When traveling in an airport, there is a hustle and bustle of people from all over the world, from different steps in life, with all the same priority to get from Point A to Point B. That being said, with the rush of travelers, and the abundance in heavy objects such as luggage, injuries happen often. Unfortunately, this is the last thing someone wants to encounter when awaiting to go on vacation or traveling for business, and often is not at the fault of the person.
Common Airport Injuries
According to a UK study, the six most common airport injuries sustained include:
- Back Pain: which can be associated with long periods of standing, being hit or nudged with luggage, or other travelers.
- Bruises: most often a result of wronful luggage handling
- Broken Toe(s): heavy luggage, escalators and ramps remain the main culprits
- Cut and Grazes: can happen in a variety of ways, much like bruises and broken toes.
- Pulled Muscles: over straining with heavy objects, bending and lifting, sitting in uncomfortable seating, managing oneself in tight quarters such as airport washrooms, etc.
- Twisted/ Sprained Ankles: sustained from running to catch a plain, or being nudged / pushed by other travelers.
Serious Injury
If you succumbed to a serious injury such as head trauma, or a foot/leg injury that is preventing you from being able to walk, it is very important that you seek medical attention immediately at the airport. Airport security should be notified and airport personal should contact the airport medic. Most major trauma victims should not be moved from where they are until EMS have arrived and can safely assess and move the victim.
If you have been exposed to a spill, toxic waste, chemicals or an electric shock, it is the airports responsibility to caution all other travelers to avoid the area and make note with caution signs of the potential danger.
Caution is Required When Traveling
Many travelers have reported being hurt at the airport in one way or another, but often it is at the fault of luggage. Some travelers are not well accustomed to handling heavy objects or luggage and often do not practice the proper caution and use for their own and others safety. Luggage falling on legs and feet is common in airports, and tripping over luggage happens often. Straps of luggage, backpacks and bags should be tucked away to help clear walkways and avoid people’s feet from getting caught. Many travelers can recall being nudged or even having their feet run over by luggage being handled by unaware travelers. Practicing caution helps you avoid injury, as well as injuring others.
It is important you give yourself adequate time to check in at the airport, go through security, and reach the terminal and gate from which your plane is departing. Slips and falls from rushing around the airport accounts for many injuries as well; often falls occur when someone is rushing to their gate or has been hit, nudged, or pushed by another traveler. Keeping your health and safety in mind, be aware of your surroundings and other traveler’s luggage as well. Make sure to adhere to all safety and caution signs, and have an eye on your luggage at all times.
Construction / Renovations
Construction sites and renovations within the airport expose travellers to further risks of injury, such as fallen debris, areas more prone to slips and falls, and even electrical shock. Airports often have a certain amount of construction or renovations going on during all hours of the day and night. It is important you keep aware of any areas that are deemed unsafe for travelers, and keep away from tampering with any caution signs. Many airports, terminals and tarmacs use pylons to help direct passengers, airplanes and cars. Caution tape is used to make travelers aware of restricted areas as well as potential dangers. It is both the workers and the airports responsbility to make sure that public areas and areas in use by travelers are safe. If you have succumbed to an injury in an airport construction or airport renovation zone, speak with a disability claims lawyer as soon as possible. Identifying those who are responsible for your injuries can be more complicated in these situations, and it is important that you properly navigate your case while seeking the proper medical attention and leave for your injuries.
Liability & Responsibility
Most people who suffer from injuries in an airport are not quite sure as to who is responsible for unruly crowds trying to be the first in line at security check points, or for the slippery floor caused by a traveler’s spilled water bottle; injuries happen at the fault of other travelers all the time, but it is the airport manager’s duty to make sure that the premise is safe and sanitary. Safety and sanitation in airports should be maintained at a top priority at all times. One must consider that there are some individuals who have never traveled before, or who are sleep deprived from long waits and long haul flights. A sense of unawareness may lead to injury, but premises should be maintained and staffed to avoid such.
If you suffering from an injury while traveling within an aiport outside of Canada, you can still pursue an injury claim and seek compensation once back in Canada. A well trained personal injury lawyer will be able to pursue a liability claim locally for victims of injuries sustained while traveling abroad. It is important that you work with a personal injury attorney who has a thorough understanding of travel laws and responsibilities, as well as someone who can properly assist you in planning for your recovery as well as thoroughly examine your case to identify who is responsible and at fault for your injury and loss while traveling.
Contacting a Lawyer
It is important to contact a injury lawyer / disability lawyer as soon as possible after sustaining an injury in an airport. Whether it was an accident, or assault from a pushy traveler, your health and safety is a priority and is the responsibility of the airport- they are held liable. By obtaining a lawyer who specializes in short-term disability and long-term disability, you will have access vital information and legal insight that will aid in making your case successful. After sustaining an injury in an airport, you should not have to worry about how you will be treated by your insurance company or the stress and consuming aspects of an insurance claim. A disability insurance lawyer will gather all the needed information, speak with your insurance company on your behalf, and make sure you are financially and medically sound during this time.
It remains pivotal to your case that you do not speak or meet with any airport represenative or insurance provider before speaking with a disability claims lawyer. You do not want to engage in a conversation that can damage your claim or further elongate the legal process. Having a legal witness in all conversations should be something you are aware of at all times.
Contact Us Today
A personal injury lawyer aid in helping you navigate your claim and is there to deal with a defendant’s insurance (such as the airport), which is often in pursuit of not having to compensate you for the physical, emotional, psychological and financial losses you have sustained. Having an in depth knowledge of your legal rights, and the laws governing an airport, a long-term disability lawyer is able to defend any disability claim you may have. By obtaining an injury lawyer, you can put aside the more stressful and demanding aspects of your claim/case, and focus on healing.
If you have received a denied insurance claim after seeking short-term disability, long-term disability, and/or worker’s compensation (such as WSIB), a disability insurance lawyer can help you appeal these decisions. Having a personal injury attorney further the conversations with your insurance provider can lead to quicker results and the proper compensation you are entitled to. Furthermore, if you do not feel you are being granted the required time off from your employer, or the needed financial support to sustain your living and medical costs after sustaining an injury in an airport, speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
TSF Law is a high-esteemed law firm that has dealt with airport injury and construction injury related cases throughout Ontario. Our team works in a sensitive and client-focused manner, as well as are assertive in being ready to assist you in your case. If you are unable to meet with our team at our primary office in Toronto, our team will come to you. We make our clients a first priority and try and facilitate in making the claims process , as well as any time needed in court, as stress-free and quick as possible. Contact TSF Law today to schedule a free consultation; we are always there for you.
