Ryanair passenger scalded on genitals by tea settles claim

A 33-year-old Ryanair passenger, who claimed he was burned when boiling tea was spilled over his genitals and groin by a flight attendant, has settled a €38,000 damages claim against the airline.

Ronald Furlong, of Esmonde Road, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, claimed the incident happened as he was seated during a London to Dublin flight in August 2012.

He claimed the hot liquid spilled on and burned his abdomen, genital area, thighs and groin when a cabin crew member transferred the cup to another passenger.

He had suffered immediate pain and had to remove his clothes in the aisle of the plane. A dressing had been applied to his injuries and he had to sit on a temporary seat for the remainder of the flight.

In his Circuit Civil Court claim against Ryanair Limited for personal injuries, Mr Furlong claimed the airline had failed to ensure its staff would properly transfer hot liquid with a secure lid.

He claimed his social, domestic and recreational lifestyle had been “interfered with” following the incident.

Ryanair had delivered a full defence to Mr Furlong’s claim denying liability and alleging he had caused the hot beverage to spill on himself.

The airline claimed he had failed to pay adequate attention and had acted in a careless and inattentive manner.

Following talks, barrister Kevin Darcy, who appeared with Spelman Callaghan solicitors for Mr Furlong, and the airline’s barrister Peter O’Brien, told the court the claim had been settled.

Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke struck out the case and awarded Mr Furlong his legal costs. No details of the settlement were disclosed in court.