What Damages Can I Receive If I’ve Been Injured On An Airplane?

What Damages Can I

Most people think that injuries on airplanes only occur if the airplane crashed. The reality, however, is that airplane crashes are extraordinarily rare, and you are over 3,000 times more likely to be involved in a car accident than a plane crash.

Of course, this does not mean that you cannot be injured in the air. In fact, studies have shown that approximately 4,500 people are injured during flight travel each year. These injuries often result from the negligence of airplane staff or the manufacturers of faulty airplane equipment. If you have suffered an injury for any of these reasons, then you are still entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party or parties. Here is a look at some of the claims you might bring:

The Manufacturers of Airplane Parts

There are literally millions upon millions of parts that go into manufacturing an airplane. From the metal pieces of the fuselage, screws that hold them together, sliding windows, oxygen masks, etc. – the number of parts is endless. If there is a defect in any of these plane parts then you may get injured from them. Under these circumstances, the manufacturer of the defective part may be liable to you for your damages.

Flight Attendants and Crew

One of the major responsibilities of flight attendants and ground crew is to ensure that passengers are and remain safe during their flight. To accomplish this task, flight attendants have numerous duties and are required to follow certain protocols. For example, flight attendants must ensure that overhead compartments where luggage and other items are stored are safely secured throughout the entire flight. If these compartments are not secure, items stored in these containers can fall down and hit you, causing injury to your head, back and other areas of your body. Items that fall from overhead compartments can also obstruct the aisles of the airplane, causing you to trip and fall. If you are injured because a flight attendant failed to maintain clear aisles and securely fastened overhead compartments, you may be entitled to damages from the airline company for their flight attendant’s negligence.

Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for hiring, managing and training all of the air traffic controllers in the country. And there is no doubt that the proper execution of air traffic controllers’ job is critical to safe air travel. Controllers tell pilots where and when to take-off and land, controllers guide pilots while flying, warn pilots of any dangerous weather or emergency situations as well as the  locations of other planes. Accordingly, an intoxicated, negligent or otherwise distracted controller can be liable for plane collisions and other catastrophes in the sky and on the ground. If you are injured as a result of an air traffic controller’s negligence, you can sue and receive compensation from the FAA.

There are many different types of injuries you can sustain while flying, and many different causes and liable parties. In many of these personal injury cases, issues of causation and liability can often become complicated. For this reason, you should hire a personal injury attorney to represent you if you have been injured on a plane.

At The Law Office of Jeremy Rosenthal, our experienced accident attorneys know the complexities involved in airplane litigation. We will investigate the cause(s) of your accident, including all parties who could be liable, and will help you understand your rights and legal options. For a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Colorado injury lawyers, call us today for a free consultation at (303) 647-4511.

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