A fractured left leg sustained while disembarking an aircraft at London Heathrow Airport in March 2023 has prompted an American passenger to sue British Airways for more than 50,000 pound sterling, or about Rp 1,2 miliar, according to court documents cited by The Independent on Friday.
Melissa Phillips was traveling home from Israel to Maryland with a transit stop in London when the incident occurred on the aircraft stairs. Court filings show that Phillips suffered broken fibula and tibia bones in her left leg during the descent.
The lawsuit contends that cabin crew members failed to manage passengers properly as they left the aircraft, leaving the stairs wet and crowded. According to the court documents, passengers pushed against one another during the chaotic disembarkation process, causing Phillips to lose her footing and fall.
“If the tangga tidak dipenuhi penumpang yang saling berdesakan, penggugat tidak akan terdorong hingga kehilangan keseimbangan,” said Katherine Deal KC, representing Phillips, in statements detailed through legal filings.
Medical personnel transported Phillips to a hospital where she underwent surgery for her injuries. She was flown back to the United States a few days later to begin her recovery process.
Despite undergoing physical therapy and ongoing medical treatment, Phillips continues to experience persistent pain and restricted mobility. The physical limitations have severely affected her daily life and household management tasks.
British Airways has contested liability for the accident. Christopher Loxton, representing the airline, argued that Phillips failed to watch her step properly while descending the stairs.
The airline disputed claims that the stairs were wet and maintained that passenger movement during the disembarkation was entirely normal. Loxton suggested that Phillips likely lost her footing independently and failed to use the handrail provided.
Legal documents indicate that Phillips may have made contact with another passenger or luggage during the descent. The carrier maintains that the incident stems directly from the passenger’s own negligence.
| Dispute Detail | Plaintiff Position | Defense Position |
|---|---|---|
| Alleged Cause | Crowded, wet stairs and pushing passengers | Loss of footing and failure to use handrail |
| Financial Claim | Over £50,000 (Rp 1,2 miliar) | £6,987 (Rp 170 juta) offered for medical costs |
| Incident Date | March 2023 | March 2023 |
While denying full liability, British Airways offered a payment of 6,987 pound sterling, equivalent to approximately Rp 170 juta, to cover medical expenses incurred by Phillips.
