Stuck at the Airport?

Dealing with the airport is such an annoying process that it usually starts days before you even arrive at the airport. You have checked the TSA list several times already, making sure you’re not packing anything prohibited. You have weighed and reweighed your bag in an effort to avoid any surprise fees. You even packed snacks so you could avoid the outrageous price tags at the airport impulse aisles.

How can it get any worse?

Then, you find yourself on the floor. Your feet shot out from under you because of an unseen puddle on the floor. Or you wake up, finding yourself at the bottom of an escalator. You still have hope, you can get up and dust yourself off and still make your flight, only to be met with pain when you pull yourself off the ground.

It turns out there are many perils you may not have considered when you booked your flight.

What Kinds of Hazards are at the Airport?

You have likely avoided any movies or shows with plane crashes leading up to your flight. No ‘Final Destination’ or ‘Lost’ binge-watches before you head off to the airport, right? While worrying about commercial plane crashes, you likely never thought of accidents at the airport that don’t involve a plane crash.

When you stop to think about it, the airport is loaded with hazards that can lead to accidents and even injuries.

Here are just a few of those hazards to look out for.

Slips, Trips and Fall Accidents

You probably don’t see those sparkling, polished marble floors as a hazard when you are at the airport. The fact that there is already so much foot traffic, hustle, and chaos at an airport means that spills may not always be seen. One wrong footstep, and you can find yourself on the ground and in pain.

Likewise, you can find yourself injured when you trip over someone’s luggage.

Luggage Related Injuries

This one seems obvious. If you are a frequent flier, you are probably already familiar with how heavy luggage can get. If someone loses a grip on their heavy luggage and it strikes you, it will likely cause some pain. Even worse, let’s say you have already boarded, and someone’s overhead compartment opens, and their fifty-pound bag lands on you. That is an injury waiting to happen!

What Steps Should You Take After an Injury?

Accidents at the airport can be so jarring that you might not know what to do if you are ever injured in one. The first thing to remember is to remain calm. You will need a clear mind in order to navigate your accident.

First, seek immediate medical attention. The airport workers will likely be very helpful and want to help you if you are injured.

You will need to report the accident. Notify airport security or a staff member. Explain your injury to them and what caused it.

Next, take time to collect evidence. Document the accident. You may be able to request an incident report from the person who helps you. Take photos of the scene of the accident, including any evidence of what caused your accident, such as puddles or trip hazards. If there were witnesses to your accident, ask if they would be willing to give their contact information and possibly a witness statement.

Finally, keep very detailed records of your accident. Keep your medical documents, including any diagnosed injuries and medical treatments. Document your symptoms and any changes to your well-being.

Who is Liable For Your Accident?

The airport, right? That seems like the obvious answer until you consider that an airport is similar to a mall, full of many vendors and businesses. This can make figuring out liability a bit tricky. Here are a few of the different parties that could be held liable for your accident.

The Airport Itself

The owners and operators may be liable for your accident as they are responsible for making sure their premises are safe. Hazards should be immediately addressed to avoid causing injuries.

The Airlines

If you are injured while boarding or departing your plane or in an area under that airline’s control, they may be liable for your injuries.

Venders

Shops and restaurants are responsible for keeping their spaces safe for visitors. If you are injured in a store while at the airport, the owner may be liable for making things right.

Contractors

While airports are responsible for ensuring the safety of their properties, they may outsource maintenance and cleaning to contractors. These contractors may be liable for any injuries that occur because of negligence.

Do You Need an Injury Lawyer?

If you have a slip and fall because of negligence in an airport, but you’re still able to make your flight, you probably won’t need a lawyer, and you might even find some kind of free voucher in your possession.

But what should you do if you find yourself badly injured? Even missing your flight as a result? How does someone go about holding something as major as an airport liable for their negligence?

Working with Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, A Professional Corporation, can increase your odds of successfully holding this major company or one of its many vendors or businesses accountable.

An experienced injury attorney can be the difference between a free meal voucher and a substantial payout. You can guarantee that the major airlines and airports have an entire legal team on their side, so why shouldn’t you?

Call 626-208-9906 to schedule your free case evaluation!