A woman who suffered what has been described as a “life-changing experience” after overhead luggage fell on her while on a Ryanair flight has been awarded a staggering total €67,000 in damages against the Irish airline.
The 80-year-old woman, a resident of Whitehall, Dublin, was travelling home from a holiday in Malaga in October 2015 when she was hit by a bag after the plane had landed at Dublin airport. The overhead storage compartment was opened by another passenger, causing a heavy bag to fall and hit the woman on her neck, face, and shoulder.
As a result of her injuries, the woman claimed that she had endured pain in her right shoulder and temple accompanied by dizziness. She said she needed to stop multiple times on her way to see the medical officer in Dublin airport.
Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, Circuit Court President, awarded the woman €35,000 damages for pain and suffering; €30,000 special damages and €2,366 for expenses, taking in to account the “extraordinarily active life” she had led prior to the injury and the pain she has been living with on a daily basis for the past three and a half years.
Liability was admitted by Ryanair in the case.
Impact of Injury on Personal Life
An injury of any kind can have a detrimental affect on your quality of life, as observed in the case above. The injury may alter or completely change your personal, work, or social life, as well as that of friends and family.
Neck injuries can prove especially problematic, ranging from mild to severe pain. Limiting your mobility and potentially preventing you from carrying out your regular day to day activities, neck injuries can seriously impact your independence and should not be ignored in any instance.
Seeking Legal Counsel
If you, a family member, or a loved one have been injured as the result of an incident for which you were not at fault, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our legal team who will be happy to provide you with confidential and expert advice.
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.*