Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors

How to Make a Claim if You're Injured While Flying From Ireland
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Air travel is generally safe, but accidents and injuries can still happen—whether it’s a slip on the plane, fall on the steps, burn on the plane, falling luggage, turbulence-related trauma, or faulty in-flight equipment. If you’ve been injured while flying to or from Ireland, you may be entitled to compensation under Irish law or international aviation agreements.

Here’s what you need to know about making a personal injury claim for an incident that occurred on a flight departing from Ireland.

1. Know Your Rights Under the Montreal Convention
Most international flights, including those departing Ireland, are covered by the Montreal Convention 1999, which governs airline liability for injuries to passengers.

Under this treaty:

Airlines are liable for injuries that occur onboard, or during boarding or disembarkation.

You don’t have to prove negligence or fault for claims up to approximately €150,000. For higher compensation claims when injured on a plane, you may need to show that the airline was negligent or at fault.

2. Act Quickly – Time Limits Apply
You have two years from the date of the incident to bring a claim.

3. What Types of Injuries Can Be Claimed?
You may be eligible to claim for:

Physical injuries from falling luggage, spills, or turbulence

Burns from hot drinks or faulty equipment

Injuries due to negligence (e.g. poor maintenance, crew error)

Injuries on the steps to the plane whilst boarding or disembarking

Psychological trauma (though this is harder to claim under the Convention unless accompanied by physical injury)

4. What Evidence Do You Need?

Incident report filed with airline staff

Medical records / doctor’s reports

Witness statements from other passengers or crew are helpful

Photographs of the scene, injuries, or conditions

Flight details (boarding pass, itinerary, etc.)

Always seek medical attention as soon as possible, both for your health and to document your injury.

5. Should You Hire a Solicitor?
Yes - A personal injury solicitor in Ireland can:

Evaluate your case under both Irish law and the Montreal Convention

Handle communications with the airline and their legal team

Ensure your claim is submitted on time and with the correct evidence

Pursue compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, loss of income, etc.

Some solicitors work on a no win, no fee basis, so legal costs may not be a barrier.

6. Filing the Claim
You can start your claim by having your solicitor:

- Send a Letter of Claim detailing the incident

- Filing proceedings in an Irish court or the appropriate jurisdiction under the Montreal Convention (you may have a choice of country)

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7. What Compensation Could You Receive?
Amounts vary depending on:

Severity of your injury

Medical costs and recovery time

Impact on your work and daily life

Any long-term disability or trauma

Compensation can range from a few thousand euro for minor injuries to significantly more for serious cases.

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If you’re injured on a flight departing Ireland or a flight arriving into Ireland, contact us. Whether the incident happened due to turbulence, faulty equipment, or another passenger’s actions, the law is on your side when you are injured whilst flying due to the Montreal Convention. Time is of the essence, so act quickly, seek legal advice, and gather all the evidence you can.

Contact us to discuss your claim now:

Phone 00353 (1) 2340044

Email: info@cgsolicitors.ie

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