Brian White | July 3, 2024 | Personal Injury
Being injured at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport can result in severe pain and suffering and substantial financial losses. Determining who is responsible for your airport injuries is crucial for recovering compensation for your damages.
Who Could Be Liable for an Injury Sustained at George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
The party responsible for your injuries and damages depends on why the accident occurred. For example, if you were injured in a slip and fall accident, the City of Houston could be responsible as the owner of the airport. However, a maintenance company that failed to clean up a spill could share liability.
Likewise, the airline could be accountable if you were injured while boarding an airplane. However, the airport and other parties could share responsibility. A Houston airport injury lawyer can investigate your accident to determine liability.
Potentially liable parties for an injury at George Bush Intercontinental Airport include:
- City of Houston
- Aircraft or part manufacturer
- Pilots
- Airlines or air carriers
- Airport personnel
- Maintenance and repair companies
- Vendors and shop owners
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Private individuals
Determining liability is a challenging element of an airport injury claim. Deadlines are another complex issue. If the City of Houston or another government entity is responsible for your injury, the filing deadline could be much shorter than if you’re filing a claim against other parties.
The Texas Tort Claims Act requires you to provide notice of a claim within six months. However, the City of Houston shortens the deadline to 90 days from the injury date. Therefore, you must act quickly to protect your rights if the City of Houston is responsible for your injuries at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured at George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
The steps you take after an airport accident can help you with your personal injury case.
Steps to take if you are injured at the airport include:
- Report the incident to airport officials immediately. If the injury occurred while boarding a plane or in a shop or restaurant, notify the airline or the owner.
- Take photographs/videos of the accident scene. Make sure to capture the cause of your injury (for example, exposed wiring that caused you to fall).
- Ask bystanders who witnessed the accident for their names and contact information.
- Seek prompt medical treatment for your injuries. Delays in medical care could hurt your case.
- Contact a Houston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Follow up with your doctor and attend appointments for ongoing care. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident and your injuries. Avoid discussing the incident with an insurance company, city official, investigator, airline representative, or other party without legal advice.
Common Causes of Injuries at Airports
The causes of injuries at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and other airports include, but are not limited to:
- Broken railings
- Uneven walkways and surfaces
- Luggage and other obstructions in walkways
- Damaged steps and stairs
- Loose or damaged flooring
- Wet and slippery floors
- Exposure to hazardous and dangerous substances
- Food poisoning
- Attacks and assaults
- Defective equipment and facilities
- Negligent maintenance
- Parking lot accidents
- Inadequate lighting
There are many hazards in an airport. Unfortunately, those hazards can cause severe injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, soft tissue damage, neck injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
What Damages Can I Recover in an Airport Injury Claim in Houston, TX?
Generally, personal injury claims include compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
The damages you may receive in a Texas airport injury case include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost wages and benefits
- Medical bills and expenses
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Diminished quality of life
- Impairments and disabilities
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Decrease in earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
The amount you receive depends on the factors in your case. For example, damages may be capped if a government entity is responsible for your injury.
Don’t sign a settlement agreement or other documents until your attorney reviews them. You may waive your rights or accept an amount less than your case is worth.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
Were you injured at George Bush Intercontinental Airport or another airport in Texas?
If so, contact the Houston airport injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000 for legal help.
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