A British Airways flight attendant is suing the airline for up to £50,000 after he was injured by a runaway drinks trolley, a court has heard.

James Searcy, 52, was knocked over on a flight when the trolley wheels went over stray luggage in the aisle, causing it to become unstable and its brakes to “fail”.

Mr Searcy, of Ealing, west London, got his leg stuck inside in the trolley, which was being pushed by a colleague before falling backwards, suffering injuries to his knees, buttock, ankle and shoulder.

He says he has been left with ongoing problems which have affected his ability to work and is now suing British Airways, claiming compensation of up to £50,000 over the incident.

Mr Searcy was working as cabin crew on a BA flight from Munich to London Heathrow on 28 September 2017 when the accident happened, Central London County Court heard.

In papers lodged with the court, his lawyers explained what happened, saying: “The claimant was pulling the buy-on-board trolley with his back to the passengers whilst his colleague was pushing the trolley.

“He noticed an obstacle in the aisle and motioned to his colleague to stop the trolley and attempted to stop the movement of the trolley himself by applying the brake so that the obstacle could be moved with his right foot. However, the brake failed and the trolley continued moving.

“His right leg became trapped in the trolley brake compartment and he fell backwards, landing on his left hand side.”

Airline has admitted liability

Mr Searcy’s lawyers go on to say that he has been left with a legacy of numerous injuries, including shoulder problems which have required surgery.

His legal representatives also say in court papers that the airline has admitted liability for Mr Searcy’s accident through their insurers via an email on June 20 2019, guaranteeing him a payout.

The case will now go forward to a trial to decide the level of damages Mr Searcy will be awarded unless the case is settled out of court beforehand.

The Telegraph has contacted BA for comment.