Most Common Injuries Related to Airport Accidents

According to the Indianapolis Airport Authority, the international airport sees a significant amount of domestic, international, and cargo operations, with a large number of passenger enplanements (the boarding of the airplane) and deplanements (getting off the airplane) occurring each day.

With such a high volume of activity, accidents are bound to happen. These can range from minor incidents like slips and falls to more serious accidents involving aircraft. When these accidents occur, victims may be left with severe physical injuries,  brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and a host of other problems.

Airport injuries can occur in a variety of ways, from slip-and-fall accidents to luggage-related injuries. And in some cases, these injuries can have long-term consequences, affecting your ability to work and enjoy life. Common causes of airport injuries include:

  • Slip and fall accidents: slipping accidents are the most common types of airport injuries and can occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained walkways. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, slip and fall accidents account for a significant number of reported injuries in airports.
  • Luggage-related injuries: Overhead bins can sometimes be overloaded or improperly secured, leading to luggage falling out and causing injury.
  • Escalator and elevator accidents: Mechanical failures or malfunctions can lead to serious injuries.
  • Vehicle accidents: Airports are busy places with various vehicles operating in close proximity, including shuttle buses, baggage carts, and maintenance vehicles. 

When confronted with these potential risks, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone. If you’ve suffered an injury due to negligence or unsafe conditions at an airport, you could be eligible for compensation. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our personal injury team in Indianapolis is ready to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Your Rights After an Airport Injury

Experiencing an injury at an airport can be a disorienting experience, and it’s essential to be aware of your rights and the legal recourse available to you if you are planning to demand compensation. The law is designed to protect victims of airport injuries, and understanding who is responsible and how to establish negligence is key to filing a successful claim.

The Premises Liability Law

Under Indiana law, property owners, including airport authorities, have a duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. This means they must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable accidents and injuries. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.

For instance, if an airport fails to address a known safety hazard, such as a wet floor or a faulty escalator, and you’re injured as a result, you may have a valid premises liability claim.

The Role of Negligence

In many airport injury cases, negligence plays a key role. Negligence refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care in a situation where there’s a duty to do so. If an airport authority, an airline, or an airport employee acts negligently, and their negligence leads to your injury, they can be held liable.

For example, if an airport employee negligently leaves a piece of equipment in a high-traffic area, causing you to trip and fall, you may have a valid negligence claim.

What to Do After Suffering a Airport Injury in Indianapolis

If you’ve suffered an injury at an airport, it’s important to act promptly in order to ensure your safety and secure evidence you’ll need to support a personal injury case:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  2. Document the incident: Take detailed notes about the accident and your injuries. This includes taking photos of the accident location and your injuries, jotting down names and addresses of any medical professionals you visit, and keeping all medical bills and receipts.
  3. Report the accident: Report the accident to the airport authority as soon as possible. This will help in documenting the incident and can be crucial for your claim.
  4. Consult with a lawyer: An injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you suffered from injuries at the airport, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell is here to help you navigate the legal process to find the responsible parties and claim compensation. Please give us a call today.

FAQs Related to Airport Injury Cases in Indianapolis

Can you sue an airport?

Yes, you can sue an airport if you can prove that your injury was due to the negligence or misconduct of the airport or its staff.

Are airlines liable for personal injury?

Generally, airlines are responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their planes, while airports are responsible for accidents in the airport itself or on the tarmac that are caused by their negligence. However, determining liability can be complex as it can involve various parties such as businesses, contractors, government entities, and other agencies. It’s crucial to seek legal counsel to help determine the responsible parties.

Can you sue an airline for trauma?

If you’ve experienced trauma as a result of an airline’s negligence or misconduct, you may be able to sue for damages. This could include emotional distress caused by an accident or incident during your flight.

What happens if you get injured on a plane?

If you’re injured on a plane, you should immediately notify the flight crew and seek medical attention. You may also want to document the incident and your injuries as thoroughly as possible, as this information could be crucial if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.