Travel

Flights: Expert reveals what you should do if you get injured on a plane


Flights can be exciting as they whisk you off to your holiday destination. Most plane journeys take place without a hitch, but what happens if a passenger gets injured during the flight? Paul McClorry, Head of Travel Litigation at specialist lawyers, Hudgell Solicitors has revealed his travel advice what you should do if you’re hurt mid-flight. This the first step to take is to get medical attention for the injury that has befallen you. “If you are hurt while travelling on a plane, seeking some sort of medical attention should be a priority,” McClorry told Express.co.uk.

“Speak to a member of the in-flight crew who will be able to administer first aid if required.

“Treatment should help to ease the pain of any injury incurred and stop bleeding if necessary, and make sure you’re comfortable for the remainder of the flight.”

Injuries on planes may be rare but they do happen. Last year a Ryanair passenger was left needing surgery when a laptop fell on her head from the overhead locker of a plane. 

It is understood she was removing her hand luggage from the overhead locker of the aircraft.

As she did so, a laptop fell out and hit the passenger on the head leaving her with a 2.5cm opening on her scalp.

It might not seem like a priority but if there’s any way for you to document what has happened, try to do so.

“Depending on the severity of your injury, it might not be possible for you to gather evidence, but get someone you’re travelling with to write down as much as possible,” McClorry advised.

“Try to include an account of what happened, names and contact details of witnesses and even taking pictures of your injuries and where the accident took place.

“This should also cover any injuries suffered in the departures lounge. If you feel up to it, write down your own version of events, this could come in handy further down the line.

“If you have to seek medical attention once you’ve left the flight, keep records of when you visited a doctor or hospital and remember to get a receipt for any related expenses.”

You should also report the incident and get advice about the legal side of the accident.

“Make sure you report the incident to the crew on-board or a member of staff at the airport if the accident has taken place there,” said McClorry.

“As well as this, you should contact your travel insurance provider at the earliest possible point if necessary.

“They will advise about your medical and legal situation. It’s important to never admit liability or engage in any correspondence without the advice of a qualified solicitor or lawyer that specialises in this area of law.”

The advice is similar for if an injury happens while you are abroad on your break.

“Much of this advice is similar if you get injured while actually on your holiday,” explained McClorry.

“The most important things to remember are seeking medical attention should you need it (if you have the appropriate travel insurance, this should cover any costs associated with this) and gather as much evidence surrounding the accident or injury as possible.

“There can be many complex cross border issues to consider and there can be narrow periods of time within which to claim if the accident is as a result of someone else’s negligence so advice should be sought from a lawyer with expertise in this area ASAP.”



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