Can I Claim Compensation for an Accident on an Airline?

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FAQs

When most people think of airline accidents, they often imagine engine failures and even crash landings which are statistically very rare. But unfortunately, there are a range of other accidents that can happen on an airplane, including:

  • luggage falling from overhead lockers;
  • food poisoning from in-flight meals;
  • hot drinks being spilled onto passengers;
  • slipping and tripping accidents;
  • being struck by drinks or service trolleys.

Some of these may only cause minor injury, but others could have a huge impact on your life. Whatever situation you’re in, we can help you claim the compensation you need to recover. We’ll always tailor our advice to your individual circumstances.

A lot of airlines and tour operator airlines are bound by a set of regulations called the Montreal Convention. This will hold the airline accountable if a passenger has an accident or is injured during an international flight.

To make a claim under the Montreal Convention, an air accident must have been “caused by an unusual or unexpected event or happening that is external to the passenger”. This means the airline is still legally responsible for unexpected and unpreventable situations such as:

  • accidents caused by another passenger;
  • injuries caused by extreme turbulence.

It’s important to remember that the Montreal Convention only applies to international flights between countries who have signed up to the regulations. Some of the airlines covered include:

  • British Airways
  • Emirates
  • EasyJet
  • Ryanair
  • Aer Lingus

Under the Montreal Convention, if you’re injured through an accident on an aircraft, you’ll have the option to decide where your claim is brought forward. This could be:

  • the airline’s domicile (home country);
  • the airline’s place of business;
  • the passenger’s current or permanent place of residence.

The Montreal Convention sets a time limit of two years from the date of the accident for making a claim. This is a year less than most other personal injury claims, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

How can a Solicitor Help?

Our team of Holiday Claims Solicitors are experts, so when you talk to us about your situation, we can advise you about the length of your claim and how much compensation we think you could get.

Get in touch with our Holiday Accident Solicitors to see how we can help you. We often deal with travel claims on a No Win, No Fee basis – just ask us for details.

Contact our leading Personal Injury Team specialising in Travel Claims Today

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