Amy* was travelling from London to India when an avoidable incident onboard her flight left her injured and facing a prolonged period of recovery. What should have been a meaningful family visit during a difficult time became a journey marked by pain, disruption, and lasting physical impact.
How the accident happened
During the flight, Amy went to use one of the toilets located at the rear of the aircraft. After entering and closing the door behind her, she turned to use the facilities when her foot suddenly slipped on the wet floor. The slip caused her to twist sharply and fall to the ground. When she touched the floor, she noticed her hand and knee were wet, confirming that water or another slippery substance was present.
Although she pressed the emergency call button, no cabin crew attended. Amy managed to pull herself up and open the door to get the attention of another passenger, who alerted cabin crew to her fall. Several doctors travelling as passengers came forward to assist, bandaging her ankle, applying ice, and providing pain relief. A wheelchair was arranged for her upon landing in India.
Medical treatment and ongoing symptoms
Once in India, Amy sought hospital treatment, where X‑rays confirmed a fractured ankle. A temporary cast was fitted, which was replaced before her return to the UK. Back home, the cast was removed, and she was given an air boot, crutches, and a referral for physiotherapy.
Amy completed a number of physiotherapy sessions through the NHS and pursued private laser therapy, which initially offered some improvement. Despite this, she continued to experience pain, reduced mobility, and swelling. After further GP assessment, she was referred for additional investigation through MSK services.
To help manage her symptoms, Amy underwent further laser treatments, although these provided limited benefit. She also began regular massage therapy, which has proved more effective. She continues to receive this treatment twice a month.
Her ankle injury has left her unable to run, has restricted how far she can comfortably walk, and has caused her to stop her personal training sessions.
The wider impact of the injury
Amy runs a guest house and was unable to undertake her usual duties during her recovery. This meant she had to employ additional staff to cover her responsibilities, resulting in wage costs she would not otherwise have incurred.
The emotional impact was also significant. Amy had travelled to India to visit her father and family following the loss of her mother, with the intention of grieving and scattering her mother’s ashes. Her injury made the trip far more difficult, both physically and emotionally.
Liability and legal position
Because the accident occurred on an aircraft, the case was governed by the Montreal Convention. The presence of liquid on the toilet floor constituted an accident under the Convention. Although cabin crew did not document the incident at the time, Amy notified the airline afterwards. One of the doctors who assisted her provided written confirmation supporting her account of what happened.
How Enable Law supported Amy
Eleanor Armstrong, Enable Law legal director and head of the international personal injury team, carried out a thorough investigation into Amy’s claim. An independent orthopaedic medico‑legal expert was instructed to assess her injuries, ongoing symptoms, and future treatment needs. This report formed a key part of valuing her claim.
We sought compensation not only for the injury but also for all associated financial losses, including:
- Private physiotherapy, massage therapy, and laser treatment
- Medical treatment she received in India
- Costs of additional staff required for her guest house
- Care and assistance provided by her husband at home
- Future treatment costs recommended by the orthopaedic expert
The claim settled for £20,000, reflecting both Amy’s physical injuries and the financial consequences of the accident. The settlement recognised the disruption, pain, and ongoing difficulties she faced as a result of an incident that could, and should, have been avoided.
How Enable Law can help you
At Enable Law we have a dedicated international personal injury team led by Eleanor Armstrong that is always happy to speak to you or your loved one if you suffered an injury abroad and explore if there are any ways we can help you. To have a free, confidential discussion with a member of our team call us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can call you back at a time convenient for you.
A successful personal injury claim can help you access funds to recover costs of medical treatment but also recoup expenses caused by the injury during the trip and after.
*Name has been changed
