A woman who claims she was repeatedly bitten by a brown recluse spider on an American Airlines flight, and is now disfigured, is suing the airline in Texas. The flight was en route from Germany to the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport when Ursula Riederer, 60, was allegedly bit.

She and her husband, Hans, sued the airline and its parent company, AMR Corp., Sept. 14 in Tarrant County civil court.

"For this condition, she will need treatment for the rest of her life," said the Riederers' attorney, Wayne Colodny.

Tim Wagner, a spokesman for the airline, said he was not aware of the lawsuit and that the company usually does not comment on pending litigation.

Riederer is seeking damages for medical expenses, pain, suffering, physical impairment and lost wages.

"She has suffered immensely," Colodny said.