Accidents in Public Places
Property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to keep all public premises safe for visitors. If you were injured in a public place due…
Read moreHave you been injured at an airport?
If you or your child have been injured at an airport and somebody else was at fault, you could be eligible to claim compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
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Airport Accident Claims
Navigating a busy airport can be a chaotic experience, and the last thing anyone expects is to suffer an injury in the process. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to be injured at an airport, you may be entitled to make an airport accident claim.
Whether you are at an airport to go on holiday or are one of the thousands of people who work at a UK airport, you are entitled to expect a safe environment. If you suffer an injury as a result of the airport operator’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation.
To find out if you meet the requirements to make a claim, arrange a free consultation with a legal adviser by calling 0800 470 0474 or using our online claim form to request a call back.
Key points about airport accident claims
- Can I make a claim?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation if you were injured in an airport due to poor maintenance, faulty equipment or staff negligence. - Who is responsible?
Liability may rest with the airport, an airline, or a cleaning or maintenance contractor. - How long do I have?
Most claims should be started within 3 years, although the time limit could vary if you were injured in an airport abroad. - How much could I claim?
Compensation varies depending on your injuries and any financial losses such as time off work or cancelled travel plans. - Will I get a no win, no fee service?
Yes, your solicitor will offer a no win, no fee agreement, so you only pay a fee if your claim is successful.
If you would like to speak to a legal adviser about making a claim, call free on 0800 470 0474 or click here to request a call back.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.
Table of Contents
What constitutes an airport accident?
An accident at an airport refers to any incident on the airport premises that results in injury or illness to visitors or staff members. This includes slips on wet floors, trips over luggage and food poisoning and can occur in numerous settings, including:
- Terminal buildings.
- Car parks.
- Security checkpoints.
- Airport-run shuttle buses.
- Retail and dining areas.
- Embarking and disembarking areas.
The injuries sustained in these accidents can range from minor cuts and sprains to broken bones and serious head injuries.
Am I eligible to make an airport accident claim?
All UK airports have a duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, visitors and members of staff. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence while at an airport, you should be eligible to claim compensation.
To successfully make an airport accident claim, you will need to prove the following:
- You were owed a duty of care by the airport operator or a business within the airport.
- There was a breach of that duty, which led to your accident.
- You suffered an injury or injuries as a result of that breach.
- You are within the time limit to make a claim (usually 3 years).
Can I claim for an accident I had while working at an airport?
Yes, if you suffer an injury in an airport because of your employer’s negligence, you could make an accident at work claim. A claim can arise from a breach of duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other workplace legislation. Employers must:
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards.
- Provide appropriate training on how to carry out your tasks safely, such as correct lifting techniques.
- Ensure you receive appropriate PPE, such as safety boots, hi-vis clothing, gloves or ear protectors.
- Ensure you are given adequate periods of rest to minimise the risk of injuries from repetitive strain.
- Maintain the work environment, machinery and equipment safe and in good working condition.
Can I claim compensation if I was assaulted at an airport?
Yes. If you were assaulted at an airport, you may be able to claim compensation.
- If another passenger attacked you in a UK airport, you can usually claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). You could also claim against the airport if adequate security measures were not in place.
- If an airport employee assaulted you, your claim could potentially be made against the employer.
- If the assault happened abroad, the process could vary depending on the country and how you booked your trip. A specialist solicitor will advise you on the correct route.
Can I make a personal injury claim if I’m injured at an airport abroad?
All airports across the world have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for passengers who travel to and from their premises. So, if you’ve had an accident abroad and the airport was at fault, you should still be eligible to make a claim.
However, it is important to speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor who deals with accidents abroad, as the rules and requirements to make the claim can vary considerably from country to country.
How long do I have to make an airport accident claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you usually have up to three years to make a personal injury claim. This begins on the date of your accident or the date your injuries are diagnosed (known as the date of knowledge).
There are a few exceptions to this rule:
- With child accident claims, there is no time limit for a parent or legal guardian to make a claim on their behalf.
- The rules can vary if you are injured in an airport abroad, and the time limit could be much shorter than three years.
- If the injured person does not have the mental capacity to make legal decisions, the limitation period is suspended.
- Claims for criminal injuries through the CICA have a two-year time limit.
How do I make an airport injury claim for compensation?
There are a few steps you should take after your accident to ensure you make a successful claim and receive the maximum compensation:
- Report the incident to the airport staff as soon as possible.
- Seek immediate medical care, even if you believe your injuries are minor.
- Gather evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene, witness statements and medical reports.
- Seek legal advice from an experienced solicitor to find out if you have a valid case.
- Send a letter of claim to the defendant and negotiate your compensation award.
- Prepare for a court trial if liability is denied or negotiations fail (very unlikely, as more than 97% of all claims are settled out of court).
How much compensation can I claim for an accident in an airport?
The amount of compensation you can claim for your injuries is based on two types of damages:
- General damages cover the pain and suffering caused by the injuries and the impact they have on your life.
- Special damages include any financial losses caused by the accident, such as loss of earnings, travel expenses and medical costs.
You can use our personal injury compensation calculator to get an idea of how much this could be based on your specific losses.
Can I claim airport accident compensation with a no win no fee agreement?
Yes, all the personal injury lawyers we work with offer a 100% no win no fee service. You don’t need to worry about financial risk if you make an airport accident claim on a no win no fee basis, because:
- You pay nothing upfront, or if you lose the case.
- You will only pay your solicitor for the work they have done if your personal injury claim is successful. In this case, they will receive a success fee of up to 25% of your compensation, which is fully disclosed and discussed from the outset.
Can I claim compensation for the loss of enjoyment of my holiday?
Yes. If your holiday or trip was affected by an injury or illness within the airport, you may be able to claim for loss of enjoyment.
Your compensation can cover the discomfort, physical inconvenience and the anxiety and mental distress caused by the ruined holiday. You can also claim the lost value of the holiday, lost excursions, activities and accommodation costs linked to the accident.
What type of accidents could result in an airport compensation claim?
According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, 2022 saw more than 224 million passengers travel through the UK airports. With so many people working and passing through airports daily, many types of accidents can occur, including:
- Slips and trips. Slips, trips and falls can be caused by wet or slippery airport floors without warning signs, poorly lit areas, uneven surfaces or loose carpet. You could also fall down some stairs because of a broken handrail.
- Baggage carousel accidents. Accidents can happen when luggage is improperly loaded and falls off, hitting a passenger. Carousels may also fail to function correctly or have sharp edges that could cause an injury or accident.
- Airport vehicle accidents. You could be injured while travelling on a shuttle bus due to a collision, or hit by a luggage carrier that is travelling through the airport.
- Food and drink incidents. If the food served in an airport is not cooked, handled or appropriately labelled, it could make you ill. This can lead to an allergic reaction or a food poisoning compensation claim.
- Airport car park accidents. Airport car parks can be extremely busy and present hazards such as faulty security barriers or potholes that could lead to injuries.
If the accident was caused by the negligence of the airport or another third party, you could be eligible to claim compensation.
What are the most common types of airport injuries?
You could sustain various types of injuries at the airport if adequate safety measures are not in place. Some are more commonly encountered than others, including:
- Sprains and strains. These typically occur when walking on uneven surfaces or slipping on wet floors. Severe injuries can lead to long-term problems requiring extensive medical care.
- Fractures and broken bones. A fall from height, such as down a flight of stairs, or a severe trip and fall accident could result in fractured or broken bones.
- Head and brain injuries. An accident involving falling objects or a collision with a vehicle might lead to concussions or more severe forms of traumatic brain injury.
- Cuts and lacerations. Faulty or sharp edges on seats, security bins, or escalators can result in laceration injuries. These may require stitches and leave permanent scars.
- Burns and scalds. Accidents in airport restaurants or cafes can lead to burns from hot drinks, food, or cooking equipment.
- Spinal injuries. While less common, spinal injuries are far more severe and can occur from significant falls, lifting heavy objects, or accidents involving airport vehicles.
If you have been injured and want to find out if you can claim compensation for an airport accident, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser. If you would prefer to receive a call back, simply enter your details into our online claim form.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
