Plane Accidents In Miami: When Turbulence And Other Problems Result In Personal Injuries
Whether you are a frequent flier or rely on air travel infrequently, you likely reassure yourself of any pre-flight jitters that the odds of a plane accident are unlikely. While this may be true, particularly with commercial flights, there are other ways serious personal injuries can happen. Find out what to watch for before, during, and immediately after your flight, as well as what to do if you are a victim.
The Risk of Personal Injuries With Commercial Air Travel
According to a PBS report on the current status of air travel, your odds of being involved in a plane crash on a commercial carrier are roughly one in 11 million. The chances increase dramatically on private carriers, but still, the risks are relatively low. What is more common are personal injuries either before, during, or after your trip. These can happen in any of the following ways:
- Slips and falls either in the terminal, during boarding, or when you disembark;
- Getting struck by luggage and other overhead items during your trip;
- Getting struck by or against the heavy trays flight attendants move through the aisles;
- Being jostled due to heavy turbulence;
- Being jolted in your seat due to hard landings.
All of these are common mishaps that are likely to occur during air travel and they can all leave you suffering serious personal injuries. Muscle and tendon strains or sprains, broken bones, and injuries to the head, back, or neck are among those most likely to occur.
When To Do When Injured Before, During, or After Airplane Travel
According to statistics from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 1,000 people are hospitalized due to airplane injuries each year. Nearly all of these are associated with the above mishaps, rather than a plane crash. The stress surrounding a flight and your eagerness to get off the plane and out of the terminal may cause you to downplay what happened or the severity of your symptoms. Unfortunately, doing this can jeopardize your health and your rights in filing a claim.
Any time an incident occurs either before, during, or after your trip, protect yourself by following these steps:
- Report the incident immediately to flight attendants or terminal security;
- Request that an incident report be filled out and obtain a copy
- Make sure names and contact information for witnesses are included in the report;
- Take photos or videos of the area an incident happened and your injuries;
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible and follow all of your doctor’s instructions regarding follow-up care.
Contact Our Miami Plane Accident Lawyers
Onboard incidents and accidents that happen either before or after a flight can leave you suffering serious personal injuries. At Pita Weber Del Prado, we help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs you incur. To request a consultation, call 305-670-2889 or contact our Miami plane accident lawyers online.
