Can You Sue an Airport for Falling?

You may sue an airport for falling if you suffered injuries and have resulting expenses and losses. When a fall occurs, it is generally because of a preventable hazard. The property owner or another entity in charge of maintaining the property has an obligation to keep the area free from hazards.

Your Florida slip and fall accident lawyer knows how to document the hazard, show the other party knew or should have known about it, and demand fair compensation for you. Most injury law firms provide free consultations. You can learn more about your options today.

Who Is Liable for a Fall in an Airport?

When you decide to pursue a case, your personal injury lawyer will help you identify the liable party or parties. Generally, the airport authority, the operator of a shop, or an airline will be responsible for a slip or trip in the airport. It depends on the circumstances and where you fell.

Many types of hazards can occur on airport walkways, waiting areas, stores, jet bridges, and other areas. They could include:

• Spills
• Slick floors from improper cleaning
• Water leaks
• Rolled rugs or mats
• Loose carpets
• Uneven pavement or floors
• Broken handrails
• Debris
• Other items in the walkway

Generally, the airport management is liable when the fall occurs before or during security, between gates, in the food court, in a waiting area, or in a bathroom. An individual newsstand, store, or restaurant operator might be liable if a fall occurs inside their business. If the injuries occur on a plane or because of an airline employee, the airline might be liable.

Does It Matter Who Owns or Operates the Airport?

Government agencies operate some airports. There could be different rules that apply in these cases. Some states have special processes and deadlines that apply when suing a municipal or state agency. Other states limit your financial recovery when the defendant is a government agency.

Your attorney can determine if there are any necessary considerations in your case because of this or if the airport authority is an independent entity. They will understand and explain how this could affect your case and potential payout.

Because you might have less time to act when the responsible party is a public entity, it is a good idea to connect with an airport fall attorney as soon as your injuries allow.

Recoverable Damages in an Airport Fall Case

The money you may recover in an airport fall claim or lawsuit will depend on the expenses and losses you incurred due to your injuries. Each case is unique and depends on the costs the victim experienced. The recoverable damages could include:

• Current and future medical bills
• Ongoing care and support expenses for long-term injuries
• Income lost while out of work
• Reduced ability to work and earn for lasting injuries
• Related expenses with receipts
• Pain and suffering damages

While many falls cause minor or moderate injuries, fatal falls can and do happen. If your loved one died from airport fall injuries, their personal representative (estate executor) can file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek fair damages for surviving family members.

Do I Need an Attorney to Demand Compensation for My Airport Fall?

While many people negotiate insurance payout on their own, you do not want to try to sue an airport without a slip and fall attorney who understands how to navigate the process and handle these cases. Suing an airport authority will require knowledge, experience, and resources you likely do not have. In addition, your focus should be on healing and rehabilitation. Let an attorney take care of the rest.

When you hire a lawyer to manage your case, they will handle everything from start to finish, including:

• Assessing your options
• Investigating the fall
• Identifying the hazard
• Showing the liable party was aware or should have been aware of the hazard
• Developing a plan to hold the at-fault party accountable
• Demanding fair compensation and negotiating for a settlement
• Suing the liable party if necessary
• Preparing for trial and fighting for a verdict
• Representing your best interests throughout this process

These lawyers generally work based on contingency fees. You should not need to pay anything to get an attorney to begin your airport fall case. Their attorney’s fees typically come from the money they recover for you.

How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Fair Payout in My Case?

Generally, Florida gives personal injury victims up to two years to sue in civil court. This deadline, set in Florida Statutes § 95.11, recently dropped dramatically when lawmakers passed HB 837/SB236.

Exceptions exist that could give you more or less time than allowed under this law. Your unique case circumstances could affect the timeline of your case. You may need to notify a government agency of your intention to pursue damages well in advance of this deadline, for example.

The best option to protect your rights and not jeopardize your chance to recover fair compensation is to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your fall. They can assess your case, determine the applicable timeline, and answer any other questions you have about your claim.

Start Your Case With a Slip and Fall Lawyer at No Upfront Cost Today

At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we provide free case consultations for fall injury victims. We handle these cases from start to finish, with every client working directly with our partners, Jason and Debi. When you choose to work with our team, you can expect personal attention, honest communication, and our family fighting for your family.

Since founding the firm in 2003, we have helped multiple clients in Florida win seven-figure settlements and judgment awards. We can assess your case and explain how we can help. Contact us today to get started.