an F-1 visa, or
• Seeking advice from a qualified attorney about timing a future trip abroad.

Potential industry impact

The Purser case raises broader questions for airlines. If a jury finds negligence tied to maintenance or decision‑making, operators may face pressure to:

• Expand pre‑flight checks for pressurization valves, outflow controls, and sensors on older aircraft.
• Increase crew training on early cabin altitude warnings and emergency procedures.
• Reassess policies about keeping passengers onboard during unresolved pressurization anomalies.

Even without new FAA rules, civil verdicts can drive change by making certain failures too costly to risk.

Delta’s apology acknowledges the gravity of what occurred, but the company’s legal stance remains undisclosed pending litigation. For now, the core facts are straightforward: a Boeing 737-900 pressurization problem, a forced return to Salt Lake City, multiple passenger reports of discomfort, and one plaintiff alleging permanent hearing loss with life‑changing effects.

Resources and contacts

• Delta Air Lines Customer Service: 1‑800‑221‑1212
• FAA Aviation Safety Hotline: 1‑866‑TELL‑FAA or online at https://www.faa.gov/contact/safety_hotline
• For court filings, consult the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.

The case’s progress through late 2025 will be watched closely by safety advocates, travelers, and the airline industry.