Even though many people have a fear of flying, airplanes are the safest mode of transportation. They are also the most convenient means of travelling…
Ryanair accident compensation claims
If you’ve been injured on a Ryanair flight, contact us to find out if you can make a claim and how much compensation you could be entitled to.
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Ryanair Accident Claims
If you have been injured while travelling with Ryanair, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical costs and other financial losses.
Airline operators have a legal duty of care to ensure passenger safety and must take reasonable steps to provide safe travel. A Ryanair accident claim may arise from incidents such as falling luggage, slip and trip hazards, damaged seating and injuries caused by severe turbulence.
If you believe your injury was caused by negligence or unsafe conditions, a specialist solicitor can review your case and advise you on your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back to find out whether you could be eligible for compensation.
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Table of Contents
What is a Ryanair accident claim?
A Ryanair accident claim is a type of personal injury claim that can be made by a passenger who has suffered an injury or illness during a Ryanair flight or holiday booking.
Airline accident claims are usually governed by the international Montreal Convention, which makes airlines liable for proven damages up to 151,880 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) without the passenger having to prove negligence. For injuries or death above this value, the airline can defend itself by proving it was not negligent or otherwise at fault.
Can I claim compensation for a Ryanair flight accident?
You may be able to claim compensation if you were injured on a flight and:
- You were owed a legal duty of care.
- This duty was breached and caused an accident to happen.
- You suffered an injury or illness as a result.
- You are within the legal time limit to make a claim.
Under the Montreal Convention, an accident is generally considered an unexpected or unusual event external to the passenger. For certain flight injuries up to the predetermined threshold, you may not need to prove negligence to be awarded compensation.
Who is liable for a Ryanair flight accident?
Under the Montreal Convention, the airline may be liable for injuries or death arising from an accident on board the aircraft or during embarking or disembarking. Ryanair may also be liable for injuries caused by negligence or unsafe conditions, such as:
- Poor maintenance of the aircraft
- Inadequate staff training
- Unsafe seating or broken fixtures
- Inadequate assistance for passengers with disabilities
- Failure to manage foreseeable risks, such as spillages or torn mats
- Failure to secure luggage in the overhead compartments
If your flight was booked as part of a package holiday, your tour operator may be liable under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. In this case, you may need to make a holiday accident claim against them, rather than directly against Ryanair.
In some cases, you may also be found partially liable for your accident. If so, any compensation awarded to you may be reduced to account for your contributory negligence.
What types of accidents could lead to a claim against Ryanair?
You may be able to make a personal injury compensation claim following various types of airplane accidents, including:
- Slips, trips and falls on a plane
- Accidents while embarking or disembarking the aircraft
- Injuries during shuttle rides to and from the aircraft
- Luggage or objects falling from overhead lockers
- Injuries caused by severe, unexpected turbulence
- Food and drink incidents, including burns and allergic reactions
- Injuries caused by damaged seats or fixtures
Is there a time limit to make a Ryanair personal injury claim?
Yes. Airline injury compensation claims under the Montreal Convention must generally be brought within two years of the date of the accident or the scheduled arrival date of the aircraft.
Claims for Ryanair injuries made through a tour operator generally have a 3-year time limit, with several exceptions:
- A child injury claim can be made at any time before they turn 18 by a parent or legal guardian.
- The limitation period is suspended if the injured party lacks the mental capacity to handle a claim.
- For fatal accident claims, the 3-year period generally begins from the date of death.
How do I make a Ryanair accident compensation claim?
If you were injured while on a Ryanair flight, you should report the accident to the cabin crew, take photos of hazards and ask for the contact details of witnesses. Seek medical care promptly once you land and keep all evidence of financial losses and expenses.
If you want to make a claim against the airline, get in touch with a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. They will:
- Offer you a free initial case assessment.
- Investigate the circumstances of the accident to identify the liable party.
- Arrange a free medical examination with an independent specialist and gather further evidence.
- Accurately assess the value of your claim.
- Engage in negotiations with the defendant’s legal representatives.
- Issue court proceedings if liability is denied or you can’t settle.
How much compensation could I receive for my injuries?
The amount of compensation you can claim will depend on how serious the injuries you suffered are and the related financial losses. Your claim will include two types of damages:
General damages cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the accident. These are subjective losses and are assessed according to the Judicial College Guidelines. According to these, you could receive:
| Injury type | Injury description | Guideline compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Brain injury | Mild concussions with short-term symptoms | £2,690 to £15,580 |
| Wrist injury | Fractures leading to long-term weakness | £15,370 to £29,900 |
| Ankle injury | Moderate ligament damage with ongoing symptoms | £16,770 to £32,450 |
| Shoulder injury | Serious injury with restricted movement or chronic pain | £15,580 to £23,430 |
| Back injury | Long-term pain that affects daily activities | £15,260 to £47,320 |
Besides general damages, you can also include special damages in your claim to the airline. These often make up a significant part of the compensation and cover financial losses such as medical expenses, loss of earnings, property damage and care costs.
Can I make a no win no fee Ryanair accident claim?
If you were involved in an accident or suffered an injury during a Ryanair flight and you are able to make a claim, you will be offered a no win no fee service.
You will not have to pay any upfront fees to start your claim, and you will receive dedicated legal advice and support throughout the claims process.
If you win compensation, your solicitor is entitled to a success fee deducted from your general damages and past financial losses. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay your solicitor a penny.
What evidence do I need to support my claim?
Various types of evidence can help support a Ryanair compensation claim, including:
- Independent medical reports and treatment records.
- Photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
- Statements from witnesses who can confirm what happened.
- Your booking confirmation and travel documents.
- Accident reports that you filed with the airline staff.
- Proof of financial losses, such as receipts, invoices and payslips.
Your airplane accident lawyer will help you secure all the evidence you need to start your claim and support the best possible outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Potentially, yes. The airline may be liable to pay compensation for injuries resulting from an assault that occurred while boarding, on board or exiting the aircraft, depending on the circumstances of the incident. You should report any incident immediately to the flight attendants and document everything, including witness names, seat numbers and photos of injuries.
Usually no. Many claims against Ryanair can be handled in the UK, even if you were injured during an international flight or at an overseas airport. Your solicitor will manage the entire claims process for you and advise you on the best course of action.
You may claim for a wide range of physical and psychological injuries sustained during a Ryanair flight. Common injuries include broken bones, sprains, head injuries, back injuries and lacerations resulting from damaged seating, turbulence, falling baggage, slips or trips.
Some passengers may also suffer serious injuries such as spinal damage or traumatic brain injuries in more severe accidents. You can also claim for psychological harm, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Yes. You could make a claim on behalf of a child under 18 or an adult who lacks the mental capacity to represent themselves in a legal case. A specialist solicitor can help you be appointed as your loved one’s litigation friend and start a claim on their behalf.
Yes. You can seek compensation for food poisoning if your illness was caused by contaminated food or drinks served by the airline during your flight. You can also make a claim if you suffered an allergic reaction to food that was not correctly labelled with allergen information or was cross-contaminated.
Call 0800 470 0474 today or request a free call back to discuss your Ryanair accident claim with an experienced solicitor. They will review your case, explain your legal options and answer any questions you may have.
