Traveling by air is considered one of the fastest modes of transport, and there’s a safety attached to it. As valuable as it is, there are various risks of injury at the airport.
Knowing what to do in case you are involved in an accident at the airport calls for understanding specific authorities and stakeholders involved in the day-to-day running of the airport. This article explains common theories of liability, which would be helpful in understanding who should be held accountable for specific situations at the airport.
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Understanding Airport Liability
Operations in the airport require specific organizations and authorities to guide various functions and protocols. Knowing the responsible parties helps in conducting activities in a seamless manner.
There are various responsibilities associated with different parties at the airport. Below is an explanation of the parties and the various liabilities attached to them. These parties include:
Airport Operators and Owners: They are responsible for understanding the premises, putting the facilities in order, especially regarding maintenance, and following all the protocols required to prevent hazard issues or address them promptly in case they happen.
Airlines: The airline is considered liable if the injury occurs during boarding or disembarking. It could also have been caused by the staff.
Vendors and Contractors: Airports accommodate various businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and other vendors. They are responsible for the safety of their patrons.
Security Companies: Firms responsible for providing security are considered liable if your injury occurred as a result of a security deficiency or any related matter.
Common Theories of Liability
Understanding the legal theories relating to liability in airport injury cases helps in determining which party is responsible for your injury. Some of the theories include:
Negligence: This involves understanding and proving that a specific party is liable because they did not take reasonable care when your injury occurred. For example, there could be a spill on the floor of the airport. Due to delayed cleanup, you slip and fall, deeming the airport negligent.
Premises Liability: Premises liability highlights the responsibility of property owners to ensure their premises are safe for users and visitors. This includes ensuring their safety, cleanliness, and anything relating to the property that could harm the well-being of anyone present.
Product Liability: Various equipment and facilities are always in the airport, and the party responsible should ensure that there is no defective equipment by having the manufacturer or experts offer maintenance or provide guidelines on usage. This is to reduce the product liability if there is any defect in the equipment or facilities offered.
Vicarious Liability: Actions carried out by employees of airlines or airport authorities could make employers liable for their actions, which could lead to your injury.
Key Steps to Take After an Airport Injury
When you are involved in an injury in an airport, there’s a need to understand various key steps to take to deal with the difficult incident successfully. The following steps are crucial to protecting your rights and building a strong case:
- Report the Incident: Report to the airport authorities or relevant business owners in the airport, such as shops, restaurants, etc., immediately after an accident.
- Seek Medical Attention: It is essential to seek medical attention and evaluation, even if your injury seems minor.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, obtain witnesses by collecting their contact information, and keep all medical records and reports.
- Consult a Lawyer: Seek guidance by contacting a personal injury attorney who understands airport injury cases. The attorney can help evaluate your situation and offer guidance through the required process.
Case Study: O’Hare International Airport
To help understand how liability can be determined, considering O’Hare International Airport in Chicago would be necessary. O’Hare International Airport is regarded as one of the busiest airports in the world. Still, there is a high possibility for various types of injuries, ranging from slips to falls within the premises.
For instance, at O’Hare International Airport, the relevant airport authority will investigate whether the responsible airport authority maintains safe conditions, whether airline staff are involved, or whether the third-party vendors and contractors are accountable for your injury. If an injury occurs to you in a shop within the airport, the shop’s management will be investigated and scrutinized.
Relevant Safety Measures
According to the National Safety Council, slips, trips, and falls are common causes of injuries. These injuries can happen in public places, including airports. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers guidelines airports must follow to ensure safety. These guidelines include putting up proper signage for wet floors and immediately cleaning up spills within the premises.
Having a clear understanding of these common theories of liability helps you take appropriate steps after an injury at the airport, hold responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve.
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