Aviation lawyers
If you or a loved one is an Australian citizen and has been injured in an aircraft-related accident, you may have a claim for compensation. Aviation law is complex. Our experienced aviation lawyers have the in-depth knowledge needed to help you navigate your claim.
How aviation lawyers can help
If you’re injured embarking or disembarking, or while on an aircraft or in an airport, an aviation lawyer can help. Under aviation laws, responsibility for your injuries can depend on whether your flight was:
Domestic or international
Commercial or charter
An aeroplane or helicopter
There are also potentially complex jurisdictional issues, depending on the country in which you’re injured. Our experienced aviation lawyers know:
The laws and international conventions relevant to:
International travel
Domestic travel, within Australia
Which party or company to build your case against, to secure compensation for your injuries
If you may be eligible for other related compensation claims
We provide tailored aviation law services to Australian citizens if you’re injured at an airport, during a flight or while embarking or disembarking.
Types of personal injury claims under aviation law
If you’re injured on a commercial flight, responsibility for external bodily injuries lies with the airline carrier. This means you’re not required to prove that the carrier was negligent in causing your injury.
For other aviation law personal injuries you may have a claim under public liability law. To commence legal action for your injuries (or your loved one’s death), you must be able to establish:
You were owed a duty of care (for example, by the airline or manufacturer of aircraft equipment)
That duty of care was breached (for example, due to malfunction or inadequate maintenance of aircraft equipment, poor safety precautions, or pilot error, leading to an accident)
Because of the breach, you have sustained serious personal injuries
Where do aviation law injuries occur?
You may have an aviation law claim if you or your loved one’s injuries were sustained:
While embarking, disembarking or travelling on a domestic or international commercial aircraft
While inside a domestic or international airport terminal, such as falling down escalators or on an aerobridge
While embarking, disembarking or travelling on a domestic charter aircraft (within Australia)
Due to the airline’s disability access being inadequate for your needs
Due to a severe allergic reaction to airline food
Due to sexual assault during a flight
Under Australian aviation law, there is a strict two year time limit to bring a claim for most aircraft-related accidents. If you or your loved one has been injured, it's important to seek expert legal advice as soon as you can.
Do you have a claim?
We’re here to make the claim process as simple and stress-free as possible.
How Shine’s aviation lawyers can help
We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion per year in entitlements and compensation through our expert services.
95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court.
With our 1000+ workforce and business maturity, we have the scale, expertise and agility to take on complex cases and win.
We are ready to take action to hold negligent airlines, tour operators and related organisations to account and right wrong.
Aviation law FAQs
Are there aviation lawyers from Shine Lawyers near me?
With more than 40 branches across Australia and 1000+ team members, location is no barrier when it comes to accessing an aviation lawyer from Shine Lawyers for legal advice and support.
If you’d like to speak to our Travel Law team in person, you can see our full list of locations here.
If you can’t find a location near you, we can easily arrange an obligation-free virtual appointment or discuss the option to meet at a location that’s comfortable and convenient for you. No matter where you are located, we will always provide the same, expert aviation law advice and manage your claim with the same level of quality and commitment.
Can I represent myself, or do I need an aviation lawyer?
If you or your loved one has an aircraft-related injury, you can represent yourself to make a public liability claim. But to make a successful claim and secure compensation for your injuries will likely require:
A thorough understanding of aviation law
Who is responsible for your injuries
Your legal rights and entitlements
A commitment to actively pursuing the case to move it forward
Most people choose not to act for themselves and instead engage an experienced aviation lawyer who has the knowledge and understanding required to help guide a case to a successful outcome.
Why should I trust Shine Lawyers to be my aviation lawyers?
At Shine Lawyers, we put you first. We’ve been standing up for the rights of everyday Australians for over 45 years. As one of Australia’s largest litigation law firms, we are here to help you get the justice you deserve.
Our empathy, understanding and expertise are why we’re ahead of the pack. We’ll stand with you and guide you through every step of the way, no matter how complex your injuries or the challenges of aviation law.
