Airline Accident Compensation
The last place you would expect to be injured is whilst in flight either going on holiday or returning from holiday. The fact is thousands of people are injured each year during flights.
The Airline that is carrying its passengers is fully responsible for their safety whilst on board, regardless of whether the airline itself caused the injury. For example, if another passenger dropped a hot drink over you that caused a burn, the Airline would be responsible.
Under Article 17 of the Montreal convention, the air carrier is responsible for any injury caused to a passenger regardless of whether the airline itself caused the injury or was responsible for the passenger’s accident.
Sometimes accidents occur through no fault of the Airline itself, such as turbulence mid flight. When this happens passengers are told to stay in their seats with seatbelts on. But if a passenger slipped or fell on returning to their seat as the turbulence started then a claim could be made.
The most common types of Airline accidents are
- A slip caused by spillage not being cleaned up
- Items falling from overhead lockers
- Scalding from hot drinks
- A Plane crash or collision
- Unexpected turbulence that causes an injury
If the accident involves countries who are part of the Montreal Convention the passenger can choose where they want to pursue their claim for compensation. It can be where the passenger lives, where the Airline is based or where the destination airport was. A claim made under the Montreal Convention must be commenced in court within 2 years from the date the accident happened. The other thing to be aware of is that accidents happening on Domestic Flights, ie Manchester to London for example cannot be claimed for from the Montreal Convention. A claim for personal injury can still be made against the Airline itself based on negligence which will mean you will need to prove the Airline was at fault.
Contact Precision Claims
If you have suffered an injury during a flight that wasn’t your fault call one of the team at Precision Claims on 0844 704 1945, or complete our online enquiry form
