Stephen Hasner | Personal Injury | May 22, 2024
Navigating a busy airport can sometimes lead to unexpected injuries. If you find yourself injured at an airport in Georgia, determining who is legally responsible is essential in seeking compensation for damages. Airports are complex spaces where multiple entities operate simultaneously, which can complicate liability issues. Seek the legal guidance of an experienced Atlanta airport injury attorney at Hasner Law to understand your legal rights and options.
From airline companies and airport operators to maintenance crews and other service providers, knowing the interplay between these entities and their legal obligations is vital for victims looking to obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Whether a slip and fall, a malfunctioning escalator, or even by the airline staff caused your injury, the attorneys of Hasner Law will guide you through the legal process.
Who May Be Liable if You Were Injured at an Airport in Georgia?
Airports are hubs where multiple parties are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for travelers. If you suffer an injury at an airport in Georgia, several entities may be liable, depending on the circumstances of your accident. Understanding the potential sources of liability can help you and your attorney determine who to hold accountable.
The following are some of the parties that could be liable for injuries sustained at an airport:
Airport Operators
Airport authorities are responsible for the overall maintenance and safety of the airport facilities. If your injury was caused by hazardous conditions on the property, such as a wet floor, poor lighting, or uneven walkways, the airport operator may be responsible for failing to maintain a safe environment or for not providing adequate warnings about potential dangers.
Airlines
Airlines can be held liable for incidents which occur during boarding, disembarking, or while on the aircraft. This includes injuries from luggage falling from overhead bins, accidents during the boarding process, or injuries caused by the airline staff. Airlines are responsible for the actions of their employees and the safety of the environments they control.
Maintenance and Cleaning Companies
Many airports contract third-party companies for maintenance and cleaning services. If an injury is caused by the negligence of these companies, such as failing to clean up spills or improperly maintaining walkways or escalators, these companies can be held liable.
Retail Stores and Restaurants
Commercial outlets within the airport, like shops and eateries, are responsible for keeping their premises safe for customers. If a slip and fall or other injury occurs within their leased space due to negligence, the business owner can be liable.
Security Personnel
If an injury results from an interaction with airport security or if security fails to manage a dangerous situation adequately, the security company (or the airport authority if security is in-house) could be held liable.
Other Passengers
There are instances where other passengers can create hazardous situations that lead to injuries, such as leaving luggage in walkways or other negligent behaviors. While less common, it is possible to pursue claims against individuals if their direct actions caused your injury.
Government Entities
In some cases, particularly at airports operated by government entities, specific rules and immunities could apply. Suing a government body involves distinct procedures, such as filing a notice of claim.
Establishing liability in an airport injury case often requires an in-depth investigation into the incident. Gathering evidence, such as surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and maintenance records, can be crucial. Since airports are governed by a mix of local, state, and federal regulations, understanding these layers and how they apply is critical for building a strong case.
Types of Recoverable Damages in an Airport Accident Claim
When an accident occurs at an airport, the types of recoverable damages available to the injured party can be substantial, given the potential for serious injuries and significant disruptions to personal and professional life.
The following are the typical categories of damages that may be recovered in an airport accident claim:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all medical costs related to the injury, both immediate and long-term. It includes emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical treatments required as a result of the accident.
- Lost Wages: If injuries impact your ability to work, you may claim compensation for lost wages. This also extends to loss of earning capacity if the injury results in an inability to perform the same work as before, thereby affecting your future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages are used to compensate for the physical pain suffered due to the injury. This category acknowledges that the impact of an injury is not just financial but also physical and psychological.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, sports, and other recreational activities that were part of your life before the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
- Emotional Distress: Separate from pain and suffering, emotional distress damages compensate for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and sleep loss resulting from the accident.
- Property Damage: If personal property, such as luggage or electronic devices, was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you can claim the costs of repairs or replacement.
To ensure that all potential damages are properly assessed and pursued, it is advisable to work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. We negotiate with insurance entities and represent your interests in court if necessary.
Can You Qualify for Workers’ Compensation if You Are Traveling for Work?
If you’re injured at an airport while traveling for work, you may wonder if you can qualify for workers’ compensation. The key facet is whether the injury occurred during an activity related to your employment.
Employment-Related Travel
If your travel was authorized and required by your employer, injuries sustained during the course of this travel typically fall under workers’ compensation coverage. This includes any part of the journey that is a necessary component of the travel, such as navigating through the airport to catch a work-related flight.
Course and Scope of Employment
For injuries to be compensable under workers’ compensation, it must occur in the “course and scope” of your employment. This legal concept includes all activities reasonably necessary to carry out your work-related duties. If, for example, you were injured while rushing to a business meeting from the airport, this would likely be considered within the scope of your employment.
It’s important to note that personal deviations—such as detouring for sightseeing or personal shopping—are generally not covered under workers’ compensation. The distinction here hinges on whether the activity at the time of the injury was directly related to your job duties or was a personal choice.
To strengthen your claim, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention promptly. Documentation supports your claim and also establishes a clear link between the injury and your employment-related travel.
Given the complexities involved in such cases, consulting with a workers’ compensation Hasner attorney provides clarity and guidance. We can help determine the viability of your claim and fight to secure the benefits you deserve under workers’ compensation laws.
Speak With the Airport Injury Attorneys at Hasner Law Today
If you were injured in an airport accident, seek the guidance of the skilled Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Hasner Law, who have focused knowledge in handling such cases. We can help navigate the complexities of your claim, deal with multiple liable parties, and ensure you obtain compensation for your losses.
Contact us today at (678) 888-4878 or fill out a contact form to discuss your case and learn how we can support you in securing the compensation needed to cover your recovery and losses.
