Flying today is safer than it has ever been. By mileage, flying on a commercial airliner is far less likely to result in an injury or death than driving a car. But while the chance of a severe accident is tiny, it is still possible to suffer injuries while on an aircraft.
Harsh weather is a major source of these injuries. Due to sudden changes in wind direction, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation, a plane may quickly alter its direction or drop hundreds of feet out of the air. This can cause passengers and employees alike to suffer harsh injuries. A Houston turbulence and bad weather injury lawyer wants to help you seek out the compensation that you deserve following these incidents. Your personal injury lawsuit is in a better position to succeed if you work with a skilled aviation accident attorney.
Assisting Injured Passengers Following Airplane Incidents
Airlines fall under the category of common carriers. This is because they take on passengers for a fare. It means that they have a duty to care for the well-being of their passengers whenever those people are on their planes.
This obligation means taking every possible precaution to prevent injuries that may result from turbulence or bad weather. Sudden changes in the direction of an aircraft may cause significant injuries to a person’s head, shoulders, and legs. The role of a Houston turbulence and bad weather injury attorney is to seek out fair compensation for passengers following these incidents. This compensation can come in many forms, including:
- The payment of medical bills related to the injury
- Compensation for emotional traumas that result
- Reimbursement for lost wages if an injury keeps a person off the job for any period of time
State law gives injured people a limited length of time to pursue a case. For flights originating out of Houston, Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 sets a time limit of two years to demand compensation. However, this time limit may change depending on the court that has jurisdiction over the case. In order to have an accurate idea of what the statute of limitations is, it is best to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.
Collecting Compensation For Airline Employees Following An Injury
Passengers are not the only people vulnerable to injuries because of bad weather or turbulence. Employees of the airlines may also endure harm because of sudden changes in the path of an airplane. This includes flight attendants, pilots, and other workers who may be using the plane to travel between job sites.
In these situations, injured employees are sometimes able to seek out benefits through a workers’ compensation insurance claim. These claims will demand payments for all needed medical care and reimbursement for lost wages due to the injury. However, not every claim is successful, since insurance companies may deny a claim outright or issue an inadequate benefit package. These cases may motivate workers to seek out the help of a Houston turbulence and bad weather lawyer.
Lawyers help injured workers pursue appeals when a workers’ comp claim has resulted in a denial. They can request a formal hearing with the Department of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) under the rules present in Texas Administrative Code § 141.1 and can also appear in person at hearings to protect the rights of aviation employees who suffer injuries on the job. Depending on the situation, it might make more sense to pursue a third-party liability claim.
Reach Out To A Houston Turbulence And Bad Weather Injury Attorney Immediately
Airlines have a duty to keep people safe while on board. This includes providing protection against foreseeable dangers like turbulence and bad weather. Sudden changes in a plane’s movement could cause serious injuries that affect passengers and employees alike. These people have the right to seek out compensation for any losses they suffered.
Talking with a Houston turbulence and bad weather injury lawyer could be the first step towards receiving these payments. Whether you were a passenger on a rough flight or a worker who was not given proper protections, the team at Roberts Markland LLP is prepared to explain your legal rights and demand the payments needed to set things right. Give us a call now to get started.