Aer Lingus sues passenger after ‘duty-free bottles fell on woman’s head’

Aer Lingus sues man over ‘duty-free bottles that fell on woman’s head.’

Aer Lingus has sued a passenger over an accident alleged to have occurred after an overhead baggage compartment was opened.

The lawsuit claims that during a 2018 flight to Dublin from Hartford, Connecticut, Joseph Lorenzo “negligently, recklessly, or intentionally” removed his bag from the overhead compartment causing a duty free bag containing bottles of alcohol to fall on North Carolina resident Felicia Nelson’s head.

Ms Nelson issued personal injury proceedings against the Irish carrier last year, alleging she suffers from head trauma, concussion, post-concussion syndrome, vision impairment, the aggravation of migraine headaches and post-traumatic stress.

She claims Aer Lingus is liable for the accident and it had a duty to operate the aircraft with the highest degree of care to prevent injury of any kind.

However, Aer Lingus has hit back, deflecting the blame onto Mr Lorenzo.

The airline filed a defence claiming the accident was not the fault of the airline and that Mr Lorenzo should be liable to Aer Lingus for an indemnity in respect of any damages awarded to her.

The proceedings are taking place at the United States District Court in Connecticut.