CHICAGO- A United Airlines (UA) passenger traveling from Johannesburg (JNB) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) says she suffered second-degree burns after a flight attendant spilled scalding water into her lap. The incident occurred onboard United flight UA 187 during a 14.5-hour international journey.
Angela McConnell has filed a lawsuit against United Airlines under Article 17 of the Montreal Convention, seeking over $75,000 in damages. She claims the airline failed to provide adequate in-flight care and mishandled her injury after landing.
Representative Photo: UnitedUnited Airlines Passenger Severe Burn
The incident took place on July 13, 2023, roughly two hours into a long-haul flight from Johannesburg (JNB) to San Francisco (SFO) with a layover in Newark (EWR).
McConnell had requested a cup of hot tea. A flight attendant placed a cup of hot water on her tray table, which then tipped over and spilled directly into her lap.
According to PYOK, McConnell suffered second-degree burns that caused her skin to tear and form a large open wound. Her attempts to get immediate help on board were met with minimal response.
Initially, the crew gave her a small bag of ice, which worsened the injury. Ice should never be applied directly to a burn, as it can increase tissue damage. Proper burn care requires running cool, not cold, water over the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes.
Three hours later, McConnell was provided with gauze but received no further medical aid. No onboard medical professional was paged.
After landing at Newark, United staff allegedly refused to open the first aid kit or assist in dressing the wound, citing company policy.
Upon reaching San Francisco on July 14, McConnell sought treatment at Palo Alto Medical Foundation urgent care and was later admitted to the burn unit at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. She is still undergoing treatment and is expected to suffer permanent scarring.
Photo: Cado PhotoArticle 17 of the Montreal Convention
McConnell’s legal claim is based on Article 17 of the Montreal Convention, an international treaty ratified in 1999.
Article 17 holds airlines liable for bodily injury sustained by passengers if the injury occurs onboard or during boarding or disembarkation.
Airlines can defend against such claims only if they prove the injury was due to the passenger’s own negligence or was caused by another passenger.
In McConnell’s case, the lawsuit argues clear fault by the airline employee and an inadequate emergency response.
Photo: By Masakatsu Ukon – United Airlines, Boeing 787-9 N38950 NRT, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42013162Reduce the Risk of Burn Injuries
Passengers can take steps to reduce the risk of burn injuries:
- Ensure tray tables are flat and secure before placing any beverages.
- Use a napkin or other non-slip layer between the cup and the tray table.
- Place a barrier, such as a blanket or magazine, over your lap when consuming hot drinks.
- Avoid accepting hot beverages during turbulence or when the seatbelt sign is on.
Airlines, in turn, must train their crew to handle hot liquids safely and respond effectively to in-flight injuries. Negligent handling of such situations can lead to severe legal and reputational consequences.
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