Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors

Injured on a Flight? Your Rights & Claim Guide for Airline Personal Injury in Ireland

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If you were injured while flying to, from or via Ireland, our expert solicitors explain how you may claim against the airline under the Montreal Convention and Irish law.

Air travel is overwhelmingly safe, but accidents and injuries do occur. Whether you slipped while boarding, were injured by falling luggage, or suffered harm during disembarkation on the plane or steps of the plane, you may have a valid personal injury claim. At Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors in Dublin, we specialise in airline personal injury claims in Ireland and under international treaty law.

When Can You Make a Claim?

a) What counts as an accident on a flight?

Under the Montreal Convention 1999, if you are injured on an aircraft (or during boarding/disembarkation) you may be covered. The airline may be liable even if there was no negligence—for example, if an “accident” (an unexpected event) occurred.
Similarly, for domestic flights or ground-based accidents, Irish personal injuries law may apply.

b) Key conditions to check

• The incident occurred while boarding, in-flight, or disembarking.
• You sustained physical injury (and often documented medical evidence).
• The airline’s liability hinges on whether the event was unexpected and unusual in the course of travel.
• Time-limit: You must act within two years from the date of the incident in most cases.

Common Types of Airline Injuries

• Slips, trips or falls on aircraft steps or boarding ramps (mobile staircases).
• Injuries due to turbulence, unsecured luggage, defective seats or safety equipment.
• Burns or scalds from hot liquids, faulty galley equipment, or cabin service issues.
• Injuries to flight-crew or ground-handling staff.
• Psychological injury may also be claimable where associated with physical injury.

Why Choose Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors for Your Airline Injury Claim

At Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors we bring:

• Expertise in aviation-related personal injury cases and international treaty law (Montreal Convention).
• Proven track record of settling claims (for example: a passenger settled €38,000 against an airline after a fall on steps). cgsolicitors.ie
• Nationwide service, based in Dublin but representing clients across Ireland and indeed clients injured on planes travelling to and from Ireland.
• Clear communication, personal attention and full support from first meeting to resolution.

How to Make Your Claim – Step by Step

Step 1: Report the incident
Ensure you notify the airline/airport staff immediately. Ask for an incident report.

Step 2: Seek medical attention
Have your injuries assessed and documented—this is crucial.

Step 3: Preserve evidence
Photograph the scene (wet stairs, defective handrail), keep your boarding pass and flight details, gather witness names if possible.

Step 4: Contact us at Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors
Early legal advice maximises your chances. We’ll assess your case, gather evidence, negotiate with the airline’s insurers or issue proceedings.

Step 5: Settlement or court
We aim to settle your claim efficiently. If necessary, we take the matter to court to secure fair compensation.

What Compensation Could You Receive?

Compensation depends on the severity of your injury, financial losses (lost earnings, medical costs, rehabilitation) and long-term impact. Typical heads of damage include:

• General damages (pain, suffering).
• Special damages (medical bills, travel for treatment, loss of income).
• Future losses (if your ability to work is permanently affected).

Under the Montreal Convention, for some claims you do not need to prove negligence, only that the accident occurred.

FAQs

Q. Does my flight have to originate in Ireland?
Not always. You may have a claim if the incident involves an Irish‐based airline, or a flight to/from Ireland, depending on jurisdiction and the airline’s connections.

Q. Do I always need to prove negligence?
For claims under the Montreal Convention up to a specified amount, no. The key is establishing an “accident”. For higher claims, negligence may need to be shown.

Q. What if I’m a crew member or working at the airport?
Employment/occupational rules may apply. We also handle such ground crew or flight-crew injury claims.

Q. Is there a time limit?
Yes. For most airline personal injury claims in Ireland the limitation period is two years from the date of the incident. Delays can jeopardise your claim.

Take Action Now

If you’ve been injured on a flight, boarding or disembarking, don’t wait. Contact Cosgroev Gaynard solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your case, advise you on your rights and handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.

Phone : 01 234 0044 

‍Email : info@cgsolicitors.ie

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