A 12-yr-old schoolgirl who suffered burns on a Ryanair flight from Lourdes just over five years ago has accepted a compensation offer of €30,000 from the airline, along with substantial legal expenses, reports RTE.
Judge Christopher Callan, speaking in the Circuit Civil Court, told Sienna Darcy he hoped her “horrible experience” wouldn’t stop her from travelling in the future, as it was very important she continues to explore the world.
Barrister Darach MacNamara, representing Sienna alongside Brian McGrane Solicitors, said the photographs of the injuries to her left hand were distressing but necessary to show the full extent of the damage, which occurred when she was just seven years old, reports RTE.
Mr MacNamara explained that Ryanair staff had responded quickly after the incident, applying cold water, cooling gel, and giving her Calpol. The injury occurred when “a piping hot meal including oil and sauce” was spilled onto her hand during the Lourdes-Dublin flight on 12 July, 2019. She was taken to the hospital immediately after the flight landed at Dublin Airport.
An earlier offer of €25,000 had been rejected in January by Judge Michael Walsh for being insufficient. Mr MacNamara informed the court that Ryanair had increased their offer by €5,000, bringing the total to €30,000, which he now advised the court to accept, reports RTE.
He said that while Sienna, represented legally by her mother Aideen Darcy of Oscar Square, Dublin, had sustained serious burns, her hand had healed well without any scarring or loss of movement. However, she had experienced psychological trauma as a result of the event.
The court heard that the injury occurred after a hot pasta meal was served to Sienna on an allegedly unstable extendable tray on board the aircraft, reports RTE.
Mr MacNamara noted that Sienna required extensive counselling therapy. The court reviewed a medical report from plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dylan Murray, as well as two psychiatric assessments by consultant Blanaid Gavin.
“It really was a horrific experience,” Mrs Darcy stated in written testimony. She said her daughter had screamed in pain and remained in severe distress throughout the flight, crying continuously. Upon landing, she was taken by ambulance to Temple Street Children’s Hospital and had to return for multiple follow-up visits, reports RTE.
Judge Callan confirmed he was satisfied to approve the €30,000 settlement, which included €2,610 for special damages, reports RTE.
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