Injured on a Plane

Most of us want to travel at some point , whether it be for vacation or business people love to travel.

Getting to a destination however can be an experience on its own. Some places of interest or work can be reached by driving but for most of us it involves travel by air.

Flying can be a daunting experience and a long one depending on where you’re headed. Flights can take almost a day sometimes depending on the destination. In other cases like flights to Vegas from California are less than an hour. Californians spend less time getting to Vegas by plane than they do driving on the 405.

Plane travel has made getting distant places much more accessible and faster, but not without risks. Most people take it for granted these days since air travel has been around so long that no one remembers what it’s like not to have it.

Las Vegas as a city has grown substantially over the last decade and with that so has the airport’s sheer size as well as the daily flights in and out of Las Vegas. Like everything else when things get bigger there is more room for error. Airport and plane injuries have seen a steady increase over the years as airports become more crowded and more and more planes come in and out of Las Vegas everyday.

When people think of injuries associated with airplanes we mostly think of plane crashes with multiple fatalities, if anyone survives at all.

When these happen they are all over the news. These incidents are rare but devastating to the families who lost loved ones. However there is another side to air travel that most people don’t necessarily think about when getting on a plane. Those are the accidents and injuries that aren’t making the news, smaller more isolated incidents seem insignificant but can change a person’s travel experience and life. Plane accidents and injuries are happening at higher rates these days, but who is responsible for your injuries when you’re injured on a plane or at the airport?

If you were injured on a flight or at the airport you should speak with a legal expert who can help you determine if you can recover damages from your injuries and who is ultimately responsible when you’re injured while on a plane.

Traumatic experiences from flight injuries can be mentally triggering and even keep people from flying again.

If you’ve experienced an injury on a plane call The Richard Harris Law Firm today to set up a consultation.

We can walk you through what to expect if we can make your case.

We will let you know even if a claim is possible at your free consultation.

Plane Injury Lawyer

Plane accidents resulting in injury or death can be complex for many reasons, including who is at fault, the cause of the injury and the specific circumstances of the accident. Airlines have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for passengers, this isn’t always about plane crashes with mass casualties. This could be things like turbulence, serving bad food, faulty equipment, or even spending too much time on the tarmac. These examples are of negligence and if it can be proved that the airline or other party was negligent in their duty of care then they might be held liable for your injuries.

Since plane injuries are complex and you are asking a big corporation to admit their wrong and pay for your injuries it’s important to seek legal counsel. Regardless of where you flew from, if you landed in Nevada and were injured while traveling you should contact Nevada’s premier personal injury lawyers, The Richard Harris Law Firm for a free consultation appointment. No one wants to start their trip to Vegas with illness or injury while on your flight here but it unfortunately happens from time to time.

The Richard Harris Law Firm has over 40 years of experience going up against big corporations including big airline companies and manufacturers. Our team of experts has recovered over a Billion Dollars for our clients over the years. We will negotiate to get you the best possible settlement for your specific case. If we can’t negotiate a proper settlement then we will be ready to go to trial. We work on a contingency basis so we take no payment up front and only get paid when we win your case.

Getting injured on a plane can be a traumatic and life altering experience, you need someone on your side to fight against big corporations. Our team can be your voice and advocate while you concentrate on recovering, call today for a consultation appointment.

Common plane injuries

 Since most people think of fatal plane crashes as the most commonly known injuries that occur on planes, let us dispel this myth. Beyond fatal crashes the most common plane related injuries include:

1. Bone breaks or fractures-These are usually to the lower extremities like the legs due to the sitting position we are in while in the plane.

2. Spinal Injuries-For example like herniated disks, whiplash or even paralysis can be caused by fast drop from one altitude to a lower altitude rapidly.

3. Head injuries-These can be the reason for fatal injuries in a plane crash but also the reason for severe injuries when surviving an incident on a plane. Rough turbulence can be the cause of a head injury like a concussion or brain swelling.

4. Burns-Burns from spilled hot liquids are one common balance injury but electrical burns are common when there is extreme turbulence or a crash with survivors.

5. Injuries caused by objects-Being struck by a loose or falling object are common during extreme turbulence or shift in altitude. Objects can strike a person or even impale them causing bruises or even death.

6. Trip and Falls-These are common when moving about the plane and other passengers don’t have their luggage stowed properly, or you’re moving around the plane during extreme turbulence.

7. Mental Health Issues-These are common after a traumatic event including injuries are accidents while on a plane. Even being stuck on the tarmac for a long time causes someone to have an anxiety attack.

What should I do if I’m injured while on a plane?

If you are injured while traveling by plane you should do the following:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Assistance- while on the plane you should notify the flight crew immediately, they have been trained to handle first aid and can assist you. First aid kits are available on all flights. If the injury is severe they can divert the plane to the nearest airport where medical personnel will assist you upon landing. Once you have landed safely seek medical assistance regardless of how severe your injury is. Medical personnel can even meet you at the gate.

2. Report the injury by notifying the flight crew on the plane. Ask for the paperwork you need to file a report with the airline either while on the flight or with the airline desk at the airport. Airlines are required to keep reports and respond within 60 days.

3. Document everything including the time and date of the injury, the flight you were on and any other information related to the injury. Take photos and video of the injury and the surrounding area where the injury occurred.

4. Understand your rights and options-Never sign anything without speaking with a legal expert. The airline and its insurance company may try and offer you a lowball offer to close the case and settle quickly. Never give statements without a legal representative with you. Keep all records and receipts from any treatments you had related to your injury for your lawyer.

5. Follow up-Contact the airlines customer service or legal department formally. Provide any documentation like the incident report and medical records. You should do this with a legal representative and continue to follow up and keep up to date on the case.

6. Understand your time limits-In Nevada the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. Failing to file a claim in that timeframe will result in not being able to get the settlement you deserve.

Following these steps can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after your plane injury. Not all plane accidents and injuries result in fatal plane crashes with significant death. Many plane accidents are caused by everyday occurrences that no one saw coming. You need to be your own advocate when facing injury while flying.

Domestic or International

The laws and requirements of airlines and procedures are different depending on whether the flight was domestic or international. Airlines are required to follow specific procedures after an accident or crash, including providing toll-free numbers for family members and offering transportation to the accident site. All these procedures may be different if the flight was international or domestic. You’ll also need your attorney to look into where the airline is based as a company as this could also affect any claim or the outcome of a claim.

The bottom line is that not all plane related injuries are fatal crashes, they can come about for a variety of reasons including turbulence or even being served bad food. Fatal crashes are rare but when they happen they can be devastating to many families and loved ones. Either way the best advice is to call a lawyer who specializes in aviation cases who can help you navigate the complex case of injuries or death while on a plane. Call The Richard Harris Law Firm today for a free consultation.