Hot air balloon accident in Baden-Baden: Who is liable for 5,000 euros?

Hot air balloon accident in Baden-Baden: Who is liable for 5,000 euros?

In October 2022, a 35-year-old woman from Baden-Baden managed to do this by going on an exciting hot air balloon ride. However, this ended abruptly with an accident when she fell while getting out and broke her shinbone. Your private health insurance company is now suing the balloon ride provider for reimbursement of the treatment costs of around 5,000 euros after these costs were covered by them. The claim also includes a determination of liability for any long-term consequences of the violation.

How bnn.de Reportedly, the balloon took off from Offendorf in Alsace with a total of 14 passengers and, after a flight time of around 90 minutes, landed on a harvested corn field in Großweier near Achern. Before the flight, all passengers were informed about the applicable safety precautions. However, the 35-year-old reported that she had difficulty getting into the basket and needed a ladder.

The accident and the consequences

Upon landing, passengers were advised to remain in the basket until the ladder to disembark was provided. The 35-year-old claimed that she climbed into a lying basket, but this was not supported by other witnesses. The managing director of the hot air balloon company explained that boarding in a lying basket only occurs in about 5 percent of trips. In addition, the complainant stated that she could not remember being asked to wait, while a company employee disputed this statement.

The hearing took place on July 3, 2025 at 11 a.m. in front of the 1st Civil Chamber of the Baden-Baden Regional Court, where the private health insurance company appeared as the plaintiff. She claimed that the provider of the balloon rides was liable for violating traffic safety obligations. This is in line with Section 45 of the Air Transport Act, which regulates liability as an air carrier.

Dispute over responsibility

The defendant argued that traffic safety obligations had been properly observed. It was pointed out that the woman's injury was due to a disregard of the safety instructions given and an unauthorized exit. These points are supported in the ongoing trial by several witnesses who have been called to give their evidence.

However, the decision in this dispute, which has already been going on for several months, is still pending. No decision was expected today. This complex issue requires a comprehensive examination of the circumstances under which the accident occurred. The Baden-Baden regional court will continue the hearing in about three months to come to a final decision goodnews4.de reported.