A nurse sustained severe burns on a Ryanair flight and has received a £4,350 out-of-court settlement, which she described as unexpected. Denise Elliott, 63, was flying to Majorca from Bournemouth with friends when she was handed a coffee cup without a lid, as they had run out. Denise criticized the tray table for not being suitable and causing the accident, mentioning a rise in similar injuries among travelers due to sloping tray tables on airplanes.
Denise refuted Ryanair’s claim that she lied about the lack of lids, stating other passengers heard the steward admit it. She recounted how the hot coffee spilled on her thighs uncontrollably due to the inadequate tray table design. Despite attempting first aid on herself, she expressed disappointment in the staff’s response to her injuries.
The incident led Denise to seek a claim under the Montreal Convention, overseen by Hudgell Solicitors, who negotiated the settlement with Ryanair before the trial. Denise expressed frustration at Ryanair’s lack of urgency and hopes for improved safety measures. Tracy Stansfield, a solicitor at Hudgell Solicitors, emphasized the need for airlines to address safety concerns promptly.
Ryanair has been contacted by The Mirror for a response.