Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors

Injury on Airplane Steps: Can You Make a Claim in Ireland?

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Introduction

Air travel is generally safe, but accidents can still happen—often in unexpected places, like airplane steps or boarding stairs. If you've suffered an injury while boarding or disembarking from an aircraft via steps, you may be entitled to compensation under Irish law and international treaties like the Montreal Convention.

This guide breaks down your rights, the claims process, and what to do if you’ve been injured on airplane steps in or around Ireland.

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Common Causes of Injuries on Airplane Steps

Injuries on aircraft steps can occur due to a range of issues, including:

• Wet, slippery, or icy steps (especially in Irish weather)

• Poor lighting or lack of handrails

• Faulty or improperly secured steps

• Faulty or defective steps on an airplane

• Steps not fit for use/ up to safety standards

• Airline or airport staff negligence

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Am I Eligible to Make a Claim?

Yes, if you were injured while boarding or disembarking the aircraft, the airline could be held liable. Your right to claim depends on the location, timing, and circumstances of the injury.

You may be eligible to claim under:

• The Montreal Convention (for international flights)

• Irish personal injury law (for domestic flights or local jurisdiction)

• Employer liability law (if you were working, such as a flight attendant or ground crew)

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To be successful, you must prove:

1. The injury occurred during the course of air travel ie while boarding or disembarking a flight

2. You suffered a physical and/or psychological injury

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Montreal Convention: What It Means for Your Claim

If your flight was international, you’re protected under the Montreal Convention, which applies to passengers injured while boarding or leaving an aircraft.

In short what this means is that for a personal injury claim against an airline whilst boarding a plane or disembarking a plane:

• You don’t need to prove negligence—only that an “accident” occurred.

• Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering.

• You must claim within 2 years of the incident.

• The claim can be made in Ireland, if the flight originated from Ireland or landed in Ireland.

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Steps to Take After an Injury on Airplane Steps

If you’ve been injured, here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Report the incident to airline or airport staff.

2. Seek medical attention as soon as possible (get a medical report detailing the injuries).

3. Of huge importance - Take photos of the steps, conditions, and surroundings.

4. Collect witness statements or contact details if possible.

5. Keep all travel documents, boarding passes, and expenses.

6. Consult a solicitor experienced in aviation personal injury claims and in particular experienced in personal injury claims under the Montreal convention.

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How Much Compensation Can I Receive?

Compensation varies depending on the severity of the injury, financial losses, and long-term impact on your life. You may be entitled to:

• General damages (pain and suffering)

• Special damages (loss of earnings, medical costs, rehab, , physio and travel expenses)

• Future loss of earnings (if injury impacts your ability to work)

In Montreal Convention cases, airlines are strictly liable up to €150,000 as of 2025. What this means is that for a claim up to €150,000, you do not have to establish negligence.

If your injuries or damages (as an example loss of earnings figures) amount to more than this amount, it does not limit your claim whatsoever. It simply means that you will need to deal with negligence and prove this point against the airline to recover a higher compensation level.

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Airline Defences: When Is a Claim Denied?

Airlines may try to deny liability by claiming:

• You were at fault (e.g., wearing unsafe shoes, distracted)

• The injury didn’t happen during boarding/disembarkation

• The event wasn't an “accident” under the Montreal Convention

That’s why it’s crucial to document everything and get expert legal advice from an experienced solicitor in airline personal injury claims early on.

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Legal Help: Why You Should Contact a Solicitor

A qualified personal injury solicitor will:

• Assess your eligibility for compensation

• Help gather evidence and medical reports

• Handle negotiations with the airline’s legal team

• Ensure your personal injury claim is filed within the legal time limits

• Ensure your personal injury claim against the airline is covered by the Montreal convention  

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An injury on airplane steps is more common than you think. If you’ve been hurt while boarding or disembarking from an aircraft in Ireland or on an international flight, you may be able to claim compensation under Irish law or the Montreal Convention.

Don’t delay—seek legal advice and protect your rights.

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