What Happens If I Slip and Fall at the Airport?
New York City airports are among the busiest in the world and slip and fall injuries are frequent. After a fall, report, and document it, seek immediate medical attention and obtain advice from an attorney.
Proving airport liability is complicated, so your legal representation should have a good track record in this type of premises liability case. You also need to have a lawyer involved so that evidence, such as airport surveillance video, is not lost. This can be important to prove that the airport was negligent.
The experienced New York City slip and fall lawyers at Douglas & London can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our dedicated attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients.
Call our experienced slip and fall attorneys for a free consultation!
Airport Slip and Fall Causes
JFK International and LaGuardia are huge. A slip and fall can happen anywhere, from restaurants and hotels to the parking lot.
Common airport slip and fall accident causes include:
- Slippery floors
- Inadequate lighting
- Loose carpeting or tiles
- Uneven pavement
- Debris in walkways
- Poor maintenance
- Lack of handrails
Tripping hazards are common in boarding areas and on planes. The jet bridges connecting the terminal to the aircraft, with their uneven footing, are particularly hazardous. Escalators, rolling board staircases, and faulty baggage carousels are other frequent sources of injury.
Airport slip and fall accidents do not have to happen at the airport itself. Injuries, for example, occurring on the AirTrain JFK, which connects the airport with the Long Island Railroad, are also considered airport accidents for premises liability.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
If you slip and fall at an airport, notify security at once and have them document the incident. Airport security should also notify medical personnel. Make sure to undergo a medical examination right away, either at an emergency room or urgent care center.
Take videos of the scene and your injuries. If there were eyewitnesses, try to get their contact information.
Slip and Fall Injuries
These may include:
- Facial and dental injuries
- Fractures
- Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injury
Afterward, an individual may find themselves unable to work and participate in normal activities. Some people may find themselves permanently disabled.
Slip and Fall Damages
Damages, or compensation, in a New York airport accident claim may include:
- Medical expenses, current, and future
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
Keep consistent and accurate records of all accident-related costs. These could include transportation to doctor’s appointments, as well as the cost of hiring someone to care for you or your family during your recuperation.
Statute of Limitations
In most slip and fall cases, the injured party has three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. When a government entity is involved, the statute of limitations is much shorter. Both JFK and LaGuardia airports fall under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The injured person must file a notice of claim within 60 days and must file a lawsuit within one year.
That is another reason why time is of the essence in seeking a skilled personal injury lawyer.
Determining Liability for Airport Slip and Fall Accidents
Often, airport management is not the only entity liable for the slip and fall. Other parties may bear responsibility, such as those operating the business at which the fall occurred, maintenance contractors, and construction companies.
An attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the slip and fall accident to identify all responsible parties.
Injured in a slip and fall accident? Tap to call for a FREE consultation!
Contact us today for a free consultation
If you were seriously injured at the airport, contact the New York City personal injury lawyers at Douglas & London. We offer free consultations, so submit our online form or call or text us 24/7 to schedule an appointment.
After evaluating your claim, we let you know your options. Since we work on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless we win. Hablamos Español.
