Flying Safely: In-Flight Aviation Injuries

SBTravelTips

Air travel is one of the safest types of transportation.  But, on board, airplanes are cramped — fitting dozens of passengers in relatively small areas.  Because passengers and flight attendants need to move through very tight spaces, in-flight incidents occur from time to time, causing injuries.  Injuries during flights may also stem from defective equipment, weather, or human error.   The most common in-flight injuries are related to overhead bin luggage and service carts in the aisles, but burns from scalding liquids and slip and falls are also common.

Read on to learn how to avoid potential injuries during your flight.

Overhead Bins

Please use caution when opening the overhead bins as items may have shifted during the flight.”  You’ve heard the flight attendants announce it hundreds of times.  Passengers may grab their laptops or other items from the overhead bins during flights.  If another passenger isn’t careful and you are sitting in an aisle seat below the bin, you could be at risk of injury from falling baggage.  To avoid potential injuries from falling baggage, stay alert and keep children in the center or window seats.

Service Carts

Use caution when flight attendants are pushing the service carts through the aisles.  Many injuries occur each year when these heavy metal food carts ram into passenger’s ankles, knees and shoulders.

Hot Liquids

When flight attendants pour and serve coffee and tea on flights, they must exercise caution.  The possibility of a passenger or flight attendant knocking them while they are pouring can cause them to spill a scalding liquid on a passenger.  Quick, emergency attention is required for these types of burns.  Be alert when flight attendants are offering coffee and tea, and keep children away from aisles at that time.

Turbulence

It’s not uncommon to experience turbulence during air travel.  When the pilot turns on the “fasten seat belt” sign, take the warning seriously and head to your seat as quickly as possible.

Bathroom Breaks

Passengers are injured each year in slip and fall accidents while heading to the bathroom.  Take care when entering and moving around in the bathroom as floors may be wet.

Legal Claims

If you or a loved one suffered an injury during a flight, you could potentially have a legal claim against the airline, the manufacturer, crew members, or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA.)  These legal claims require an in-depth understanding of airline safety and FAA rules and regulations.  If you have questions about an injury on a flight, or travel and the law, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can answer them.

On behalf of the attorneys and staff at Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., we wish you and your loved ones safe travels and a wonderful spring break!

Goldman & Daszkal, P.A.

888-504-HURT (4878)

www.goldmandszkal.com