A nurse sustained severe burns while onboard a Ryanair flight and has been granted a £4,350 out-of-court settlement, which she described as unexpected. Denise Elliott, aged 63, was en route to Majorca from Bournemouth with friends when she was handed a coffee cup lacking a lid due to stock depletion, according to her account.
Denise, a resident of Southsea near Portsmouth, placed the cup on the tray table, criticizing it as inadequate. Legal experts are noting a rise in similar incidents involving travelers suffering injuries because of slanted tray tables on airplanes.
She claimed that Ryanair disputed her account of the lid shortage, despite others hearing the steward’s statement. Subsequently, the hot coffee spilled on her thighs without her causing it to tip over. Denise criticized the flimsy tray tables on Ryanair flights, deeming them unsuitable. She also highlighted the potential dangers posed by the cup-holding grooves.
Before even reaching sunny Spain, Denise’s holiday was disrupted, compelling her to administer self-first aid and critique the staff’s response to her injuries. She expressed disappointment with the lack of proper first aid resources provided onboard.
Denise pursued a flight injury claim under the Montreal Convention, overseen by Hudgell Solicitors specializing in overseas accidents. Despite Ryanair disclaiming responsibility initially, they agreed to a settlement of £4,350 before the trial.
Expressing her frustration with Ryanair’s lack of prompt action, Denise emphasized that her motivation was not financial gain but rather a quest for accountability. She praised Hudgell Solicitors for their assistance but expressed doubts about Ryanair’s commitment to change.
Tracy Stansfield, a senior associate solicitor at Hudgell Solicitors, commended Denise for her pursuit of truth and highlighted the increasing incidents of travelers suffering burns due to tray table design flaws on planes.
The Mirror has contacted Ryanair for further comments.