The parents of a ten-year-old girl who was injured when a hot cup of tea spilled on her during a flight are suing Aer Lingus for negligence.
The girl, who cannot be named, was travelling on a transatlantic flight from Dublin to Orlando Florida when the incident occurred one hour before landing.
In court papers seen by the Irish Independent, the parents claim the child, described as a “a successful amateur competitive surfer” suffered permanent scarring and disfigurement when a cup of tea on her tray “came out of the cup holder and came off the tray” pouring out onto her upper thighs and lower torso.
They also claim there was no medical assistance available to her on landing.
The family believe the accident could have been avoided if Aer Lingus served the tea “at a safe temperature” and claim the airline failed to warn passengers of the “known dangers and the excessive and unreasonable temperature of the hot tea”.
“Her activities have been limited and her ability to enjoy life has been impaired and adversely affected,” the child’s parents alleged.
“She has been caused to suffer great pain of mind and body. She has required – and will require in the future – medical care and treatment.
“Her ability to engage in her usual activities and ability to enjoy a normal childhood and life have been permanently impaired.”
A spokesperson for Aer Lingus said: “As the matter is before the courts, we have no comment to make.”
