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Aviation Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aircraft-related accident, you may have a legal claim for compensation. Our experienced aviation lawyers specialise in delivering practical legal solutions quickly and effectively.

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The laws surrounding aviation injuries are detailed and complex, and often complicated jurisdictional issues arise. International airline passengers are subject to rules under international conventions, while different rules apply to domestic passengers. That's why you need advice from an expert aviation lawyer.

We know standing up against big companies can all seem a bit too hard, but that’s where we shine. While you focus on getting better we’ll focus on the legal side of things for you. You’ll always have someone available to talk to and we’ll never give you the run around. Our people will get the job done, without any drama.

Expert aviation lawyers

At Shine Lawyers, our aviation lawyers are experts in all aspects of airline accident law. We provide tailored aviation law services to travellers anywhere in the world for harm suffered at the airport or during a flight. Whether you were travelling domestically or internationally, we're here to help.

Types of aviation accident claims

The range of claims that fall under aviation law is quite diverse. Some examples of aviation accident matters that you may have a claim for include:

  • Injuries resulting from domestic or foreign air crashes and disasters;
  • Injuries caused by foreign charter aircraft crashes;
  • Injuries sustained while getting on or off domestic or international flights in Australia or overseas (including falls down air stairs, or on aerobridges, or in airport terminals);
  • Injuries occurring during domestic charter or aerial work;
  • If the airline’s wheelchair assistance was deficient which resulted in an injury;
  • Scalding by hot tea/coffee/water poured by flight attendants on-board;
  • Allergic reactions to airline food;
  • If you’ve suffered sexual assault/molestation during a flight; or
  • Serious injuries sustained from bags falling out of overhead compartments.

Under Australian law, you have two years to bring a claim for most flight-related accidents. So if you've been injured, it's important to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible. Get in touch with our aviation experts today, and we'll make sure your rights and entitlements are protected.

For more information on how Shine Lawyers will handle your case, take a look at the video below. It provides a simple, step-by-step guide to the process around making a claim for compensation with Shine..

Related information

Our offer to you

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Obligation-free initial consultation to assess your case confidentially

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Claim assessment process where we will explain all of the options available to you

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We can come to you - if you can't make it into the office we're more than happy to come to you

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No Win No Fee arrangement

Common Questions

If you’ve been injured in an aircraft accident or it caused the passing of a relative, it’s important you ask for help from a legal expert.

Aviation law can be a tricky area so you need someone with the right type of experience. Our team has worked on many international accidents around the world and we’ll explain it all to you without all the mumbo jumbo.

After an aircraft accident there will usually be an investigation by the aviation safety body to work out who is at fault. This is when we’ll know how to move your claim forward as quickly as possible. We’re easy to work with and will make sure you always understand what’s going on and what happens next.

Depending on the facts of the situation, you may be able to claim compensation from the operator of the aircraft in the accident or other parties such as:

  • The aircraft maintenance engineer
  • An airport corporation
  • The statutory regulator, such as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
  • The aircraft manufacturer
  • The aircraft component manufacturer

You can claim for your immediate and future pain and suffering as well as income loss you have now, and will have in future. It all depends on what your injuries are so we’ll be able to give you a better idea once we talk to you about exactly what happened.

Benefits often available for you to claim include

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Impairment benefits
  • Death and dependency benefits

How much money you will receive really depends on the extent of your injuries. It is also affected by factors like your age, amount of lost earnings, care you need now and in the future, out-of-pocket expenses and possible future expenses such as surgery.

It’s once your injuries have stablilsed that we’ll have a better idea of what you can claim. We’ll start by getting expert medical evidence to work out how your work and life are likely to be impacted.

If the aircraft accident caused the passing of a relative, the amount will depend on a number of things such as relevant international conventions (if any), if the claim is being pursued in Australia or overseas, and if there is a faulty product involved in the claim.

The time limit to lodge a claim is two years from the aircraft accident in Australia. It’s still best to lodge as soon as possible, preferably within 12 months.

International legislation varies so we’ll need to look at this depending on what country is involved. You can leave all of this up to us and if we need to start legal action in another country we can manage all this for you as well.

It’s important to ask for legal help as soon as possible after an injury from an aircraft accident. Time is of the essence so you don’t want to leave it to long and miss your opportunity to receive the right compensation.

How long your claim will take depends on your injuries - how complicated they are and the treatment you’re likely to need.

Shine Lawyers work on a No win no fee* basis so you’ll only pay our fee if you win your case at the end of the claim.

We are open and honest about what we charge because the last thing you want to stress about is money.

The amount of legal costs at the end will depend on the amount of work required to resolve your claim. This is all recorded on an ongoing basis and you can ask for an update on how things are looking at any time.

*Conditions apply

Yes. Shine Lawyers have acted for many people across Australia and internationally on a range of high profile cases.

The below list are just some of the cases we have worked on under Australian Law:

1. Beechcraft King Air Crash Victoria Australia 1974.

This King Air crashed killing all four passengers and crew. Mr Nunan acted for the operator of this aircraft in this crash.

2. Agricultural Aircraft Crash North Queensland 1993.

The pilot of this aircraft clipped an irrigation spray and crashed whilst spraying fruit trees in North Queensland. Mr Nunan acted for the pilot in an action against his employer, the operator of the agricultural aircraft.

3. Robinson R22 Helicopter Crash near Alice Springs, Central Australia June 1994.

Whilst returning to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Australia, the pilot of this R22 experienced a bearing failure resulting in the crash of the helicopter. Mr Nunan is acting for the pilot who received serious spinal injuries as a result of this crash and this claim was be heard in the Queensland Supreme Court in March 2010 with a judgment in favour of the plaintif in teh sum of $1.7M. This case is now on appeal.

4. Bell 206 Jet Ranger Crash Pacific Ocean Gladstone, Queensland, Australia 28.07.93

During a charter flight from Gladstone to an offshore island, this Jet Ranger suffered a compressor failure. Despite valiant attempts by the pilot, the helicopter crashed into the sea. Mr Nunan is acting for the widow and children of the pilot who was killed in this crash.

5. TS-2000 Sting Carbon Crash, Jandakot Airport, Perth, Western Australia 22.02.02

Whilst returning to Jandakot airport after a routine flight, the T-2000 Sting came into collision with a Cessna 172 just before landing. The C172 was behind the Sting in the landing pattern and due to the relative speed difference of the two aircraft, the collision occurred. Luckily, there were no major injuries to either pilot. Mr Nunan acted on behalf of the owner and importer of the Sting and the matter was settled out of court.

6. Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Board of Inquiry into F111 Fuel Tanks

Mr Nunan, in his capacity as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Australian Army Legal Corps (Reserve) was appointed as Counsel assisting the RAAF Board of Inquiry into the F111 Deseal/Reseal program of F1 11 fuel tanks conducted by the RAAF between 1974 and 2000. LTCOL Nunan headed the medical program that was required to investigate and report on the medical complaints of RAAF personnel involved in the program. Over 700 RAAF personnel were involved in the program with many reporting health problems associated with the chemicals used in the Deseal/Reseal program. The Board of Inquiry commenced its sittings in Brisbane in late February 2001 and handed down its comprehensive findings in September 2001. LTCOL Nunan’s team of medical professionals were tasked to investigate all medical information and evidence and then prepared a report for presentation to the Board.

7. Transair Fairchild Industries Metroliner VH-TFU Crash Iron Range National Park Lockhart River, North Queensland 7 May 2005

A Fairchild Industries Inc Metroliner CA 227-DC was descending to land at Lockhart River carrying two pilots and thirteen passengers crashed into mountainous terrain north east of Lockhart River. (See International Cases #16) Mr Nunan acts for five families in respect of claims made pursuant to the Civil Aviation (Carriers Liability) Act (Queensland). These claims went to trial before Justice Henry of the Supreme Court in Cairns over a six-day period commencing 12 June 2012. Justice Henry has adjourned the trial to consider his decision. It is expected that Justice Henry will hand down his decision some time in August of 2012.

Shine Lawyers are expert aviation lawyers that can help you get the compensation you need following a plane crash or accident. Click on the link below for more information about how Shine Lawyers can help you.

Why you should choose Shine Lawyers to handle your aviation claim

Hear from some of our clients

History of Shine Lawyers

The Shine Lawyers team

Shine Lawyers also have accredited specialists in personal injury law across the nation:

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Accredited Specialists - Queensland

Simon Morrison
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Brisbane, Queensland
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Jodie Willey
Chief Operating Officer
Brisbane, Queensland
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Melissa O'Neill
National Practice Leader | Superannuation & Disability Claims
Brisbane, Queensland
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Roger Singh
National Practice Leader - Asbestos and Dust Diseases
Brisbane, Queensland
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Bree Smith
Legal Practice Manager
Logan, Queensland
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Amanda Gilmour
Legal Practice Manager
Robina, Queensland
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accspec-pi-qld

Accredited Specialists - New South Wales

Elle Dalzell
Legal Practice Manager
Newcastle, New South Wales
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Natasha Stojanovic
Senior Solicitor
Sydney CBD, New South Wales
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Hadi Boustani
Senior Associate
Sydney CBD, New South Wales
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Accredited Specialists - Victoria

Catie Norman
Legal Practice Manager
Sunshine, Victoria
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Sha Hotchin
Legal Practice Manager
Epping, Victoria
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Cameron Tout
Legal Practice Manager
Melbourne, Victoria
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Thomas Bradley
Special Counsel
Dandenong, Victoria
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Leah Hickey
Legal Practice Manager
Sunshine, Victoria
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Ashleigh Kemp
Senior Associate
Dandenong, Victoria
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Justin Burke
Special Counsel
Ballarat, Victoria
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Sarah Baker
Senior Solicitor
Epping, Victoria
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Amber Chen
Senior Associate
Melbourne, Victoria
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Where you are located isn't necessarily a barrier when it comes to obtaining the services of a lawyer. We're experts when it comes to Aviation related claims and we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

It doesn't matter if you are located close or far away from a Shine Lawyers office - we will always provide the same, expert advice and manage your claim with the same level of quality and commitment.

Our compensation experts are in the following locations:

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