Your Rights When Aviation Injuries are NOT Related to an Airplane Crash
Many air travelers take comfort in the fact that flying is one of the safest forms of transportation available. Lifetime odds of dying in a crash being so small that researchers are unable to come up with an exact figure. However, estimates reported by the National Safety Council (NSC) do provide some insight. There are around 450 fatalities resulting from approximately 1,300 accidents involving civilian aircraft annually, including general aviation and commercial airlines. Many other victims suffer injuries, but even these numbers are so low that airline travel remains far safer than driving.
What is concerning about airline transportation is that many victims suffer injuries in accidents that are completely unrelated to a plane crash. Various forms of negligence can impact your trip even before boarding, and you do have rights if you were hurt. An Alaska aviation accidents lawyer can explain your remedies, but an overview of non-crash airplane injuries may also be helpful.
Common Non-Crash Accidents Involving Air Travel
The facilities and equipment necessary to support airline transportation are massive and potentially dangerous. Negligence in maintaining these components can lead to accidents, and other misconduct by aviation employees may lead to:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Passengers may stumble along ramps or jetways when boarding or leaving a plane, especially when debris, loose flooring, luggage, and slippery surfaces clutter the corridor.
- Equipment Failure: Elevators, escalators, and moving walkways in the airport terminal can cause injuries to passengers when crews do not properly maintain, inspect, and make repairs. You could even be hurt when taking a seat in the lounge, using the restroom, or grabbing your luggage from the baggage area.
- Injuries from Falling Items: You may take proper precautions when securing your luggage in the overhead bins, but not all passengers are as careful. Still, it is the duty of flight attendants and other crew members to cross-check and ensure that all bins are latched. During takeoff, landing, or periods of turbulence, overhead bins can open and send heavy bags onto the heads of passengers below.
What to Know About Seeking Compensation from the Airline
In a sense, the rights of victims are more clear-cut in a crash. Fault is usually not in dispute, and there are industry rules, international treaties, and conventions that cover them. Other types of aviation accidents can be complicated. Your own misconduct as a passenger may contribute to your injuries, which lead to a reduction in compensation. Plus, injuries might be linked to different aspects of air travel, including the terminal, executive lounge, boarding, baggage, or food service. There may be multiple parties to pursue for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Speak to Our Alaska Aviation Accident Attorneys About Your Options
Airplane crashes tend to earn headlines in the news, but there are many other hazards involved with air travel in the presence of negligence. For more information on your legal remedies, contact Power & Power Law in Anchorage, Alaska. We can set up a no-cost case evaluation to review your situation and get started on a strategy for recovering compensation.