LONDON- A 14-year-old girl was severely burned when a British Airways (BA) flight attendant spilled coffee on her during a flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Miami (MIA). She is now suing the airline for over $750,000, alleging negligence and inadequate response.
The October 18, 2023, incident left the teenager with second-degree burns and a permanent scar, sparking a lawsuit under the Montreal Convention.
Photo: Clément AlloingTeen Burned on British Airways Flight
On British Airways (BA) flight BA207 from London Heathrow (LHR) to Miami (MIA), a 14-year-old girl, returning from a community service trip in Nairobi, suffered a traumatic injury.
According to PYOK, during the meal service, a flight attendant placed an empty cup on a tray above the girl’s lap and poured hot coffee from a large pot.
While adding a stir stick, the attendant knocked over the cup, spilling scalding coffee onto the girl’s lap and knee.
The teenager screamed in agony as the coffee soaked through her clothing, causing second-degree burns.
The lawsuit, filed in a Puerto Rico district court, describes the flight attendant’s response as “alarmingly inadequate.”
The attendant briefly left the scene, returning only with paper tissues to clean the spill, offering no immediate first aid. The girl felt “abandoned and disregarded” by the crew.
A physician onboard assessed the injuries in the aircraft bathroom, confirming likely second-degree burns.
The provided first aid kit, however, contained only basic burn lotion, unsuitable for such severe injuries.
When shown a photo of the wounds, the flight attendant expressed shock but offered only chocolates, taking no further action.
Photo: By Krzysztof Kaczala – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29034374Medical and Emotional Fallout
Upon arrival in Miami (MIA), no medical personnel were waiting at the gate to assist, despite the injury’s severity.
The girl, unable to walk comfortably, relied on a motorized scooter for mobility, and a planned Disney World trip was canceled.
Nearly two years later, she bears a disfiguring scar on her thigh and knee, with ongoing physical and emotional trauma.
The lawsuit claims British Airways failed to follow proper safety protocols for handling hot beverages and neglected to provide adequate medical support. The girl’s legal team argues that the airline’s negligence directly caused her suffering and lasting harm.
Photo: Cado PhotoMontreal Convention Lawsuit
The case invokes Article 17 of the Montreal Convention, which holds airlines liable for passenger injuries on international flights.
Claims under Article 17 are typically capped at 128,821 Special Drawing Rights (approximately $180,000).
However, the cap can be exceeded if gross negligence is proven. The girl’s legal team seeks over $750,000, citing the airline’s failure to act responsibly and the profound impact of the injuries.
Courts have often ruled in favor of passengers in similar cases. A 2019 European court decision held an airline liable for a coffee burn even after the flight attendant relinquished control of the cup, reinforcing strict liability standards.
Photo: Clément AlloingSimilar Incidents
In recent years, several lawsuits have highlighted the dangers of serving hot liquids during flights.
A notable 2019 European court ruling held an airline accountable even after the attendant had stopped handling the drink.
In 2023, another victim on a Virgin Atlantic (VS) flight pushed for airlines to use lids on hot drink cups after suffering similar burns due to turbulence.
While some airlines have contested these claims by blaming passengers or citing normal flight conditions, most cases have resulted in settlements once medical evidence is presented.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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