Aviation Accidents - Air Travel Injuries
If you have been involved in an aviation accidents on a commercial or private flight, our experienced personal injury solicitors can help you understand your rights after an accident on a plane. If you’ve been injured—don’t let time take away your rights.
We are trusted personal injury solicitors for Aviation Accidents
In 2023, 186 injuries were recorded onboard flights.
–Irish Aviation Authority 2023
Accidents on planes can result in serious physical injuries and trauma that have long-lasting impacts. Our experienced personal injury solicitors offer personalised advice about your options and the next steps.
Speak to our legal team now about your case. Call us
Freephone on:
+353 (0)1 264 5555
Common Aviation Accidents and Injuries
Accidents and injuries can happen at any point during your flight, from check-in and security to your arrival. The common risks passengers face include:
Embarking and Disembarking:
- Slips, trips, and falls—especially when using mobile stair units on the tarmac.
- Gaps between aircraft and jet bridges.
- Poor lighting, uneven surfaces or wet floors.
- Crowding and luggage handling injuries.
During the flight:
- Turbulence or pressure changes.
- Falling overhead objects (such as a laptop bag from the overhead locker).
- Burns from hot drinks or food spills.
- Collisions with a service cart.
- Allergic reactions to food, animals or airborne triggers.
Case Studies
Personal Injury Settlement Following Assault on Care Assistant at Work
Read Case Study →
Successful Settlement Following Disputed Road Traffic Incident
Read Case Study →
Do I need to prove the airline was at fault if I was injured on a flight?
Under international rules called the Montreal Convention, you usually don’t have to prove the airline was negligent if your injury was caused by something unexpected during the flight. This helps make things a little easier after a difficult experience.
Talk to our experienced personal injury team for further insights and advice about your situation. Call us now on 01 264 5555.
Irish Aviation Authority Safety Review
Each year, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) publishes a safety review, which includes key statistics on accidents, serious incidents, and other events involving Irish-registered aircraft. The latest safety stats from 2023 show:
A total of 9,451 safety incidents were reported, a 15% rise from 2022, which reflects the rise in increased flights.
Three non-fatal accidents and eight serious incidents were recorded, including abnormal runway contacts, a near mid-air collision and a runway excursion.
Bird Strikes were the most common event, with 1,544 reported.
There were 426 cases of unruly passengers, the second most common reported incident.
Other Notable Events:
Windshear/Microburst: 228 reports (down 5% on 2022)
Injuries Onboard: 186 incidents
Laser Interference: 186 reports
Lightning Strikes: 64 (up from 35 in 2022))
Full details are available at the IAA Safety Review page.
Because your story matters-just like theirs ..
Very helpful and always on hand to help, from my first email I was very impressed with the level of service provided, Jessica and Sinead where always very helpful and kept me updated on progress, I would definitely have no hesitation in recommending Gibson & Associates to Family and Friends.
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Recommendation for Gibson and Associates
The company was alway responsive throughout the process and clear with regard to the guidance they provided me. The staff was knowledgeable and courteous.
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We used Gibson and Associates, which provided an excellent service. They were extremely professional and very personable, clearly explaining the process every step of the way. I would highly recommend this firm.
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Things you need to know about Personal Injury
For a Personal Injury claim to be eligible the claimant must have either been physically or psychologically injured in the accident.
You have two years to start a personal injury claim* from the date of injury or from when you became aware of the injury (“date of knowledge”). For children, a claim can be made any time before they turn 18, after which they have two years to claim themselves. If the injury isn’t discovered immediately, the time limit may begin from the date it was identified by a doctor or medical expert.
If you have previously instructed a solicitor, we unfortunately do not instruct on other legal firms' cases.
What to Do if You Were Involved in A Aviation Accident
› Seek Medical Help: Tell the flight attendants about your injury so they can provide first aid. After landing, see a doctor because even minor injuries can worsen over time.
› Report the Incident: Notify the airline and complete any accident report forms to ensure the details are recorded accurately.
› Collect Witness Details: Get contact information from passengers or crew who saw the accident.
› Record the Details: Note your seat number, time, date, and take photos of the scene and any injuries.
Acting quickly helps protect your rights and supports your case.
Accessing Medical Treatment in Europe After a Flight or Aviation Accident
If you have been injured in an accident on a plane while travelling in Europe, and you are eligible for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you may be able to access public healthcare either free of charge or at a reduced cost.
You can use your EHIC if you are:
• On holiday
• Staying abroad for up to three months
• Studying abroad for the academic year
Where the EHIC is accepted:
• EU Member States – including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Portugal
• EEA Countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
• Switzerland
Always keep your EHIC with you when travelling. For more details, visit the EHIC website.
How We Support You Through Your Recovery
At Gibson & Associates LLP, our personal injury team handles all the practical steps of the injury resolution process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Our team handles all the aspects of the process for you. This means you don’t have to worry about dealing with paperwork, calls, or attending hearings alone – we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Medical Assessment
Arranging medical assessment to identify your needs.
Handling Communications
Handling all communication throughout the process
Exploring Legal Options
Exploring options to help you decide what is best for you
Court Representation
Representing you in court if this is needed
Our experienced personal injury solicitors understand the challenges you face after a flight or aviation accidents
If you have been injured in an accident on a plane, our trusted personal injury solicitors will give you the clarity and support you need to overcome your challenges with confidence.
- We take the time to listen carefully to your experience and how the accident has affected you.
- We explain your options clearly and simply in plain English, with no legal jargon.
- Whether the accident happened mid-flight, during boarding, or landing, we will guide you through every step.
- You will have a dedicated legal team focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Why you can trust Gibson & Associates LLP
Client-Focused Results
If your case qualifies, we’ll pursue it with determination and diligence to get the best possible result for you
Clear & Honest Guidance
We offer transparent, straightforward advice on the strength of your case and the likely outcomes—no legal jargon.
Accredited & Trusted
We are proud members of the Law Society of
Ireland, delivering expert legal services with
integrity and care.
Client-Focused Results
If your case qualifies, we’ll pursue it with determination and diligence to get the best possible result for you
Our Dedicated Litigation Team
Daireann Gibson
Managing Partner
Amanda Walsh
Partner
Aisling Wyer
Solicitor
Anna O’Donoghue
Senior Solicitor
Blaithin Cassidy
Soilcitor
Eoin O'Riordan
Solicitor
Jessica McGrath
Senior Legal Executive
Sinead Shaw
Legal Manager
Taofik Asubiaro
Legal Support
Thomas Scally
Senior Case Manager
Sarah McDaid
Senior Legal Executive
Sinead Ivory
Legal Executive
You can trust us for personal injury expertise in the following areas
Road Traffic
Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident, whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, or while at work, our expert personal injury solicitors can help.
We specialise in car accident claims, bus accident claims, and workplace road accident claims, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Accidents in the Workplace
A workplace accident can happen to anyone, but it shouldn’t mean you have to suffer financially.
Our expert personal injury solicitors specialise in helping you claim compensation for workplace injuries and other losses. Whether you’ve suffered from a slip, trip, or fall, manual handling injury, or accidents at work, we are here to support you.
Accidents in Public Places
Accidents in public places can happen unexpectedly, and if you’re injured due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
These accidents can occur in a wide range of locations, including parks, shopping centres, pavements, public transport, museums, and sports venues.
Medical Negligence
Medical negligence, also known as clinical negligence, occurs when a healthcare professional provides care that falls below the accepted standard, resulting in harm or injury.
This can happen in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ surgeries, dental practices, and other medical settings. If you have suffered due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused.
Childbirth Injury
If you or your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical errors or neglect, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, and emotional distress.
Catastrophic Injury
Catastrophic injuries are severe, life-altering injuries that can have a profound impact on your life. These injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and significant adjustments to daily life.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to an accident or medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover the immense costs of care and to support your ongoing recovery. Talk to our work injury claims solicitors today.
Aviation Accidents and Injuries FAQs
1. What should I do if I’m injured during a flight?
Report the incident to the cabin crew immediately, seek medical attention, and record the details of what happened, including witness information if possible.
2. Can I report the accident after the flight has landed?
3. Do injuries from turbulence count as a flight accident?
4. What kinds of in-flight accidents are most common?
Common incidents include burns from hot drinks, injuries from falling luggage, trips or falls during turbulence, and accidents when boarding or disembarking.
5. How do I know if I have a legal case after an accident on a plane?
6. What evidence should I gather after a flight injury?
7. Is there a time limit to take legal action after a flight accident?
Personal Injury
What to Do if You Have a Holiday Accident Abroad
If you’ve been injured while on holiday abroad, you may still have legal rights even after returning home. Whether it’s a road traffic accident, a slip at a resort, or an activity-related injury, our experienced solicitors can help you understand your options under Irish law and the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995
What to Do After an Accident in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide
After an accident—whether on the road, at work, or in public—your actions matter. Prioritise safety, call emergency services, and seek medical attention immediately. Document the scene, report the incident to the relevant authority, and notify your insurer. Legal advice from experienced solicitors like Gibson & Associates LLP can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation if needed.
Understanding Your Rights If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident
Car accidents in Ireland can cause serious injuries and long-term disruption. If you’ve been affected, our expert solicitors can help you understand your rights and secure the support you need.
Understanding Your Choices After an Accident
Accidents in public places—from slips in supermarkets to trips on pavements—can lead to serious injuries. Knowing your rights and acting quickly is key to securing support and compensation.
See all our personal injury blogs...