Transportation experts tend to agree that flying is one of the safest ways to travel. There are fewer airplane crashes than cars, trains, buses, or other motor vehicles. Furthermore, federal regulations and precautions have made flying safer than ever before. However, many people do not consider some other risks of flying, such as in-flight personal injuries. Every year, people suffer brain injuries, fractures, spinal injuries, and more for various reasons on flights. Victims of these injuries may face medical bills, lost wages, and even long-term complications from their injuries. Airplane injury victims can recover in court against the responsible airline by filing a legal claim. If you have suffered an injury, contact a Fayette County personal injury attorney for help as soon as possible.
The following are some of the common reasons airplane passengers suffer in-flight injuries:
- Slipping and falling in walkways or the bathroom
- Luggage falling from the overhead compartments
- Pilots failing to warn passengers of turbulence
- Accidents occurring during boarding or exiting the airplane
- Negligent hiring of airplane employees
- Failing to properly train airplane employees
- Failing to properly handle medical issues that occur during flight
Litigation against airlines can be complicated, and airlines usually have large legal teams and insurance companies that help them to avoid liability. Furthermore, many parties may be potentially responsible for your injury, including the airline itself, the manufacturer of the aircraft or related equipment, or staff members themselves under certain circumstances. Airlines are considered to be “common carriers,” which simply means they transport passengers for profit. The law requires that all common carriers abide by a higher standard of care to make sure their passengers are kept safe from harm than other ordinary drivers or people. If the airline or its staff breached this duty to use the utmost care, they should be found negligent and reimburse you for your injuries.
An experienced personal injury lawyer at Shane Smith Law will know how to investigate your in-flight injury and pursue a claim in court. Do not hesitate to contact us today at (980) 246-2656.