Injured at an Airport or on an Airline? Don’t Settle for a Free Flight Without Knowing Your Options
When people think about airline injuries, they usually think about plane crashes. But you can be seriously injured at an airport or during a flight without anything happening to the aircraft itself.
A bag can fall from an overhead compartment. You could be injured during severe turbulence, slip on an unsafe surface, get hurt while boarding or exiting the aircraft, or be injured by airport or airline equipment.
Whatever happened, don't assume a voucher, airline miles, or a free flight automatically makes things right.
The Airline May Offer You Something Quickly
After an incident, an airline may offer travel credits, miles, a refund, or another form of compensation.
That might sound reasonable at first—especially when you're stressed, traveling, and just want the situation handled. But if you've actually been injured, don't rush into accepting or signing anything before you understand what you're agreeing to.
Your injury could eventually involve medical bills, follow-up treatment, missed work, rehabilitation, or other expenses that aren't obvious while you're still standing in the airport.
A free flight isn't necessarily the same thing as compensation for an injury.
Report the Incident Before You Leave
If you're injured at an airport or on an airline, ask to speak with a supervisor or appropriate airline/airport representative and request that an incident report be created. Get the report number or information about how to obtain a copy.
Depending on what happened, you may also want to report the incident to the appropriate airport law-enforcement agency so there is an additional official record.
Don't rely solely on someone saying, “Don't worry, we documented it.”
Ask questions. Get names. Write down times. Save your flight number, boarding pass, reservation information, baggage information, and any communication you receive.
Get Medical Attention
If you're hurt, don't wait until you get home just because you're worried about missing your flight.
Airports generally have procedures for requesting emergency medical assistance. Ask airport or airline personnel to call for medical help when needed.
If you don't require emergency transportation but you're experiencing pain or other symptoms, consider getting evaluated at an urgent care, emergency department, or other appropriate medical facility.
Most importantly, don't minimize an injury because you're traveling.
Document EVERYTHING
Take pictures and videos of where the accident happened if you're physically able to do so safely.
If a broken seat, wet floor, overhead luggage, boarding equipment, escalator, shuttle, wheelchair, jet bridge, or something else contributed to your injury, document it.
Get witness names and phone numbers. Save your medical records, prescriptions, receipts, airline communications, photographs, incident information, and documentation of any work or activities you miss because of the injury.
Also write down exactly what happened while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Make Sure You're Talking to the Right Kind of Attorney
Not every attorney handles personal injury cases—and even among personal injury attorneys, experience with your particular type of accident can vary.
If you've suffered a significant injury involving an airline or airport, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney familiar with the type of incident involved before agreeing to a settlement or signing documents that could affect your rights.
That's also where Accident Advocate Network can help.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
Accident Advocate Network provides FREE support and guidance for accident victims in Houston and throughout Texas.
We help you understand general next steps, avoid costly mistakes, document what happened, stay organized, and understand the dos and don'ts after an accident.
If you decide you need legal representation, we can provide options from our network of vetted personal injury attorneys so YOU can choose the attorney who is right for your situation.
And our support doesn't stop there. We provide ongoing check-ins, communication support, appointment reminders, and follow-ups so you stay informed and supported throughout the process.
Accident Advocate Network is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
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