Have you ever been injured while flying the friendly skies? Maybe the drink cart slammed into your elbow, or a bag fell from the overhead bin onto your head. Airline injuries happen more often than you’d think, even on routine flights. When they do, you deserve fair compensation. But dealing with airlines and their legal teams can be daunting.
Don’t worry, you’ve got this. Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers say the system may seem stacked against you, but by knowing your rights and staying determined, you can get the reimbursement you’re owed.
Common Causes of Injuries on Commercial Flights
If you’ve been hurt while flying the friendly skies, you’re not alone. Thousands of passengers suffer injuries each year, and many are due to preventable accidents and negligence.
One of the most common causes is turbulence. When a plane hits rough air, it can jerk sharply and throw you from your seat or cause you to hit your head. Serious injuries like fractures, strains, and head trauma can result. Always keep your seat belt fastened when seated to avoid injury.
Poorly maintained aircraft and equipment also lead to harm. Faulty seats, tray tables, overhead bins and more can collapse or break, causing you to fall or items to drop onto you. Proper inspections and repairs are critical to passenger safety.
Careless staff behavior contributes as well. Flight attendants or other crew members rushing down the aisle or making sharp turns with beverage carts or other equipment can run into seated passengers or catch loose belongings, leading to spills, falls, and collisions.
After landing, many injuries also occur as passengers stand up and retrieve overhead luggage. Pushing, shoving and overpacking the bins can lead to bags falling and hitting those below. Wait for the aisle to clear before standing, and pack lightly or check bags when possible.
If you’ve been hurt due to turbulence, equipment failures, staff negligence or other issues, don’t just shrug it off. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost work and pain and suffering. Consult with an aviation injury lawyer to understand your rights. Your health and safety should be the top priority of any commercial airline.
Seeking Fair Compensation Through an Aviation Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured while flying the not-so-friendly skies, don’t worry—you have rights. As an airline passenger, you’re entitled to fair compensation for any harm caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of the airline.
First, report your injury to airline staff immediately and get medical attention as needed. Be sure to document everything, including how the injury occurred, any witnesses, and the specifics of medical treatment.
Next, review the airline’s contract of carriage to determine their liability. Most airlines are liable for injuries caused by accidents, turbulence, or poor emergency procedures. However, they typically aren’t responsible for pre-existing conditions or injuries you cause yourself.
You’ll then need to submit a written complaint to the airline, describing your injury and any impacts it’s had on your life, work or finances. Be thorough but polite. If they deny your claim or offer an unsatisfactory settlement, don’t lose hope.
You can pursue legal action against the airline to recover damages, including pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. An aviation attorney can advise you on the merits of your case and help you receive fair compensation under the law.
While flying may be a necessity, suffering harm at the hands of an airline should never be an inevitability. Know your rights, document thoroughly, give the airline a chance to make things right, but don’t hesitate to stand up for justice—and just compensation—in court if needed. Your health and safety come first.