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From turbulence injuries and falling overhead bins to scalding beverages and jetway falls, airline injuries happen regularly, and airlines routinely deny or minimize claims. L&F Brown handles in-flight and airport injury claims against domestic and international carriers.
Attorney of the Year — California Lawyers Association No fee until we winFor international flights, the Montreal Convention holds airlines strictly liable for passenger injuries up to ~128,821 SDR without requiring proof of negligence. Above that threshold, airlines must prove they took all reasonable measures to avoid the harm.
For domestic flights, airlines are common carriers under California law and owe passengers the highest degree of care. This elevated duty makes it easier to establish negligence when crew conduct or aircraft condition causes injury.
Montreal Convention claims must be filed within 2 years of arrival or the date transportation stopped. Domestic injury claims are generally governed by California's 2-year statute. Early action preserves evidence and protects your deadline.
Airlines complete internal incident reports within hours of any in-flight injury. These reports are powerful discovery documents, but airlines can characterize events favorably to themselves. Having legal counsel early ensures a competing record.
Not every airline injury involves a crash. Routine in-flight incidents cause serious harm, and airlines are legally responsible when their crew or equipment falls short.
Unsecured passengers thrown against cabin ceilings, armrests, or overhead bins during unexpected severe turbulence, when warnings were inadequate or crew failed to secure the cabin.
Heavy bags falling from overhead bins injure passengers regularly. Airlines have a duty to ensure bins are secured and crew-loaded items are safe.
Hot beverages served at unsafe temperatures, spills caused by turbulence, or service negligence can cause serious burn injuries.
Slippery jetways, defective boarding bridges, and crowded gate areas are common sites for falls and crush injuries.
Wet floors in galley areas, near lavatories, and in the aisle during service, inadequate hazard management by crew.
Airlines have a duty to provide reasonable medical assistance to passengers experiencing in-flight emergencies. Failures to respond appropriately can give rise to claims.
Your actions on the aircraft and in the airport immediately following an injury are critical. Airlines begin their own documentation immediately.
Ask crew to complete an incident report before deplaning. Request a copy. This is critical evidence.
Many airports have medical facilities. A contemporaneous medical record links your injury to the flight.
Photograph your injury, the object that caused it, and the location on the aircraft. Get witness names and contact information.
You will need proof of the specific flight, seat assignment, and aircraft type.
Airlines have claims representatives who are trained to minimize payouts. Having an attorney ensures your claim is properly valued.
Injured on a Flight?
Free consultation · Pay nothing unless we win · 6,000+ cases handled
Airlines want you to think that in-flight injuries are just 'one of those things.' They're not. When crew didn't warn you about turbulence, when a bin was overpacked, when the jetway was wet and unmarked, that's negligence, and you're entitled to compensation.
Not only was Arya easy to communicate with, incredibly intelligent with how he planned to achieve the goals, but he was also very warm and caring. I really enjoyed working with Arya. Warm, ethical, and intelligent is a great combo!
I cannot recommend L&F Brown highly enough. From the start of my case they were professional, talked me through the process and genuinely cared about my situation and concerns. My case went far longer than any of us expected, and I was ready to just accept the first settlement, but Arya and Curt fought to get me what I was entitled to. All in all, they went above and beyond at every step and I felt supported throughout my experience with them.
My husband was involved in a car accident back in February, and now that everything has been resolved, I just wanted to say how grateful we are for this amazing team. Everyone was incredibly kind, organized, and easy to communicate with. They always kept us updated, answered every question we had, and made sure we understood what was happening every step of the way. Having someone we could trust took so much stress off our shoulders during an already difficult time.
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In-flight and airport injuries can range from burns and fractures to traumatic brain injuries. California and international law provide full compensation for your losses.
Emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment for injuries sustained on board or during boarding/deplaning.
Income lost during recovery from in-flight injuries, including for international trip disruptions.
Physical pain and emotional distress from burns, fractures, spinal injuries, and other in-flight harm.
Costs of missed connections, emergency return flights, and international trip cancellations caused by the injury.
Compensation for lasting harm, including scarring from burns, chronic pain from spinal injuries, or reduced mobility.
