Airlines carry a specific, strict responsibility for passenger safety

Whether it was a falling bag from an overhead locker, a service trolley collision, or a fall during boarding, airlines carry a particular level of legal responsibility for injuries on board and during the journey.

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Flight accident claims are governed by an international framework, the Montreal Convention, which applies a fairly strict standard of liability to airlines for accidents on board or during boarding and disembarking. This generally works in a passenger's favour, an airline can't simply argue it wasn't negligent in the way a standard public liability claim might require.

There are still time limits and specific notification requirements to be aware of, which is exactly the kind of detail worth getting right from the outset rather than discovering too late.

What kinds of flight accident claim do we handle?

  • Falling luggage from overhead lockers

    Including bags dislodged when a locker is opened.

  • Injuries from service trolleys or turbulence

    Where cabin procedure or seatbelt warnings fell short.

  • Slips, trips and falls on board

    Including spills in galleys and aisles.

  • Injuries during boarding or disembarking

    Including air bridges and stairs.

  • Injuries caused by faulty seating or equipment

    Broken recliners, tray tables and armrests.

What if I was partly at fault?

Partial responsibility reduces compensation proportionally rather than removing the claim.

What you could receive

Flight accident claims cover general damages for the injury and its effect on your life, and special damages for financial losses, including medical treatment costs and, in some cases, disrupted travel arrangements.

We'll talk you through what's realistic for your situation once we've reviewed the details. We won't overpromise, and we won't quote a figure before we've properly understood your case.

How does a claim actually work?

Four stages, and you always know which one you're in.

  1. 01

    Initial consultation

    You tell us what happened, including the airline and flight details. We give you a straight view on whether your claim has merit, free and with no obligation.

  2. 02

    Establishing the right framework

    We confirm which international convention applies, this depends on the airline and route, and sets the specific rules for your claim.

  3. 03

    Investigation

    We gather evidence, including any onboard incident report and crew statements where available.

  4. 04

    Negotiation and resolution

    We'll explain exactly how our fee is calculated before you agree to anything.

Don't leave it late

How long do I have to claim?

International flight claims typically carry a two year time limit under the Montreal Convention, shorter than standard personal injury claims. Get in touch promptly rather than waiting.

If you're not sure whether you're still within the time limit, contact us. We'll tell you quickly.

The money side

What will it cost me?

Nothing upfront. Where a no win, no fee agreement applies, our fee comes from your compensation only if the claim succeeds, and it's set out in full, in writing, before you agree to anything.

  • We'll explain the funding options available for your claim, which may include a conditional fee (no win, no fee) arrangement, clearly and in full before you decide whether to proceed.
  • Where a conditional fee agreement applies and your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation. The law limits that fee in personal injury claims, and it is never taken from any damages awarded for future care or future loss of earnings. We explain exactly how it is worked out, in writing, before you agree to anything.
  • A cancellation fee may apply if you withdraw outside the 14 day cooling off period. Full details will be provided before you sign anything.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Does it matter which airline I flew with?

It affects which specific rules apply, particularly for airlines based outside the UK and EU, but we'll establish the right approach for your specific claim.

What if the injury happened during boarding, not the flight itself?

Injuries during boarding and disembarking are generally covered by the same framework as injuries in flight.

Do I need to have reported it to cabin crew at the time?

It helps considerably and is worth doing where possible, since airlines typically log onboard incidents.

Is turbulence-related injury claimable?

It can be, particularly where the seatbelt sign wasn't on or crew didn't take reasonable precautions given known conditions.

Ready to find out where you stand

Tell us what happened. We'll give you a straight answer, and we won't pressure you either way.

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