There are many hazards present on commercial flights that leave from Houston and elsewhere in the state. One often overlooked danger is from the possibility of shifting luggage within overhead bins. Turbulence and bad weather can cause these items to rest up against the doors, and they later fall upon opening. In addition, failures by flight crews to properly secure doors may also result in these items falling onto passengers during transit.

These events can result in a variety of injuries. While these most often affect the head and neck, the impact may cause a person to fall, placing their other body parts in harm’s way. People who suffer injuries caused by falling luggage on commercial flights in Houston could seek out the compensation they need to cover their losses. Talking with a skilled aviation accident attorney could allow you to evaluate your legal rights after an incident.

How Falling Luggage May Impact A Person’s Life

Luggage that is compact enough to fit into an overhead container may still weigh upwards of 50 pounds. This means that hard contact with a person’s head may cause traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions. It may also cause a person to lose their balance and collide with other passengers or members of the flight crew. As a result, these physical injuries have the potential to impact all parts of a person’s physical health.

Physical injuries are not the only possible negative result of falling luggage on commercial flights in Houston. These events may also cause a person to suffer emotional trauma or lost quality of life. Especially after incidents involving head injuries, a person might suffer mental fogginess, depression, and anxiety.

Finally, if the incident leaves a person unable to return to work, liable airlines must provide fair wage reimbursement. A Houston lawyer from Roberts Markland LLP assists the victims of falling luggage accidents on commercial flights to evaluate their legal rights and pursue appropriate compensation to cover their losses.

Possible Legal Action After A Falling Luggage Injury

Two sets of people may suffer injuries because of falling luggage on Houston airlines. These are passengers and members of the flight crew. Depending upon a victim’s status in these groups, the law offers different means to demand compensation.

Personal Injury Lawsuits For Passengers

Passengers must seek out payments through personal injury lawsuits or settlements. These cases aim to hold an airline responsible for the negligence of their workers in failing to protect passengers from foreseeable harm like falling suitcases. In this scenario, an attorney can investigate the actions of the flight crew and pilots, and explore the maintenance records of the plane to determine if the overhead bin was reported as defective. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 gives people only two years from the date of an injury to demand payment. Contacting an attorney now provides the best chance for success.

Appealing Workers’ Compensation Benefit Denials For Workers

Airline employees in Houston who suffer harm due to falling luggage must pursue payments through a different method: a workers’ compensation claim for medical costs and lost wages. However, denials of these claims are common and insurance companies may make settlement offers that are insufficient to cover a worker’s losses.

A lawyer might help an airline worker file an appeal under their rights present in Texas Administrative Code § 141.1 with the Department of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). Their representation includes obtaining evidence concerning the incident, working with doctors to connect an injury to the event, and demanding fair compensation packages. It is also possible to engage in a third-party lawsuit.

Contact A Houston Attorney After Injuries Caused By Falling Luggage On Commercial Flights

Falling luggage is a constant threat on commercial flights. Even if a person takes proper care to place these items safely, defective safety latches or heavy turbulence may cause these items to fall out during the flight or after landing. The resulting injuries may require extensive medical care and impact all parts of your life.

A lawyer could help you understand your legal options. Consult with our team today to learn more about injuries caused by falling luggage on commercial flights in Houston and how you could address the financial losses they bring.