Passenger burnt by hot coffee sues British Airways

BRITISH AIRWAYS AIRBUS A320-232 G-EUUF (MSN 1806)

A 14-year-old girl was severely burned when a British Airways flight attendant spilled coffee on her during a flight from London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL) to Miami (MIA/KMIA). She is now suing the airline for over $750,000, alleging negligence and inadequate response.

The 18th of October 2023 incident left the teenager with second-degree burns and a permanent scar, sparking a lawsuit under the Montreal Convention. The 14-year-old girl was returning from a community service trip in Nairobi when she suffered a traumatic injury.

According to the media, 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.

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.