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Speak to a solicitor ↗Flying is often a routine part of modern life, whether it is for work, holidays, or visiting loved ones. But when something goes wrong on a flight or at an airport, the effects can be deeply upsetting and far-reaching. Aviation incidents can leave lasting physical or psychological harm, and it is not always easy to know where to turn for help.
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At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we understand how frightening and overwhelming these experiences can be. You might be recovering from injury, dealing with trauma, or trying to make sense of what happened. You may have been involved in a serious in-flight incident, a rough landing, baggage cart collision, or even an accident on the tarmac. Whatever the circumstances, your concerns are valid and your safety should never have been compromised.
We are here to help you find answers and explore whether you are entitled to take a claim. We do not speak in legal jargon or rush people into decisions. Instead, we take the time to explain your rights, listen to your story, and guide you through every step with care. Based in your community and rooted in fairness, our approach is calm, clear, and always focused on what is best for you.
If you or a loved one has been hurt due to an aviation-related incident, talk to us in confidence. We are ready to listen, explain your options, and help you move forward.
While air travel is statistically among the safest forms of transport, serious incidents do happen, and passengers have legal rights when injury or harm occurs due to negligence. Claims may arise in several aviation-related situations, and understanding these is the first step toward seeking justice.
You may be entitled to bring a claim if you were injured due to:
It is also possible to bring a claim if a loved one has been fatally injured in an aviation accident, whether in Ireland or abroad. International treaties such as the Montreal Convention may apply, but they can be complex and time-sensitive.
Some aviation-related injuries do not result from dramatic crashes. A tray table collapsing on your arm or a burn from spilt tea during turbulence can be just as valid a basis for a claim. Airlines, ground handlers, and airport authorities all have a duty of care toward passengers. When that duty is breached, and harm results, the law provides a route to fair compensation.
Crimmins Howard Solicitors helps clients identify when their circumstances give rise to a claim and ensures the process is explained in plain terms from the start.
Liability in aviation accidents is often more complex than in typical personal injury claims. There may be multiple parties involved, each with a different duty of care and role in the incident. Understanding where fault lies is crucial for building a strong claim.
In many cases, airlines have a legal responsibility to ensure passenger safety. If an accident occurs due to poor maintenance, untrained staff, inadequate safety protocols, or operational errors, the airline may be held liable. For example, if a fall occurred because of unsecured overhead lockers or a failure to communicate safety instructions, the airline may have breached its duty of care.
Ground crews and airport operators can also play a role. Slippery jet bridges, faulty boarding stairs, or delays in emergency response may give rise to claims against those managing airport infrastructure.
Aircraft manufacturers may be accountable if the injury stemmed from a mechanical failure or design flaw. Similarly, if maintenance contractors performed substandard inspections or failed to detect issues, they too may carry liability.
In the case of turbulence or adverse weather, liability becomes more nuanced. If pilots failed to follow correct procedures or disregarded forecasts, their actions may be called into question. However, not all turbulence-related injuries result in a viable claim unless preventable factors can be shown.
To establish liability:
Every case turns on its facts, but what matters most is identifying how the accident could have been avoided. Once that link is made, the basis for a claim becomes much stronger.
Gathering strong evidence is vital to the success of an aviation accident claim. Without detailed documentation, it becomes much harder to prove what happened, who is at fault, and how the injury has affected your life. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we help clients build a clear, evidence-backed case so they are not left shouldering the burden alone.
The following types of evidence may strengthen your claim:
In more complex cases, aviation experts or accident investigators may be engaged to interpret technical aspects and determine whether standard operating procedures were followed.
We understand that gathering this material while recovering from an injury is not easy. That is why our team works closely with clients to identify what’s needed, retrieve key records on their behalf, and present the evidence in a way that strengthens their case from the outset.
Aviation accidents can have far-reaching effects beyond the initial injury. If you have suffered harm while boarding, flying, disembarking, or during any part of your travel through an airport, you may be entitled to claim compensation for a range of physical, emotional, and financial losses. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we work to ensure no aspect of your suffering is overlooked.
You may be eligible to claim for:
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we make sure that claims are built around real consequences. If your life has changed due to an aviation accident, you deserve a settlement that reflects the full picture. We are here to help you achieve that.
If you have been injured in an aviation accident, whether on board a commercial flight, during boarding or disembarking, or at an airport facility, it is essential to act promptly. Time limits for bringing a legal claim in Ireland are strict and missing a deadline can prevent you from securing compensation entirely.
Under Irish law, the standard limitation period for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. This applies to incidents involving both domestic and international flights, ground handling operations, or airport premises. However, the clock starts ticking either from the date of the accident or the date you became aware that your injuries were linked to that incident. This “date of knowledge” rule is especially relevant in cases involving latent injuries such as hearing damage or post-traumatic stress that may only become clear after some time.
In cases involving fatal aviation accidents, the two-year time limit begins from the date of death, not the accident itself. Close family members may bring a claim for wrongful death, including funeral costs and loss of financial support.
For international flights governed by the Montreal Convention, which applies to most commercial airlines, the deadline for initiating court proceedings is two years from the date of arrival or the date on which the aircraft should have arrived.
Children who are injured in an aviation accident have until their 20th birthday to make a claim, giving them two years from the date they turn 18.
Because calculating limitation periods can be complex and depend on multiple factors, it is always wise to speak with a solicitor as early as possible. Crimmins Howard Solicitors can help ensure your claim is filed on time and in line with all applicable legal requirements.
No. If you were injured at the airport or during boarding or disembarking, you may still have a valid claim. Accidents involving ground equipment, shuttle buses, or faulty steps are included. It is about where and how the injury occurred, not solely whether you were seated on the aircraft.
Yes, you can. Claims for aviation accidents abroad often fall under international conventions like the Montreal Convention. These protect passengers injured on international flights. Our team can help determine which legal framework applies and guide you through jurisdictional or cross-border issues in your specific case.
Absolutely. Anxiety, trauma, or post-incident stress after an aviation accident can be deeply debilitating. These psychological injuries are recognised in law and may be included in your compensation if medically diagnosed and supported by evidence. You do not need a physical injury to make a valid psychological injury claim.
You should retain boarding passes, travel insurance documents, any written complaints or reports made to the airline, witness contact details, photographs of the scene or injury, and all medical reports and receipts. These help establish your timeline and support the seriousness of your injuries.
Not always. Many aviation accident claims are resolved through negotiation or settlement with the airline’s insurers. However, if liability is denied or the compensation offered is inadequate, court proceedings may be necessary. We will prepare your case thoroughly and support you every step of the way.
Airlines often cite weather as a defence, but this is not always valid. If the crew or ground staff failed to follow proper safety procedures, or if the airline failed to warn passengers of known risks, you may still be entitled to compensation even in poor weather scenarios.
Yes. If a family member passed away in an aviation accident, certain relatives may be eligible to bring a fatal injury claim. This can cover financial losses, funeral expenses, and loss of dependency. Our team will guide you through this process with care and dignity.
No, it does not. Whether you were travelling for business, leisure, or under employment, you are still owed a duty of care by the airline and airport operators. If they breached that duty and caused you harm, you may have grounds to claim regardless of your reason for travel.
There can be. Commercial airline claims usually involve international agreements and corporate insurance policies. Private flight claims may require more investigation into pilot licensing, aircraft maintenance, and insurance coverage. In either case, our firm is experienced in managing both types of claims effectively.
Contributory negligence does not automatically prevent a claim. If your actions played a role in the accident but the airline was also at fault, your compensation may be reduced accordingly. We can assess how liability is likely to be apportioned and advise on your options.
Waivers may limit liability in theory, but they do not always stand up in law. If negligence can be proven, particularly in regulated areas such as aircraft safety, you may still have a strong case. We can review any documents you signed and determine their legal effect.
This depends on many factors including injury severity, recovery time, loss of earnings, and the impact on daily life. There is no fixed payout. We aim to ensure you are fairly compensated not just for immediate losses but also for future needs such as care or retraining.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation-related accident, you deserve a legal team that listens and delivers. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we are here to guide you with calm clarity and reliable advice. Reach out today for a confidential chat and let us help you take the next steps toward recovery and justice.
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