logo

Call Now: (312) 609-0400

Who Is Liable for In-Flight Injuries?

Aircraft encountering turbulence

or fill out the Contact Form

Passengers that suffer in-flight injuries may be entitled to compensation, but the injured party must prove that the airline was negligent and failed to exercise a proper standard of care.

Aircraft encountering turbulence

In-Flight Accidents

Air travel is considered safer than traveling by car, but injuries do occur to in-flight passengers. They may be as minor as a sprained ankle or as serious as head trauma. With cramped quarters and limited space to move around, airline passengers encounter a variety of conditions that can lead to injury. The most common injuries occur from the following:

  • Unexpected turbulence
  • Falling luggage from overhead bins
  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Moving food and beverage carts
  • Malfunctioning equipment
  • Contact with other passengers

Turbulence is the leading cause of in-flight injuries to passengers and flight attendants. Because it happens suddenly, passengers are instructed to keep seat belts fastened during flight, unless otherwise instructed by the flight crew. When seat belts are unfastened, passengers can be thrown out of their seats often hitting their heads on overhead bins or other hard surfaces. In some cases, turbulence is strong enough to cause whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). FAA reports show that most turbulence accidents occur at or above 30,000 feet.

Liability for Passenger Injuries

Commercial airline safety standards are regulated by the federal government. Under the Federal Aviation Act, passenger airlines are held to a high standard of care to protect passengers from injury during flight. Although commercial airlines can not ensure passenger safety, they are responsible for negligent actions on the part of their employees.

An airline must exercise vigilance in all aspects of aviation including flight operation, maintenance, inspection, loading, and boarding. The airline is responsible for safe boarding of passengers, clear aisles to restrooms and exits, safe operation of the aircraft, and monitoring weather conditions while en route. An airline’s duty of care to passengers ends once the passengers disembark from the aircraft.

When in-flight injuries occur, passenger injury cases can be complicated without a personal injury law firm or trial lawyer to prove negligence on the part of the airline. An airline can not be held liable for passenger injuries if they result from unforeseen events not caused by human error or an act of God. If a personal injury lawyer can prove that negligent actions caused a passenger’s injury, the airline may be held liable for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the accident.

Share This Article

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

or fill out the Contact Form

As a partner with the firm since 2002, Kevin Yen manages the personal injury department and leads all investigations into nursing home neglect and abuse cases. Kevin has dedicated his life to personal injury matters and has represented thousands of clients and their families to recover damages for their losses. His clients have included family members who lost a loved one due to a tragic accident, injured children, construction workers injured while on the job site and a host of others.

Related Articles

Innovative Treatments for Car Accident Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accident

Innovative Treatments for Car Accident Injuries

As a personal injury attorney I have seen firsthand how car accidents can be life-changing. The journey to recovery is both physically and emotionally challenging. While I am here to help you fight for your rights, it is equally as important to me that you receive the best possible care. Today,

Motor Vehicle Accident

Your Guide to Co-Existing Safely on the Road

Whether you’re a driver, a cyclist, or both, you have a responsibility to act in accordance with laws that are meant to keep us all safe.  In Chicago, there’s an undeclared war between drivers and cyclists. Drivers are mad cyclists don’t stop at stop signs. Cyclists are mad drivers speed past

Personal Injury

About Personal Injury Lawsuits

You’ve probably heard the phrase “personal injury” and that Illinois law allows you to recover compensation for being injured. But do you understand your rights? Read on for the knowledge of how and when to help yourself, or a loved one, should injury occur. What constitutes an “injury”? Any harm

Get a FREE Consultation:
We want to earn your business.

    Lawyers logos
    Lawyers logos