Flying is usually safe, but sometimes things go wrong. If you’ve been injured while travelling on an American Airlines flight, you may be able to claim compensation. However, not every accident leads to a payout. To make a successful personal injury claim, you need to prove that the airline or its staff were negligent.
This guide explains everything, helping you understand your rights, what steps to take, and how much compensation you might receive. Whether you were burned by hot coffee, hurt by falling baggage, or injured during turbulence, we’ve got you covered.
Can You Claim Compensation from American Airlines?
Yes, you can—but only under certain conditions.
To make a successful claim, you must show that your injury was caused by the negligence of American Airlines or its employees. This means that someone failed to do something they should have, or did something they shouldn’t have.
For example:
- A flight attendant spilling hot tea on you.
- Cabin crew not securing overhead bins, leading to falling luggage.
- Poor assistance given to a disabled passenger.
- Food served without allergen labels, causing a serious reaction.
If the injury was just an accident and no one was at fault, you usually can’t claim. But if staff failed to follow safety procedures, you might be entitled to compensation.
What Accidents Can Lead to a Personal Injury Claim?
Here are some common in-flight situations that may give rise to a valid claim:
Turbulence Injuries
If the pilot doesn’t warn you or fails to switch on the seatbelt sign during turbulence, and you get hurt, it may be a case of negligence.
Hot Liquid Burns
Spilling tea or coffee on a passenger can cause serious burns. If this happens because the flight attendant was careless, you may be eligible for compensation.
Overhead Locker Accidents
When cabin crew fail to secure overhead compartments, items can fall and injure passengers. If this happens before takeoff or landing, it’s usually the airline’s responsibility.
Service Trolley Injuries
Trolleys are heavy. If one hits your leg or arm due to poor handling or brakes not being applied, it could lead to bruises, fractures, or worse.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
These might happen due to spilled drinks not cleaned promptly, cluttered aisles, or broken flooring. If the crew failed to maintain safety, you may have a case.
Injuries to Disabled Passengers
Airlines must provide proper assistance to disabled travellers. Failing to help during boarding, missing medication delivery, or not securing a wheelchair could all count as negligence.
Food Poisoning or Allergic Reactions
If food is stored improperly or not labelled correctly, and you become sick or experience an allergic reaction, the airline may be held liable.
Defective Seats
Although rare, a faulty seat can cause injury. For example, if it collapses or pinches your skin, and the fault was known or preventable, you may claim.
What Law Covers International Airline Injuries?
If your flight with American Airlines was international, your claim may fall under the Montreal Convention. This treaty governs airline responsibility for:
- Injuries and death.
- Lost or damaged baggage.
- Delays.
Under the Montreal Convention:
- You don’t always need to prove negligence, just that an “accident” occurred.
- Claims must usually be made within two years.
- There might be limits on the amount of compensation, unless you prove the airline acted recklessly.
For domestic flights in the United States, other legal rules apply. But for flights to or from the UK with American Airlines, the Montreal Convention is often the legal basis.
What Should You Do After an In-Flight Injury?
If you’ve been hurt on a plane, it’s important to act quickly and collect as much evidence as possible. Here’s what to do:
Get Medical Attention
Always seek medical help, even for minor injuries. A doctor’s report is strong evidence of what happened.
Report the Incident
Tell the flight attendants right away and ask them to file an official report. Get a copy if possible.
Document Everything
Take photos of your injury, the scene of the accident, and any damage (e.g. broken seat, spilled liquid). Collect contact details from any witnesses.
File a Complaint
Go to the American Airlines website to log an official complaint. You can also contact the Department for Transport or Civil Aviation Authority if needed.
Speak to a Solicitor
If your injury is serious or if you feel unsure about your rights, it’s a good idea to speak to a solicitor who specialises in aviation law or personal injury claims. Many offer a free consultation.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?
Time limits vary depending on the type of flight and legal framework:
| Circumstance | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Injury on international flight (Montreal Convention) | 2 years |
| Injury on a UK package holiday flight | 3 years |
| Injury on a domestic US flight | Usually 2 years (under US law) |
It’s best to act quickly, as missing the deadline means losing your right to compensation.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
The amount of compensation depends on several factors:
- The severity of your injury.
- How long it affects your daily life.
- Loss of income, medical expenses, and other related costs.
Here are some examples based on previous UK personal injury payouts:
| Injury Type | Severity | Potential Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Toe Injury | Moderate to Severe | Up to £49,180 |
| Ankle Injury | Minor to Severe | Up to £61,110 |
| Leg Injury | Minor to Severe | Up to £120,530 |
| Wrist Injury | Minor to Severe | Up to £52,490 |
| Back Injury | Minor to Severe | Up to £141,150 |
| Neck Injury | Minor to Severe | Up to £130,060 |
| Food Illness (Severe Toxicosis) | Severe | £33,700 – £46,060 |
| Food Poisoning (Mild) | Minor | £800 – £3,460 |
These figures are estimates. A solicitor will consider your full circumstances when calculating your claim.
What Can You Claim For?
You can usually claim for two main types of compensation:
General Damages
These cover the pain, suffering, and impact of the injury on your life. For example:
- Physical pain and medical treatment.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment (e.g. ruined holiday or event).
Special Damages
These cover financial losses caused by the accident, such as:
- Lost income from time off work.
- Cost of medication or physiotherapy.
- Travel costs related to treatment.
- Future care expenses.
Always keep receipts and records, as they help support your claim.
Do You Need a Solicitor?
You don’t have to use a solicitor, but having one can make a big difference, especially in complex cases involving:
- International laws.
- The Montreal Convention.
- Disputed liability.
- Large financial losses.
Many personal injury solicitors offer a No Win No Fee agreement. This means:
- You don’t pay anything upfront.
- You only pay if your claim is successful.
- The fee is usually a fixed percentage of your compensation.
This gives you peace of mind, knowing you won’t lose money trying to claim what you deserve.
Final Words
Being injured during a flight with American Airlines can be distressing and frustrating. But if the airline or its staff were at fault, you have the right to claim compensation. Whether your injury was caused by turbulence, hot drinks, or faulty equipment, the law may be on your side.
Just remember:
- Report the incident.
- Seek medical attention.
- Keep detailed records.
- Act within the time limit.
- Speak to a solicitor if needed.
It’s not about being difficult—it’s about holding airlines accountable and getting the help you need to recover.