What Happens if I Slip and Fall at the Airport?

Airports are well known for their large crowds and constant movement. The combination of fast-moving groups of people, easily-spilled drinks, and people rushing to make it to their gate on time create a perfect storm that could lead to a slip and fall accident.  

If you slip and fall at an airport, you can expect those that work there to file a report and call for emergency medical care if you need it. There are also important steps you need to take to ensure that your rights are protected should you choose to pursue an injury claim. A Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer could help you pursue your case for compensation.  

Things that occur after an airport slip and fall 

A number of things could happen at once following a fall in an airport. If your fall results in your injury, you should seek out medical care right away. Airports have first aid stations that can help, or you can call for emergency care if your injuries are severe.  

You can also expect airport personnel to prepare an incident report. This is true if the airport is privately owned or if it is owned by a municipality. This report will cover a brief explanation of your accident and list any factors present at the time of the accident. Depending on the airport, you might be asked to fill out the report yourself.  

You will also have a limited window of opportunity to take stock of how your fall occurred. In the moments following your fall, you should make an effort to collect what evidence you can. This starts with attempting to identify what caused you to fall. If possible, take photos of the scene of your accident and of the hazard. You should also obtain contact information for any independent witnesses that saw you fall. Their statements could be invaluable to your case.  

Common causes of slips, trips, and falls in an airport 

There are many different factors within an airport that could cause a fall to occur. In terminals and common areas, these falls could occur due to mopped floors that lack a wet floor sign.  

The fall hazards within airport restaurants could differ. In these situations, spilled food and drinks are the most likely culprit for a fall. Loose rugs or carpeting could also be a factor. When it comes to falling in the airplane, anything from trash, debris, or defective seats could cause you to fall.  

Responsibility for falls at the airport 

One of the challenging aspects of a slip and fall accident at an airport involves identifying the party responsible for your accident. This issue is compounded by the presence of multiple businesses within an airport. This means the party you pursue an injury claim against could differ depending on if you fall occurred within a public restroom within the terminal or inside a restaurant within the airport. 

There are additional questions if your fall occurred while on the airplane prior to takeoff. While you are still on airport property, your presence within the plane could result in a viable claim against the airline.  

In some cases, you might be entitled to file suit against multiple defendants. Every entity or individual that shares the responsibility for your fall could face liability for your injuries. Experienced slip & fall attorneys could advise you on the right defendants for your injury lawsuit.  

Discuss your airport fall accident with an attorney 

You have the right to pursue an injury claim following a fall at an airport. Contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at Ellis Injury Law to learn more.