Airports are busy places that have many people rushing to catch flights, and there are various airport employees as well. Airport employees work for many different companies, and that can create problems for people who slip and fall at an airport.
Airports are not like many other places where someone might slip and fall. For example, at a restaurant, if someone slips and falls because of a spilled drink, the restaurant is likely liable. Airport slip and fall accident cases are more complex because there are many possible liable parties.
When a person slips and falls at the airport, they need to determine the negligent party. This is vital to the victim’s ability to recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Without a thorough investigation, they may not be able to determine who acted negligently and may be left to pay their medical expenses on their own. Listed below are possible liable parties in airport slip and fall cases.
Vendor
Vendors commonly rent spaces at airports to attract customers. Common airport vendors include restaurants and stores. When a person enters the store, they expect the floor to be properly maintained and clear of any hazards. If they slip and fall while in the store or restaurant, the vendor may be responsible for any injuries.
Cleaning Company
Airports and the vendors who rent spaces in the airport often use third-party cleaning companies to keep the airport and vendor spaces clean. If a cleaning company does not clean an area well or leaves cleaning supplies in a common walkway, they could be held liable if anyone slips and falls.
Airport Authority
In some cases, the airport authority might be liable for any injuries suffered when a person slips and falls anywhere on the property. If the airport has received numerous complaints about a vendor and they do not take action, the airport authority could be liable. If a person slips on a slick sidewalk, the airport authority may be liable for failing to keep the sidewalks clean and safe.
How is Negligence Proven?
In order to be able to collect compensation for any slip and fall injuries, a person must prove that another person or company acted negligently. Since airports have many potential sources of liability, this could present unique challenges for an injured person. Only when all of these elements are proven can a person be able to recover compensation:
- · Duty of care: When a person slips and falls at an airport, they must prove that another person or company owed them a duty of care. For example, if someone walks into an airport vendor store that sells magazines, drinks, and other commonly needed items, they expect that they will be able to maneuver around the store and slip on anything. This is the store owner’s duty of care to customers. The store owner must keep the property safe and free of all known or expected hazards.
- · Breach of duty of care: If a person slips and falls on a spilled bottle of water in an airport vendor store, the store employees and owner may have failed in their duty of care to keep the store free of hazards. Breaching this duty could occur if an employee does not clean up the spill in a reasonable amount of time or does not place a wet floor sign out to warn customers.
- · Proximate cause: Negligence must be proven to be the proximate cause of harm. Slipping and falling on a spilled bottle of water in a store and suffering a broken bone could be proof that the negligence caused the injury.
- · Damages: Any person who can prove a duty, a breach of that duty, and negligence, must finally prove that they have suffered actual damages. If a person slipped and fell on a spilled bottle of water resulting in a broken bone, they would have medical bills that would constitute damages.
What are Common Causes of Airport Slip and Fall Accidents?
There are countless reasons a person could slip and fall at an airport. The most common include:
- Wet floors
- Loose wires and cords
- Loose flooring
- Uneven pavement
- Debris
- Lack of handrails
- Poor maintenance
Airports are full of potential hazards. Many people find that they just want to get out of the situation as quickly as possible after a fall because they feel embarrassed. However, a slip and fall accident can cause serious bodily harm, and it should be taken seriously.
What are Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
The most common slip and fall injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
Some of these injuries can leave people out of work and unable to participate in daily life activities. When this happens because of someone else’s negligence, it becomes even more frustrating. A skilled lawyer can help a slip and fall accident victim pursue a legal case.
Mount Laurel Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of David S. Rochman Determine Liability in Airport Slip and Fall Accident Cases
It is not always easy to figure out who caused a slip and fall accident, and it can get even more complicated if the incident happened at an airport. The Mount Laurel slip and fall accident lawyers at the Law Office of David S. Rochman can help you by investigating your accident and determining who is responsible. Call us at 856-751-2345 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.