Most journeys begin with excitement. Whether you're travelling for work or heading off on holiday, the last thing you expect is to be injured before you've even reached your destination.

Unfortunately, accidents can happen at airports, while boarding or leaving an aircraft, or during a flight. In some cases, those injuries can have life-changing consequences.

If your injury was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be able to make a compensation claim.

At Switalskis, our serious injury solicitors support people who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries following aviation accidents. We understand that recovery is about far more than financial compensation. It is about accessing rehabilitation, specialist treatment and the support you need to move forward.

What is an aviation accident claim?

An aviation accident claim is a claim for compensation after someone is injured while travelling by air or using airport facilities.

Accidents can happen at every stage of a journey, including:

• slipping or falling in an airport
• falling while boarding or leaving an aircraft
• defective aircraft steps or boarding bridges
• luggage falling from overhead lockers
• burns from hot food or drinks served during a flight
• faulty aircraft seats or seatbelts
• collisions involving airport vehicles.

While some injuries are relatively minor, others can have a lasting impact. We regularly support clients who have suffered serious orthopaedic injuries, spinal injuries, brain injuries and psychological trauma following accidents.

Can you claim compensation for an accident at an airport?

Yes. Airports, airlines and the companies that operate within them all have legal responsibilities to keep passengers reasonably safe.

If an organisation fails in that duty and you are injured as a result, you may be able to make an airport accident claim.

Common airport accidents include:

• slips on wet floors
• trips caused by damaged flooring
• escalator or travelator accidents
• falls on poorly maintained steps
• accidents involving airport transport
• injuries caused by baggage handling equipment.

Determining who is responsible is not always straightforward. Several organisations may be involved, so it is important to investigate the circumstances carefully.

Can you claim compensation for an injury on a plane?

Yes. Passengers can suffer injuries during a flight for many different reasons.

Some of the most common include:

• Luggage falling from overhead lockers

Poorly secured or overloaded overhead lockers can cause luggage to fall onto passengers, resulting in head, neck or shoulder injuries.

• Burns from hot food or drinks

Spillages during food and drink service can lead to painful burns, particularly if appropriate care was not taken.

• Faulty seats or equipment

Broken seats, defective seatbelts or poorly maintained onboard equipment can all contribute to passenger injuries.

Why are aviation accident claims different?

Aviation claims are often more complex than other personal injury claims.

Many international flights are covered by the Montreal Convention 1999, which sets out when an airline may be responsible if a passenger is injured.

The Convention can apply to accidents that happen:

• on board an aircraft
• while boarding
• while leaving the aircraft.

Depending on where the accident happened and who was responsible, different legal rules and time limits may apply. This is why obtaining specialist legal advice early is important.

What compensation could you receive?

Every claim is different, and the amount of compensation will depend on your injuries and how they affect your life.

A claim may include compensation for:

• your pain, suffering and loss of quality of life
• lost earnings if you are unable to work
• medical treatment and rehabilitation
• physiotherapy or counselling
• care provided by family members or professional carers
• travel and accommodation costs linked to your recovery
• future treatment, care or specialist equipment where required.

For people living with serious injuries, early access to rehabilitation and ongoing support is often just as important as the financial settlement itself.

Serious injuries after an aviation accident

Some aviation accidents result in injuries that affect every aspect of a person's life.

Our serious injury team supports people who have suffered:

• brain injuries
• spinal cord injuries
• multiple fractures
• complex orthopaedic injuries
• psychological injuries, including PTSD
• catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care.

We work closely with rehabilitation providers, medical experts and case managers to help clients access the support they need throughout their recovery.

How long do you have to make an aviation accident claim?

The time limit depends on how and where the accident happened.

For many personal injury claims, you have three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you became aware your injuries were linked to it.

However, if your claim is covered by the Montreal Convention, you may have just two years to begin legal proceedings.

Because these time limits can be strict, it is always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

What should you do after an aviation accident?

If you are injured at an airport or on a plane, try to:

• report the accident to airport staff or the airline
• ask for a copy of any incident report
• take photographs if it is safe to do so
• seek medical attention
• keep receipts for any expenses
• collect witness details where possible
• contact a solicitor for advice.

Early evidence can make a significant difference to a claim.

Talk to our serious injury solicitors

If you've been injured at an airport or during a flight, we're here to help.

Our serious injury solicitors have extensive experience supporting people whose lives have been changed by serious accidents. We understand that making a claim is about more than compensation. It's about helping you access rehabilitation, financial security and the support you need for the future.

We'll take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options clearly and guide you through every stage of your claim.

To learn more about how we can help, or to start the claims process today, contact our experienced serious injury claims solicitors on 0800 1380 458 , or get in touch via the form on this page.