Liability of Commercial Airlines for the Injury or Wrongful Death of a Passenger
Atlanta Personal Injury Attorneys Address Liability of Commercial Airlines for the Injury or Wrongful Death of a Passenger
Many people are afraid of air travel even though aviation accidents are rare events. Nonetheless, crashes do not constitute the only way passengers are injured during a commercial flight. The media recently reported on multiple lawsuits against United Airlines. In one incident, the commercial airline quickly and quietly settled a lawsuit filed by a passenger when she was forcibly dragged off her plane in Chicago. Another lawsuit was reportedly filed by a passenger who suffered an injury during a rough landing. In this article, our Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers in Georgia examine the potential liability of a commercial airline for injuries suffered by passengers during a flight.
Because millions of people travel by air each year, injuries to passengers are inevitable. However, commercial airlines can be financially responsible for injuries to travelers when the negligence of airline employees cause injury to passengers. Commercial airlines owe passengers a higher standard of care than typical drivers of motor vehicles. The airlines are considered common carriers because they transport members of the public for an established fee. Common carriers are held to a more exacting standard of care because passengers entrust their safety to the care of the companies that provide transportation to the public. Since passengers have limited opportunity to ensure the safety of the vehicle or its operation, the common carrier principle enhances the duty commercial airlines owe their passengers.
While people typically associate airline injuries with crashes, many passengers suffer harm caused by other types of incidents. Examples of hazards that cause injury during flights include turbulence, falling objects, inadequately maintained walkways, and runaway drink carts. Although these types of injury risks might merit a personal injury claim, plaintiffs are not guaranteed financial compensation despite the heightened duty owed by commercial air carriers to their passengers.
Seasoned aviation accident lawyers have the experience and expertise to investigate injuries that occur on flights to identify negligent conduct that causes injury during air travel on a commercial airline. Turbulence can be an act of god that does not merit a legal claim, but even a fall because of turbulence might justify a personal injury settlement or verdict. The pilot might be aware of impending turbulence but fail to mitigate this risk by altering the plane's altitude or advising passengers to remain in their seat with the seatbelt fastened. Whether a passenger suffers injury because of negligent conduct by the ground crew, flight crew, or pilots, failure to exercise caution for the safety of passengers might justify a personal injury claim.
If you have been injured during a commercial air flight, our experienced Atlanta aviation accident injury attorneys diligently pursue the fullest recovery for our clients. Montlick and Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for over thirty years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/12/travel/united-passenger-pulled-off-flight/index.html
http://www.businessinsider.com/united-airlines-injure-10-people-turbulence-2017-6
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333
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