Airplane Accidents

While flying is considered one of the safest ways to travel, airplane accidents do happen. If you or your loved one has been harmed on board a flight, there could be grounds for a personal injury claim.

Fatal airplane accidents

When we speak about airplane accidents, we often think of major crashes with a high number of fatalities. Thankfully, such incidents are rare. When they do happen, it is a fraught situation for the survivors and the families of those who have died.

As personal injury lawyers, we offer legal support during this difficult time. While legal action might be the last thing on your mind, it can help you uncover some much-needed answers – such as what went wrong and why.

A claim also ensures your needs are taken care of, whether these are medical or financial. This is particularly relevant for those who were financially dependent on a loved one who died during a fatal airplane crash.

Other causes of airplane accidents

Airplane accident claims also arise in less tragic circumstances. Although there are no fatalities, these accidents can result in serious injuries such as head trauma, broken bones, knee damage and burns. Common causes of injuries sustained on airplanes include –

• Items falling from overhead compartments
• Passing food trolleys
• Burns from hot beverages
• Slips on wet surfaces
• Trips over errant items left out
• Accidents while taxiing on the runway

In each of these examples, the passenger has been injured through no fault of their own. The accident could be the fault of the cabin crew, the pilot or air traffic control.

Where do I claim?

If you have been injured while travelling as a passenger on an airplane, you might be unsure what to do next. You might be asking questions such as – am I entitled to make a personal injury claim? If so, should I speak to a lawyer? And in what country? This can be particularly confusing if you have been hurt on an international flight.

The Montreal Convention clarifies the law in relation to personal injury accidents on international flights. It says that you are able to bring a claim in your own country, as long as the airline operates services to and from that country. So, if you live in Canada and you are injured on a flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong, you should bring a claim in Canada.

Speak to a Vancouver personal injury lawyer

If you live in British Columbia and you have been involved in an airplane accident, or your loved one has, please contact us now for legal advice. We can explain whether you are able to make an airplane accident claim. If so, we can manage the process from start to finish, getting the compensation you deserve.