British Airways Passenger Accused of Exaggerating Injuries After Slipping on Spilled Drink

A British Airways passenger who claims he suffered brain damage after slipping on spilt Baileys at Heathrow Airport is facing accusations of exaggerating his disabilities from a former friend. Businessman Andreas Wuchner, 44, is suing the airline for £4 million, alleging that the 2017 incident left him with debilitating migraines that destroyed his business and rendered him unable to work.

However, the Central London County Court heard allegations that Mr. Wuchner has pursued numerous business interests, traveled extensively across Europe, and obtained a boating license in Croatia since the accident. His former friend and business associate, Sebastian Steiner, claims he witnessed Mr. Wuchner performing physically demanding tasks and conducting business activities without apparent difficulty.

These claims have cast doubt on the £4 million compensation battle, with British Airways arguing the new evidence presents a "radically different picture" of Mr. Wuchner's alleged disabilities. Mr. Wuchner's barrister dismissed the allegations as "tittle tattle" from a disgruntled former friend following a personal falling out.

In November 2017, Mr. Wuchner slipped on a puddle of Baileys Irish Cream while rushing to catch a British Airways flight from London to Zurich. Carrying luggage and a tray of drinks, he failed to see the spilt liqueur on the airport floor, falling and striking his head. He claims this resulted in permanent brain damage and severe migraines, which have prevented him from working and led to the collapse of his merchandising company.

A judge had previously ruled BA liable for the accident in 2024, questioning why staff did not address the spill. However, the judge also found Mr. Wuchner partly responsible for rushing while carrying hot drinks, reducing any potential compensation by 20 percent for "contributory negligence."

The case took a new turn when Mr. Steiner came forward with evidence challenging the extent of Mr. Wuchner's alleged disabilities. BA's barrister stated that Mr. Steiner's account "paints a radically different picture" from Mr. Wuchner's claims of "gross disability caused by debilitating headaches... cognitive and executive dysfunction, memory loss, fatigue, personality change and secondary psychological disorders."

Mr. Steiner reportedly witnessed Mr. Wuchner engaging in lifting and carrying tasks requiring "considerable physical effort." The pair had also reportedly purchased a boat together and traveled, including a holiday to Ibiza in September 2018 and a trip to Croatia in May 2021 where Mr. Wuchner obtained a boat license. Although Mr. Wuchner complained of headaches, Mr. Steiner claimed he remained capable of conducting business, answering emails, and speaking on the telephone without noticeable difficulty.

Mr. Wuchner's legal team argued that the evidence from Mr. Steiner was unreliable due to a personal dispute and noted that BA had not formally amended its defense to accuse Mr. Wuchner of dishonesty. They applied for an interim payment of £100,000 to support Mr. Wuchner while the case proceeds, citing his lack of significant income since the accident.

Judge David Saunders granted the interim payment, acknowledging the dispute over Mr. Wuchner's credibility and the suggestion of potential fundamental dishonesty. The judge noted that the credibility of Mr. Steiner's evidence would be subject to cross-examination. The full trial to determine the final compensation amount is anticipated to take place next year.