A Sri Lankan couple injured during a mid-air emergency on a Qantas flight in October is taking legal action against the airline.

Sam and Rani Samaratunga were among 44 passengers who needed medical attention after the incident on a Singapore to Perth flight on October 7.

They are seeking an initial payment of US$34,000 as part of a claim that could total more than AU$135,000.

Their lawyer Roger Singh says Qantas has a duty to look after them.

"This is one of three serious incidents involving Qantas and I think it's high time Qantas took responsibility and assisted these people to relieve them of any financial burden that they're going to be subject to," he said.

"They need to be put on the road to recovery sooner rather than later."