If you've been hurt in an accident while flying or at an airport, compensation can support you and enable you to deal with the physical pain, emotional trauma and financial losses you experienced as a result. Although air travel is generally safe, airline accidents can lead to serious injuries, and if someone else was responsible, you may be able to claim.
At Switalskis, our expert team of aviation solicitors has the specialist knowledge to handle complex aviation accident cases. We understand that an air accident claim can involve more than just the flight itself and can pursue even complicated claims where international conventions apply or jurisdiction between countries is unclear. We're committed to standing by you through the legal process and working to get the airline injury compensation you need.
Our goal is to make things as simple as possible for you, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the difficult legal work. If you're ready to talk about your circumstances and learn whether you can make an aeroplane injury claim, our personal injury solicitors are ready to listen. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website to start your journey.
In December 2017, a four-year-old boy was injured in a road traffic accident while crossing the road with his mother. Initially, his injuries seemed minor, but the long-term effects were more serious, resulting in £27,500 settlement fee. Read more from our road traffic accident compensation team.
Our client was seriously injured in a HGV collision where she was travelling in as a passenger. She suffered multiple injuries including significant damage to her left eye, which left her with permanent loss of vision on that side. She received a £150,000 settlement. Read more from our road traffic accident compensation team.
Workplace accidents can have life-changing effects, both physically and emotionally. After a serious injury and a long recovery journey, our client, Mr Griggs, was able to secure a £50,000 settlement towards rehabilitation and to cover loss of income, with the support of our accident at work claims team.
Vicki McCarthy tragically lost her beautiful daughter Jordanna when she was fatally injured in a road traffic accident on 15 November 2014. Jordanna had gone out in the car with her friends and was going to meet up with other friends when the accident occurred. Read more from our road traffic accident compensation team.
A Doncaster care home has agreed to a five-figure settlement following legal action over neglect and abuse endured by a former resident. An investigation by Doncaster Local Authority found that a former resident at Ivy Court Care Home in Balby suffered severe burns due to negligence by the carers.Read more from our burns injury compensation team.
An electrical contractor was awarded over £500,000 after suffering serious injuries while working for a Doncaster manufacturer. The 26-year-old suffered multiple fractures to his pelvis, feet and wrist after falling almost eight metres to the ground. Read more from our accident at work claims team.
Give us a call today on 0800 138 1379 , or get in touch online. Our friendly team of personal injury solicitors are ready to listen and help you start your claim at a time that works for you.
I would like to thank the team and in particular Charlotte Waller for their professionalism, empathy and legal guidance. From the very first phone call right through to a successful closure I feel like I’ve been listened to and really supported through every stage of my 2 ½ year-long claim. The level of communication and being proactive in explaining the process was really reassuring and made me feel valued… took a moral approach to ensure that costs did not spiral unnecessarily such as those associated with medical appointments… made a real difference to my claim and have given me the closure I was looking for, so thank you.
Personal Injury Client
Amazing advice every time and always kept up to date. I felt at ease talking to Rosie about such a traumatic part of my life. The level of service I received cannot be improved. Rosie Dodds will come highly recommended from me to anyone that asks.
Personal Injury Client
Switalskis Solicitors combine a personal, local and individual feel with in-depth knowledge and expertise. I cannot recommend them highly enough for high-value and complex personal injury and fatal accident litigation. Partner oversight and involvement is second to none.
The Legal 500
Our personal injury specialists are accredited by the Law Society, Headway and APIL, reflecting the skill and dedication we bring to every case.
We’ve been helping injured people for decades, securing millions in compensation to cover rehabilitation, lost earnings, care, and future needs.
We understand how difficult life can feel after a serious injury. You’ll have a solicitor by your side who listens, supports you, and keeps everything clear and straightforward.
Access to justice should never depend on finances. Many of our cases are funded on a “no win, no fee” basis, so you won’t pay anything unless your claim succeeds.
Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 138 1379, or get in touch via our form.
At Switalskis, our aviation team provides expert legal support for people who've suffered injuries at the airport, when travelling to catch a flight or during air travel. Accidents on flights are different from other personal injury claims, and it's important to work with specialist aviation lawyers who can apply their knowledge of the Montreal Convention and other international treaties to deliver fair compensation for your needs.
Our personal injury team has specific understanding of the aviation sector, which means that we can successfully deliver compensation in a range of circumstances, whether your accident happened on a domestic flight, international flight or on the ground. We'll use our in-depth knowledge to build a strong case for you, and we have a strong track record of settling claims against airlines, tour operators, hotels and other providers without going to court.
When you choose Switalskis, you get access to a full range of support. We work with medical professionals to understand the full impact of your injuries and make sure your compensation accounts for your injuries. This also includes looking at your medical expenses, travel costs, and any financial losses you've faced because you couldn't work, to cover these in your settlement. We're committed to helping you claim compensation that reflects the true cost of what you've been through, and to providing compassionate and practical support alongside our legal advice from the outset of your claim.
Making an air accident claim can seem daunting, but there's a clear process to every claim and Switalskis works to make things as straightforward as possible. While every claim is different, the general legal process of an airline injury claim is as follows.
The process starts with a free initial consultation with our personal injury solicitors. We'll listen to your story and talk about how the accident happened, the injuries you've sustained, and how your life changed. This is also a chance for you to ask us questions, and we can give you honest advice on whether you're entitled to claim and how we can help.
If you decide to proceed, we'll start an investigation. Our expert aviation team will gather evidence to support your aeroplane injury claim including flight records, maintenance logs, and witness statements. We may work with aviation experts to reconstruct the accident, and we'll also look at your medical records to understand the extent of your injuries and the medical treatment you'll need.
We'll officially notify the defendant - whether that's the airline or another responsible party - that you're making a compensation claim. In aviation accident cases, there may be more than one defendant. For example, it can be the airline and the company that manufactured a faulty part. We handle all the communication with their lawyers and insurers, so you don't have to worry about it, and we'll make sure they understand the full scale of your injuries to secure fair compensation.
Once we've sent a letter of claim, the other party will have some time to investigate and respond. Most injury claims are settled at this stage through negotiation, without ever going to court. We'll present our evidence to the defendant and their insurers and negotiate for the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and financial losses.
If the defendant denies responsibility or won't offer a fair amount, we may need to start court proceedings . This doesn't always mean you'll have to go to a trial, and many claims settle before the first court date arrives. If your case does go to court, we'll be with you every step of the way and provide the strongest possible representation for your air accident claim.
When the claim is successful, you'll receive your airline injury compensation. This money aims to cover the cost of medical expenses, travel costs, and the pain and suffering you experienced due to your accident. We'll ensure the funds are paid to you as quickly as possible so you can focus on any ongoing treatment and recovery. They may be structured as a single payment, or a series of instalments. If your claim is successful, a success fee may be deducted from your damages in accordance with the terms of your Conditional Fee Agreement.
As with other types of personal injury claim, there are strict time limits for making an air accident claim. If your claim falls under the Montreal Convention, you must start legal action within two years of the date the aircraft arrived (or should have arrived) at its destination. This is shorter than the usual three-year limit for most personal injury claims in the UK but in all circumstances, it is best to start the process as early as possible.
Because the law is complex when it involves international flights, and rules change depending on where the accident happened and where you live, it's important to contact our aviation lawyers as soon as you can following an accident. If you miss the relevant time limit, you’ll lose your right to claim compensation entirely, so get in touch with our team today to learn more about what's involved in an aviation case.
While any injury sustained on an aircraft can entitle you to compensation if the accident was not your fault, some types of incidents are more common than others. Airlines have a legal obligation to minimise the risk of these accidents, and when they fail to do so, they may be liable for any accidents that are caused by their negligence. Some of the most common types of accidents for which you may be able to claim include:
Many people don't realise they can make an airline injury claim for accidents that happen before the plane takes off. Airlines are responsible for your safety while you're boarding and disembarking, including on the jet bridge, the stairs leading to the plane, and the immediate area around the aircraft.
If you trip on a damaged carpet, slip on a wet floor, or fall because of poor lighting during boarding, you may have a valid claim. Depending on the circumstances, accidents occurring during boarding or disembarkation may fall within the scope of the Montreal Convention.
Boarding accidents may happen because the airline or the airport staff are in a rush. If they fail to keep the walkways clear or don't provide enough support for passengers with limited mobility, injuries that happen as a result may be found to be the airline's fault. We'll investigate the airline operations to see if they met their safety duties during your boarding process and determine whether you're entitled to claim.
You may also be able to bring a claim for accidents occurring within an airport. The legal basis of the claim will depend on where and how the accident occurred, and may be against the airport operator, occupier, contractor or another responsible party rather than the airline.
Airlines and airport operators have a duty to keep all areas of the airport safe for passengers. If you've suffered injuries because of a hazardous floor or faulty equipment, you may have a valid claim. Our aviation team will identify the responsible parties, whether it's the airline, the airport authority, or a private contractor.
One of the most common causes of airline injury claims is objects falling from overhead lockers. If a locker isn't secured properly by the crew, or if it's opened and a heavy bag falls out, it can cause serious head or shoulder injuries.
In these cases, the airline is often responsible based on their duty to ensure that all luggage is stored safely and that lockers are closed securely before take-off and landing. If you've been hit by falling luggage and suffered injuries, Switalskis can help you to make an aeroplane injury claim.
While they may sound minor, burns from hot food or drinks can be very painful and leave permanent scars. These often happen because a tray is unstable, a lid isn't secure, or a crew member makes a mistake while serving. We see many airline injury claims arising from these simple mistakes, as they can result in serious injuries.
If you've experienced a burn injury on a flight, you can often make an airline injury claim. These incidents are covered by the Montreal Convention if they happen on an international flight, which means that you can make a claim in the UK even if the aircraft was over another territory or outside any national airspace. Our injury claims team will gather evidence, like photos of the burn and contact details of other passengers who saw what happened, to support your claim.
Aviation accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries. Some people suffer minor injuries, while others face life-changing, serious injuries, but it is often possible to claim in either case. At Switalskis, we handle all types of injury claims, including:
Many people experience (PTSD) or a fear of flying after an air accident, which can be accounted for in your compensation. No matter the scale of your injury, if it wasn't your fault, you have the right to pursue compensation. Switalskis will help you to get the medical treatment you need to recover, as our aviation team understands that even minor injuries can have a big impact on your life and your ability to work.
In some cases, you can make a compensation claim on behalf of a loved one who died from or injuries that were caused by an accident. Even with legal and emotional support from Switalskis, these situations can be difficult. Our experts have put together this bereavement guide to help you cope during your period of grief.
If you’ve started the process of making a personal injury claim and are unhappy with your solicitor, the good news is that it’s easy to switch. Switalskis will handle the process on your behalf, and pick up your claim where it left off. Find out more about how we can help in our guide to switching solicitors.
Please see below for the latest news from our Personal Injury Claims team.
Road traffic accidents involving a heavy goods vehicle can be life changing. Because of their size and weight, an HGV accident often results in severe injuries, and you could be entitled to claim significant compensation if an accident occurred that wasn't your fault.
A forklift accident can cause serious and sometimes life-changing injuries. Forklift trucks are heavy, powerful vehicles. When they are driven unsafely, poorly maintained or used in an unsuitable environment, the consequences can be severe.
A serious injury can change your life in an instant. You may need urgent medical treatment, months of rehabilitation or support with tasks you once managed without a second thought. In some cases, the effects will last for the rest of your life.
Forklift accidents can happen in seconds. One moment, you are getting on with your usual work. The next, you may be dealing with a painful injury, time off and questions about what went wrong.
Choosing the right legal team for your personal injury claim is an important decision. At Switalskis, we offer more than just legal expertise; we offer a partnership built on trust, compassion, and a commitment to you. Here's why you should consider us for your claim:
Personal injury claims can be complex, but we make it simple for you. We break down the legal jargon and guide you through the process in a way that's easy to understand. Our aim is to be as clear as possible, making the complicated seem straightforward.
We get that this is a tough time for you. That's why we approach every case with empathy and understanding. We're not just here to win your case; we're here to support you emotionally as well. Our caring side sets us apart from other law firms.
When it comes to personal injury claims, we know our stuff. Our team of dedicated professionals has years of experience and a track record of success. You're not just hiring a solicitor; you're gaining a team that will fight for your rights with the expertise you can rely on.
We'll champion your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. We're determined and caring, making us the ideal choice for your personal injury claim.
If you've suffered a personal injury due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. At Switalskis, we have extensive experience in handling a wide range of personal injury claims. We'll take the time to understand the specifics of your case and how it's impacted your life. This way, we can make sure we're doing everything possible to help you achieve justice.
To find out how much you could be entitled to and to get the ball rolling on your personal injury claim, call Switalskis today on 0800 138 1379 . Alternatively, contact us through the website to learn more.