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In-flight injuries on airplanes, while rare, can have serious consequences for passengers. Understanding the risks and knowing your rights are essential, especially if you need to consult an attorney near you to discuss potential claims. This guide explores common in-flight injuries, safety measures, and airline liability.
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Discover everything you need to know about in-flight injuries on airplanes, including common causes, safety measures, and airline liability. If you've experienced an injury during air travel, consult an attorney near you to understand your rights and explore potential legal claims.
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Heroic attorney in a suit and cape standing in an airplane aisle during turbulence, holding a glowing shield and sword, with falling luggage and mid-spill coffee, symbolizing justice for in-flight injury victims
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Jan 28, 2025 08:36 PM
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What are In-Flight Injuries on Airplanes? Everything You Need to Know
Overview
Air travel is relatively safe compared to travel by automobile or train. Fatal crashes are far rarer for airplanes than for ground transportation. Still, serious injuries in flight occasionally occur. They may be as minor as a twisted ankle or as severe as brain injuries during air turbulence. Other personal injury hazards for airline passengers include:
- Falling objects, like baggage on the loose in overhead bins
- Hot coffee spills during turbulence
- Tripping hazards in aisles
Severe turbulence can result in concussions or catastrophic injuries after a plane crash. Anyone who has been injured during a plane trip should be aware of their potential rights. Sometimes the airline or its employees can be held responsible for aviation accidents.
Safety Measures To Expect While Traveling
To prevent in-flight injuries, airlines must implement reasonable safety procedures and policies. Flight attendants must inspect airplane seats and aisles prior to seating passengers. They make sure that items on food carts are secure and that passengers are wearing seat belts before takeoff. You can also expect that an airplane will have been inspected for airworthiness.
Airline Liability: Determining Who Is Responsible
Airlines and air carriers are held to a high standard of care for their passengers. They are governed by the Federal Aviation Act, which requires that carriers exercise a high standard of care. Common carriers, or companies that transport passengers, must exercise utmost care and diligence.
An airline is responsible for even the slightest negligence on the part of its employees. The company must do all that is reasonable under the circumstances to prevent injuries. But an injury alone is not enough to conclude that the airline was negligent. There must be some evidence showing the airline was responsible for the injury.
The Duty of a 'Common Carrier' and Its Employees
An airline or common carrier must exercise vigilance in all aspects of aviation. This includes the plane's:
- Operation
- Maintenance
- Inspection
- Loading
- Boarding
For example, the airline is responsible for providing a safe passage to the restroom and to the exit. The airline may also be liable for injuries caused by overloading of the aircraft. The pilot in command is responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft. They must be familiarized with all available information about the flight, including the anticipated weather forecasts and conditions.
Other Potentially Responsible Parties
The airline may not be the only entity liable to passengers for injuries sustained in flight. Under a product liability claim, others may be liable for defects that cause a malfunction of the aircraft. That includes the manufacturer, seller, and repairer of the aircraft and its equipment. In addition, the air traffic controller owes a duty of care to passengers. They may be held responsible if they see a dangerous situation and fail to properly warn the pilot.
Conclusion
Travelers should know what to do in case they are injured on a flight. Legal claims involving aviation require an understanding of aircraft function and safety. You'll need someone who knows Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, plus specific rules related to aviation litigation. If you have suffered an in-flight aviation injury, talk to a personal injury attorney.
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