Many people have a fear of flying; after all, traveling on a plane can be a frightening thought. But most people don’t consider the dangers of an airport itself. Because airports are so large and so busy, a lot can go wrong. If you are injured in a Maryland airport, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries caused by negligence. This is because airports, regardless of whether or not they are owned by the state, must ensure the premises are safe for those lawfully on the premises. As such, wet floors, faulty equipment, or inadequate maintenance can lead to serious injuries. Understanding the types of injuries and how to fight for the compensation you deserve is critical during these difficult times. Read on to learn more about airport accidents in Maryland and why you should connect with experienced Baltimore County personal injury attorneys in the event of an injury.
What Are Common Types of Airport Accidents?
Though the Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport is the largest hub in the state, Maryland boasts a total of 33 airports despite the state’s small size. While this provides a number of options for travelers, it’s also important to understand that, unfortunately, airport accidents can and do occur. As such, understanding the most common causes of these incidents can help you remain alert to hazards to reduce the risk of injury.
Premises Liability
These accidents can occur if the airport is not properly managed or maintained. When dangerous conditions are not promptly and properly addressed, it can result in serious injuries for unsuspecting travelers
- Wet and slippery bathroom floors
- Baggage claim injuries caused by overcrowding or hazards
- Slips and falls resulting from wet floors, restaurant spills, etc.
- Airport construction and remodeling projects
- Curbside accidents involving shuttles, taxis, etc.
- Parking lot accidents caused by poor lighting, potholes, etc.
Product Liability
- Faulty elevators or escalators
- Malfunctioning moving walkways
- Defective seating or fixtures in the airport
- Equipment failures in baggage handling areas
These claims are slightly different in that liability may extend beyond the owner/operator of the airport to manufacturers and other third parties.
What Should You Do Following an Airport Injury?
Though sustaining an injury in a Maryland airport can be incredibly overwhelming, it’s important to understand that remaining calm and taking the necessary steps is critical to protect not only your health and well-being but also your right to pursue a legal claim.
Immediate Steps to Protect Your Claim
- Call 911 to ensure you get the medical attention you need, while also documenting your injury
- Take photos and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident
- Gather the contact information of anyone who witnessed your accident
- Request a copy of any incident reports filed by airport staff
- Retain the help of a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible
Who Can Face Responsibility for an Airport Accident in Maryland?
Liability in a Maryland airport accident is not as simple as suing the airport. Liability in these complex cases can often fall to different parties, depending on who controlled or failed to remedy the hazardous conditions.
Potentially Liable Parties
- Government entities, if the injuries occurred in either of Maryland’s state-owned airports (Baltimore/Washington International and Martin State Airport)
- Airport operators and management authorities
- Airlines operating within the airport
- Manufacturers of defective equipment
Determining who is ultimately responsible for the injuries you have suffered can be incredibly complicated, which is why working with an experienced personal injury attorney is critical to identify all potentially liable parties to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Maryland?
There is a deadline by which you must file a personal injury claim. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. Generally, in Maryland, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you do not file your claim in time, you will likely lose the chance to recover the compensation you deserve.
Special Considerations For Government-Owned Airports
- Many airports are owned and operated by government entities
- You may be legally required to file a Notice of Claim earlier than the standard deadline
- Missing this early notice can prevent you from filing a lawsuit
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Injury Firm
The legal team at Markey & Orsi has proudly represented injured clients throughout the state of Maryland for almost 30 years. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence at an airport while traveling and require strong legal representation, contact Markey & Orsi today to schedule a consultation.