Our Aviation team recently acted for Antony, a wheelchair user, on a pro bono basis in his claim for compensation following mistreatment by his airline of choice at Munich Airport.

Trainee solicitor Harry Holmes summarises Antony’s situation in this article, outlining the varied work done by our injury lawyers on a pro bono basis.

Antony’s story

As a wheelchair user (a passenger with reduced mobility), Antony was entitled to receive assistance from his airline of choice throughout the course of his journey. He found that upon reaching the airport, he was repeatedly denied assistance and was subjected to dismissive and humiliating behaviour by employees of the airline.

When Antony was unable to reach his seat on his own, his flight booking was cancelled. Ultimately he had to engage airport security to ensure that he was able to return home. Antony was shaken and upset, but when he complained to the airline he was largely ignored.

Antony contacted Stewarts, and our Aviation team agreed to assist him on a pro bono basis and take his arguments to the airline on his behalf. The complaint was eventually resolved, with the airline making a goodwill gesture to Antony for the distress he had experienced.

Testimonial

Following resolution of his dispute, Antony said:

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks for your help in resolving a complex and challenging matter that caused extensive upset on my part due to the personal nature and vulnerabilities with this situation. I remain thankful to Stewarts for how you have handled this matter with kindness, respect and decency, supporting me at times where I was still upset and shocked by the situation and putting my best case forward.”

Our pro bono work

Stewarts provides a free and comprehensive legal service, coordinated by our Pro Bono team, as part of the firm’s commitment to helping people with serious injury regardless of whether or not they have a legal claim. More information on our pro bono work completed in 2024 is available in our first Injury Group Annual Review.

Twelve lawyers from across our London and Leeds offices are included in the Pro Bono Recognition List 2025, which recognises lawyers who have completed 25 or more hours of pro bono legal assistance in the previous calendar year.

In this short video, our Pro Bono team’s Kara Smith and Jodee Mayer explain the free legal and practical support the team provides to our clients and their families, for as long as help is needed.

You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and team on our Aviation pages.

If you require assistance from our team, please contact us.

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