Tiernan & Co Secure €22,500 Settlement for Girl Injured on Aer Lingus Flight

Original article published on The Irish Independent.

A seven-year-old girl left scarred after a hot meal spilled on her during an Aer Lingus flight to Orlando has been awarded €22,500 in a settlement successfully secured by Tiernan & Co Solicitors.

The case, heard in the Circuit Civil Court before Judge Michael Walsh, detailed how the incident had marred the child’s family holiday. Barrister Conor Kearney, representing the girl and her father, David Kearney of Terenure, Dublin 6W, explained that Scarlet Seery Kearney was unable to enjoy rides or swim at the theme park during their June 2022 trip.

During the flight, Scarlet’s parents had ordered a kid’s meal for her. However, cabin staff mistakenly served an adult meal, and steaming hot carrots and gravy spilled onto her right leg.

Mr. Kearney, appearing with Tiernan & Co Solicitors, highlighted that Scarlet had sustained a serious burn that required immediate treatment from cabin crew. For the remainder of the flight and throughout the holiday, her parents had to apply fresh dressings daily to manage the injury.

The court heard that the excessively hot meal had burned through Scarlet’s leggings, causing painful blisters to form the following day. Although she has since healed, the burn left a small but permanent scar on her thigh.

Judge Walsh approved the €22,500 settlement offered by Aer Lingus, describing the incident as “a very bad way to start a holiday.” He expressed hope that the family had been able to salvage some enjoyment from their trip despite the ordeal.

This outcome reflects Tiernan & Co Solicitors’ commitment to achieving justice for their clients, ensuring Scarlet received fair compensation for her injuries and the disruption caused to her holiday.