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How Much Compensation for An Accident Causing An Injury At An Airport?

Welcome to our guide on airport accident claims. Airports can be extremely busy, with lots of hustle and bustle, and so it is of little surprise that accidents happen. If you have been injured at an airport, no matter whether you are an employee, passenger, visitor, or a contractor, you may be able to launch a compensation claim, so long as the incident was not your fault.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what type of accidents can occur in an airport and how you may be able to start a compensation claim for an airport accident. We’ll talk you through the steps to follow should you end up getting injured in an airport. We will also delve into detail about what to do in response to certain types of accidents which may happen within an airport. This includes slip, trips and falls, accidents while working within an airport and food poisoning from an airport café.

Also in this guide, we will look at potential compensation amounts for injuries which may occur due to an airport accident. We’ll also talk about making an airport accident claim on a No Win No Fee basis and what benefits this type of agreement can bring.

For free specialist advice and other support on your potential airport accident claim, you can contact Legal Expert today. You can claim online using our contact form or call you can call on 0800 073 8804

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A guide to airport accident claims

Airport accidents can happen in many different ways. You may have fallen or tripped due to a carelessly placed suitcase. You may have been injured while working at the airport due to

Airport accident

Airport accident

inadequate training. Or, perhaps you caught food poisoning as a result of eating at one of the food outlets in the departure lounge? Irrespective of what happened, if the accident was not your fault, you may be able to get compensation. This is something we can help you to secure. But, before you give us a call, read our airport accident guide below. You will find information on how to begin airport accident claims, the most common types of airport accidents, and how much compensation you may get if you make a claim.

What is an airport accident claim?

An airport accident claim is a claim for compensation for any type of accident that has happened at any airport. As mentioned above, there are many different kinds of accidents that can happen at an airport. What matters is that someone else acted carelessly or negligently, resulting in the incident that occurred. You certainly won’t be able to claim if you caused the accident.

Airport injury statistics

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that there are 27,000 ramp incidents and accidents worldwide per year. This equates to one per every 1,000 departures. Roughly 243,000 people are injured per year in such incidents.

RIDDOR statistics from the UK government for 2013/14 (the most recent statistics at the time of writing) reveal that there are 94 major employee injuries per 100,000 employees in air transport. Most injuries happen as a consequence of lifting and handling (39 per cent), while slips and trips are also common (24 per cent). Other types of injuries include being struck by an object (13 per cent), being struck against (six per cent), a fall from a height (five per cent), and moving vehicle injuries (five per cent).

What to do if you are involved in an accident at an airport causing an injury

If you want to make a claim for an accident that has happened at an airport, it is important to take the necessary steps to gather evidence. This involves:

  • Seeing a doctor – Of course, seeing a medical professional is vital for your health. It is also important with regards to making a claim. This is because the medical report that your doctor puts together will be used to determine how much compensation you receive.
  • Taking photographs – If applicable, you should take photographs of the scene, as well as your injuries.
  • Get witness contact information – Witness statements can really help to strengthen your case, which is why it is a good idea to get the contact details of anyone that saw the accident.
  • Keep proof of expenses – If you have suffered an injury at the airport, it is likely you will have encountered a number of costs as a result, from hospital parking tickets to loss of income and childcare expenses. You’ll likely be able to claim for all of these so long as you have proof.

How to begin an airport accident claim

Launching airport accident claims is easy when you work with us. We have many years of experience in the industry and will handle everything for you. When you call us, we will provide a free consultancy session. This gives you the chance to ask any questions you have, and we will also ask questions too. This is merely so we can provide you with the best advice. We can also arrange a local medical for you if required, and we can handle your case on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you are only going to need to pay legal fees if your case is a success. You can find out more about this towards the end of the guide.

Airport accident at work claims

All employers have a duty to provide a safe and healthy working environment. Airports can be dangerous to work at, which is why there are stringent health and safety requirements in place. If your employer has failed to adhere to the regulations they are expected to, you’ll likely be able to make an airport accident claim. There are many ways your employer could be at fault. Examples include: failing to provide adequate training on safe lifting and manual handling practices, not allowing breaks throughout the day, and allowing you to use equipment when they knew it was defective. Call us today to make airport accident claims.

Airport slip trip fall claims

Slips, trips, and falls are common at airports, and it is not difficult to see why. After all, airports are busy places, with thousands of people coming in and out of them every day. From carelessly placed luggage to spillages on the floor, there are many ways a slip, trip, or fall can happen. So long as you are not to blame for the incident, you may be able to claim.

What can be claimed for after an airport accident causing an injury?

If you want to launch a compensation case for an airport injury, you can claim for the following:

  • General damages – This compensation is to cover the pain and suffering you have experienced.
  • Loss of earnings – You can also claim for loss of future earnings too if you are expected to be off work.
  • Medical expenses
  • Travel expenses
  • Care claim – If you have needed help around the house while you recover, the person who cared for you can file a care claim.

The most common types of airport accidents

There are many different types of accidents that can happen at an airport. Here are some of the most common:

  • Food poisoning from a food outlet or café at the airport.
  • Transport accidents – such accidents can occur when disembarking or embarking on an aircraft. This also refers to transport accidents between different terminal buildings or around the terminal.
  • Manual handling injuries can happen when a baggage handler has not received the correct training on lifting heavy objects and manual handling.
  • Accidents involving airport vehicles – this can include inadequate training on using vehicles, which leads to accidents to pedestrians and passengers.
  • Falls due to debris or wet surfaces – this is particularly common in areas of high footfall around the terminal.
  • Falls and trips over suitcases – Suitcases can be left in places that are easy for people to trip over. If you tripped or fell and it was someone else’s fault, you may be able to claim.

Top 20 UK airports

The top 20 airports in the UK are:

    • London Luton
    • London Stansted
    • Manchester
    • London Gatwick
    • London Heathrow
    • Newcastle
    • Bristol International
    • Glasgow International
  • Birmingham International
  • Edinburgh
  • Leeds Bradford
  • London City
  • Liverpool John Lennon
  • Belfast International
  • East Midlands
  • Aberdeen Dyce
  • George Best Belfast City
  • Southampton
  • Cardiff International
  • Southend

If you were injured at one of the airports mentioned above, or any other airport in the UK, we may be able to launch an airport compensation claim for you. Contact us today for more information.

Top 10 shop/food outlets at the airport

Some of the most popular food outlets and shops at airports in the UK are as follows:

  • Burger King
  • WH Smith
  • Wetherspoon
  • Caffe Nero
  • Frankie and Benny’s
  • Costa
  • Boots
  • McDonald’s
  • Subway
  • Starbucks

If you have been injured while working or visiting one of the stores or food outlets mentioned above, we can help you to make a claim. We can also assist with claims against businesses that are not on the list.

I got food poisoning at the airport café can I sue?

If you have caught food poisoning after eating food at an airport café, you may be able to make a claim for compensation, so long as you can prove the café was at fault. Food poisoning cases aren’t always minor, with some people suffering severe effects as a consequence. We will ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation available for your case.

I got injured while working as a baggage handler at an airport can I claim compensation?

If you work as a baggage handler and you have been injured, you may be entitled to compensation. You simply need to prove that the accident was not your fault. As a baggage handler, there are a number of steps your employer should take to ensure that you are safe. This includes the following:

  • Providing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Providing suitable rest periods and drinks.
  • Rotating tasks between employees.
  • Providing suitable training in safe handling techniques.
  • Training all people in using equipment associated with the tasks.
  • Providing mechanical aids to help you move work equipment.
  • Providing mechanical handling equipment to move bags into and out of the aircraft hold.

If your employer has failed to do any of the above, you may be entitled to compensation. We can ensure you get the amount you deserve. Call us today for more information.

Can I claim if I was injured in an airport outside of the UK?

If you were injured in an airport outside of the UK, you can make a claim. The process is slightly different and can be more challenging in some cases, depending on what airport you were injured at. Nevertheless, we have many years of experience in such cases, and so there is nothing to worry about. We will handle everything for you, ensuring you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to.

How much compensation will I get after an airport accident causing an injury?

Often, potential claimants want to know exactly how much compensation they will receive if they are to launch a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, it is impossible to provide a definitive answer to this question. No matter whether you use an online personal injury compensation calculator or you speak to an experienced solicitor, they will only ever be able to provide you with an estimate. This is because every case is different, and so many factors are considered when determining the right level of payout.

What we can do, however, is provide you with the typical payout amounts for injuries that may be sustained in airport accidents. You will find this information in the table below. If you cannot find the injury that relates to your claim, don’t worry. All you need to do is give us a call and we will be more than happy to elaborate.

The compensation brackets featured in the table below are based on the latest figures provided within the Judicial College guidelines. When involved in your own personal injury claim, solicitors may use these guidelines to help with working out the value of your injuries. The figures do not guarantee how much you could receive in your claim, but they can at least indicate the general amount that may be offered for general damages depending on your exact injuries.

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Injury Severity Compensation
Back Injury Severe £36,390 to £151,070
Back Injury Moderate £11,730 to £36,390
Back Injury Minor From around £2,300 to £11,730
Neck Injury Severe £42,680 to in the region of £139,210
Neck Injury Moderate £7,410 to £36,120
Neck Injury Minor From around £2,300 to £7,410
Shoulder Injury Serious £11,980 to £18,020
Shoulder Injury Moderate £7,410 to £11,980
Shoulder Injury Minor From around £2,300 to £11,730
Injuries Affecting Sight Minor £3,710 to £8,200

No Win No Fee airport injury claims

When you work with us, you can have the peace of mind that all of your cases will be handled on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that you are only going to need to pay legal fees if your case is a success. This enables anyone to make airport accident claims, irrespective of his or her current financial situation. If you were to go for an airport injury lawyer that charged per hour instead, not only would you need to cough up a large sum of money to start the service, but also there is always the risk that you could end up with no compensation yet a massive legal bill to pay. This is something you never have to worry about with our No Win No Fee approach.

This also gives you the peace of mind that we will never waste your time. A solicitor that charges per hour is not impacted by the outcome of your claim and, therefore, they may simply take on your case in order to take your money – even if they know you have very little chance of compensation. We have nothing to gain by doing this, and so you can be certain that we only take on airport accident claims that we believe have a genuine chance of being successful. If you are unsure regarding the eligibility of your claim, all you need to do is give us a call.

Why choose us as your claims service for an airport injury claim?

There are many reasons why you should choose us as your claims service for an airport injury claim. This includes the fact that we have many years of experience in the industry, an impressive track record, and we genuinely care about our clients. We feel that this is really what makes us different from the rest. We are dedicated to securing the maximum amount of compensation for all personal injury victims, and we always aim to do so in the most efficient manner. After all, we recognise that you are going through an incredibly difficult period at the moment, and the last thing we want to do is add to your stress. Instead, we want to secure the compensation you deserve while you focus solely on your recovery.

Call for free advice and to start a claim

If you have been injured at an airport and it was not your fault, call us today to make a claim. You can reach a member of our experienced and friendly team on 0800 073 8804. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you have, no matter how big or small. We will explain the claim process in further detail and give you a realistic picture regarding the chances of your claim. If we believe that your case has a genuine chance of compensation, we will put you in touch with the best in-house No Win No Fee solicitor from our team based on the ins and outs of your claim.

Helpful links

HSE on Airport Statistics

This link takes you to the UK Government’s Health and Safety Executive website, where you will find information on air transport industry statistics.

HSE on baggage and cargo onto and off aircraft

This link provides plenty of useful information on baggage handling. It reveals the risks associated with this task and what you need to do to ensure safety.

NI Direct – How to make a complaint about air services

If you want to make a complaint about air services, this link explains how to go about it. This includes information on complaints about travel agents or tour operators, as well as complaints about airports or airlines.

How To Claim For A Delayed Flight?

Take a look at our guide on how to claim compensation for delayed flights. This includes details on the implications of Brexit on flight delay claims, how to make a claim for a flight delay, claiming for cancelled flights, and much more.

Further Claims Guides

Airport accident claims FAQ

In this final section of our guide about claiming for airport accidents, we’ve answered some popularly asked questions.

How long after an accident can you claim compensation?

Personal injury claims, including those related to airport accidents, usually have to be started within three years of when the accident occurred. This is applied by law under the Limitation Act 1980. If your injuries from your accident weren’t immediately obvious, then the time limit may start from when they could be diagnosed. This is sometimes referred to as the date of knowledge.

If someone injured in an airport accident is a child or lacks the mental capacity to act independently, then the three year time limit for claiming will be put on hold (at least temporarily). For children hurt in an accident, the time limit only starts when they turn 18.

Do accident claims go to court?

If you start a personal injury claim for an airport accident, then there is the possibility that the claim could end up in court. This may occur if the defendant denies liability or if a compensation agreement can’t be reached between you and the defendant (and their legal representation). However, only a small percentage of personal injury claims actually end up leading to a court case. Even if court proceedings are initiated, an agreement between you and the defendant could be reached before they actually begin.

What can you claim for after an accident?

There are two types of damages which you could potentially claim for through a compensation case. One is general damages, which covers injuries and any other pain and suffering you may have experienced due to negligent behaviour by another party. If you are able to claim for general damages, then you may be able to additionally claim for special damages. Compensation for special damages covers expenses and other financial losses which can be directly related to your accident and injuries.

Thank you for reading our guide on airport accident claims.