LAX Accident Lawyers
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Our LAX Accident Lawyers Can Guide You Through Your Legal Options
If you sustained injuries at LAX, you may be facing a complex and overwhelming claims process and need legal representation. The experienced LAX accident lawyers of Arash Law can manage the legal process on your behalf. Under the leadership of founding attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., we’ve handled different injury cases and assisted many victims.
As one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, LAX is usually buzzing with crowds, with potential accident hazards lurking at every corner. Whether you slipped and fell at LAX, got caught in an elevator accident, or sustained injuries in other serious incidents, our attorneys can provide legal help. If you’re ready to discuss your claim with our experienced team, call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Our team has the experience, personnel, and resources to help you tackle the complexities of your personal injury claim. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you pursue potential compensation.
Why Hire Our LAX Accident Lawyers
Clients rely on their lawyers to handle their cases with dedication, pursuing compensation on their behalf. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience in personal injury law and are committed to helping injury victims.
We’ve received reviews and ratings from the clients we’ve helped before.
“We were referred to Arash Law Firm by our previous Lawyer so that they could take over and continue with our case. Let me just say what an incredible blessing it has been for us!”
– Monica M. (Google Reviews)
“When the worst day of your life happens like it did for us in 2021 when my son was in a terrible accident which almost took his life, we thankfully found Arash Law, gave us the peace of mind that their team were taking care of our every need.”
– Laurie F. (Google Reviews)
Each accident case is unique, and our attorneys acknowledge that fact. Our dedicated LAX accident lawyers will guide you throughout the process. We’ll dig deep into your case and tailor our legal strategies accordingly. You will be working with a team of legal professionals who can answer your questions and keep you up-to-date with any developments in the process.
Furthermore, we firmly believe that accident victims deserve the opportunity to seek justice without financial barriers. That’s why we offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you don’t pay any lawyer fees up front, and we only get paid when we obtain compensation for your case.
Common Injuries And Contributing Factors To Accidents At LAX
When you arrive at LAX, the last thing you want is to be involved in an accident. Getting injured might not only affect your flying experience. Some injuries can turn your life upside down. These may include:
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Back or neck injuries
- Spinal cord damage
Whether you are a passenger or an airport employee, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. As part of building your claim, LAX accident lawyers will work to determine the cause of the incident.
Various factors can contribute to airport accidents at LAX, such as:
Crowd Density
Accidents can happen anywhere, especially in areas with high foot traffic. According to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)’s 2023 report, more than 205,000 passengers fly at LAX daily on average. Additionally, LAX has around 50,000 airline, concession, and ground employees. This brings the total number of people in the 3,500-acre airport to around 255,000 each day, averaging 72 people per acre.
Congested check-in counters, boarding gates, busy drop-off zones, and baggage claim areas create conditions where accidents can occur and potentially lead to serious injuries. With tight schedules and last-minute gate changes, many travelers rush through crowded terminals, often pulling or carrying heavy, oversized baggage that can be difficult to maneuver.
Slip, Trip, And Fall Hazards
A survey of airport risk managers across the United States identified the top insurable risks at airports. Slip and fall accidents were the leading cause, reported by 62% of respondents.
Some of the most common causes of airport injuries are slip, trip, and fall accidents. They often result from unsafe conditions in terminals, walkways, and boarding areas. The combination of high foot traffic, fast-paced movement, and environmental hazards can significantly increase the risk of falls.
Slip, trip, and fall accidents in airports can also result from various hazards, including:
- Wet or damaged flooring (spills, leaks, or broken tiles).
- Recently mopped or waxed floors without proper warning signs.
- Cluttered or littered walkways.
- Loose or improperly laid rugs.
- Broken or missing handrails.
- Slippery ramps.
- Poor lighting in walkways and stairwells.
- Obstructed or malfunctioning escalators and stairs.
- Oversized gaps between the plane and the passenger boarding bridge.
- Lack of warning signs, caution tape, or barriers to keep people away from hazards.
Ramp Incidents
Ramp accidents are a persistent and costly issue in the aviation industry, occurring at an estimated rate of one per 1,000 departures worldwide. Ramp accidents cost major airlines a staggering loss of at least $10 billion annually due to disruptions in airport operations, personnel injuries, and damage to aircraft, facilities, and ground-support equipment.
The Flight Safety Foundation estimates that approximately 27,000 ramp accidents and incidents occur globally annually. These incidents could result in 243,000 injuries annually, with an injury rate of 9 per 1,000 departures.
Analysis of Ground Accident Prevention (GAP) data highlights that over 80% of ramp accidents involve collisions between airplanes and ground-service equipment, such as baggage loaders, catering trucks, jet bridges, and fuel trucks. Airplane-to-airplane contact accounts for just over 10%, while other incidents involve ground-service equipment striking airport infrastructure or airplanes colliding with airport facilities.
Ramp workers, the flight crew, and passengers can all get involved in accidents. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work said human error is the leading cause of ramp accidents. Based on the International Air Transport Association data cited by the website, 92% of ramp-related incidents happen due to:
- Deviation from procedures
- Poor training practices
- Airfield congestion
Defective Or Malfunctioning Equipment
Large airports like LAX rely on hundreds of moving parts, machinery, and automated systems to ensure smooth operations. From elevators, escalators, and baggage carousels to moving walkways and security screening equipment, these machines play a crucial role in passenger safety and convenience. However, when equipment malfunctions or is improperly maintained, it can pose serious injury risks to travelers and employees.
Defective equipment in airports has led to numerous serious injuries over the years. For example, in 2020, a tragic construction accident that took the life of a worker happened near LAX’s Theme Building. Reports attributed the fatal incident to an “equipment collapse.” In 2024, a United plane lost one of its tires after taking off at LAX. While no one sustained injuries in this incident, such events do pose risks.
When airports, manufacturers, or maintenance companies fail to uphold these safety standards, they can be held liable for injuries caused by defective equipment.
Malfunctions or failures can typically be traced back to one of the following three primary types of defects:
- Design Defects — These flaws in a product’s design/engineering make it inherently unsafe, even when used correctly.
- Manufacturing Defects — These are caused by errors that occur during production, causing individual units to become dangerous.
- Failure to Warn — The absence of proper instructions, labels, or safety warnings regarding use and potential hazards can harm users.
Airport management, maintenance companies, and equipment manufacturers may share legal responsibility for taking reasonable steps to see that all mechanical systems are routinely inspected, maintained, repaired, or replaced. They should also post warning signs during maintenance or repairs.
Failure to uphold these duties can lead to preventable accidents, such as escalator falls, luggage conveyor entrapments, elevator failures, or moving walkway misalignments.
Some Airport Drivers
Even at the airport, you can still get into a motor vehicle accident. The constant flow of passenger cars, buses, and shuttles at LAX creates congestion, significantly increasing the risk of severe collisions.
For example, in 2022, an airport shuttle carrying one driver and 23 passengers was involved in an accident at LAX, leaving 9 people injured. A 2023 collision at LAX between a towed Airbus A321 and a shuttle bus resulted in five injuries. These incidents highlight the dangers in an airport’s busy transport network, where even low-speed collisions can lead to serious consequences.
It’s also common to see distracted drivers around airports. Some taxi or rideshare drivers may be preoccupied with looking for a passenger. You might also encounter reckless drivers who ignore traffic rules in the airport parking lot, designated pick-up or drop-off bays, and other drivable areas in LAX.
$41,950,000.00
An attack that took place when a homeless man used an unsecured baseball bat in the Walmart store to attack a husband and wife who were shopping nearby. The jury found that Walmart was 50 percent liable for the attack, and the amount of the judgment against the company exceeded $30,000,000.– BRIAN BEECHER
How Our Attorneys Demonstrate LAX Accident Liability
Everyone at LAX, including airlines, airport authorities, concession owners, maintenance teams, airline and ground crew, drivers, and others, must avoid harming others. Common carriers, such as shuttle services, rideshare drivers, and other for-hire transportation providers, have a heightened legal duty to prioritize passenger safety throughout the journey. However, determining liability for an accident or injury sustained by a victim is often more complex.
Different types of accidents can happen at LAX, including but not limited to:
- Slip and fall accidents.
- Escalator and elevator accidents.
- Shuttle, taxi, and rideshare accidents.
- Private vehicle collisions.
- Construction or maintenance work accidents.
- Pedestrian accidents in drop-off and pick-up zones.
- Falling object injuries.
- Defective device or malfunction accidents.
- Falling or tripping in the gap between the plane and the boarding bridge.
- Ramp accidents.
One or multiple parties could be responsible for the victim’s injuries in these accidents. Establishing liability can be challenging without prior legal knowledge. You may need the assistance of qualified attorneys to identify potentially liable parties.
Our LAX accident lawyers employ a comprehensive, evidence-driven strategy to identify liable parties, which includes:
- Conducting in-depth investigations to gather critical evidence.
- Working with medical specialists to assess and document the extent of your injuries.
- Securing surveillance footage and accident reports from airport authorities and involved businesses.
- Interviewing eyewitnesses to strengthen your claim.
Once we identify possible liable parties, we help our clients take decisive legal action that is appropriate for their case.
Proving Negligence In An LAX Accident
LAX accident attorneys can help you pursue damages from parties responsible for your injuries. We use our knowledge and experience to help you build your case. Our lawyers substantiate your case by establishing the negligence of the at-fault party or, in some cases, other sources of liability.
Negligence is the failure to act with the level of care that another person would in a similar situation. The outcome of your personal injury case depends on this concept. Your attorney will need to prove the following to establish negligence:
- The at-fault party owed the victim a duty of care.
- The at-fault party breached this duty of care.
- This breach directly caused the accident.
- The accident resulted in injuries and damages for the victim.
Airlines and other transportation providers that operate as common carriers have a higher duty of care to their passengers than ordinary individuals. They are required to follow strict safety protocols and procedures designed to protect passengers.
Other Sources Of Liability For An Accident At LAX
Negligence is not the only basis for liability in LAX accident cases. Other legal theories can apply depending on the circumstances of the accident. These can include:
- Strict Liability — In some situations, a party can be held liable for damages regardless of whether they were negligent. This often applies to inherently dangerous activities or defective products. For example, if a piece of airport equipment malfunctions due to a design flaw and causes an injury, the manufacturer could be held strictly liable even if they took reasonable care in the manufacturing process.
- Premises Liability — Property owners, including airport operators, must maintain their premises reasonably safe. This includes addressing known hazards and taking steps to prevent foreseeable accidents. For premises liability claims, you need to show that the property owner was aware of, or should have been aware of, the hazardous condition and didn’t take reasonable steps to fix it.
- Product Liability — If a defective product (like a faulty wheelchair, a defective piece of luggage, or a malfunctioning part of the aircraft) causes an accident, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the product could be held liable. This can involve negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty claims.
It’s crucial to remember that liability in airport accidents can be complex. Determining who is potentially at fault and what legal theories apply requires a thorough investigation of the incident. An experienced LAX accident attorney can help you handle these complexities.
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Compensation For LAX Accident-Related Injuries And Damages
Our LAX accident lawyers help injured individuals pursue compensation for different damages. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to retrieve the following:
- Medical and hospital expenses
- Lost income and loss of earning capacity
- Damage to personal items
- Funeral and burial costs, in case the victim died due to the accident
- Legal costs and court fees
Depending on the circumstances, LAX accident claims may also include pain and suffering damages, such as:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent injuries and disabilities
- Loss of consortium
Furthermore, the court may award punitive damages in certain situations. However, the court does not guarantee a request for punitive damages in every airport accident case. To qualify, a victim must prove that the responsible party acted with gross negligence, fraud, or intentional harm. If you’re pursuing an injury claim, consulting an LAX accident lawyer can help determine what potential damages apply to your case.
What To Do After An LAX Accident
Knowing what to do when an accident happens is important not only for your safety. According to our LAX accident attorneys, prompt action may help preserve important evidence and protect your legal rights. If you want to know what to do after an accident at the airport, consider the following steps:
- Get a Medical Evaluation — A crucial step in a personal injury case is seeking medical attention immediately after an accident. Doing so can help you secure documentation linking the accident to your injuries.
- Report Your Accident to Authorized Personnel — They can document the incident. It is also advisable to get a copy of the incident report.
- Capture the Accident Site — Photos and video footage containing the scene of the accident can give investigators and your lawyers a good idea of what happened and what hazard caused your injury. This type of evidence can also help establish negligence.
- Gather Witnesses’ Contact Information — Their accounts of the accident can support your case.
- Store Evidence Properly — This includes your medical records, proof of lost income, repair bills, or official receipts for damaged property.
- Reach Out to a Skilled Attorney — Once you sign with a legal team, they can handle all the legal processes involved, allowing you to concentrate on rehabilitation.
Importance Of Filing An LAX Accident Claim On Time
Airport accident claims are complex, especially when government entities are involved. If you or a loved one suffered harm in an LAX accident, you may have the right to pursue legal action. However, failing to act within the strict legal deadlines could cost you the ability to pursue compensation.
For most personal injury claims in California, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date. However, claims against government entities, such as LAX, which is city-owned, must follow a much shorter timeline. Here’s what you should know:
- You must file an injury claim with the appropriate agency, which is the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), within six months of the accident.
- LAWA has 45 days to respond.
- If they deny your claim within this period, you have six months to file a lawsuit.
- If you don’t receive a response within 45 days, you may have up to two years to sue, but this situation is rare.
While these deadlines are firm, certain exceptions may grant victims additional time to file:
- Mental or Physical Incapacity — A severe injury or cognitive impairment preventing the victim from filing can pause the statute of limitations.
- Delayed Discovery Rule — Some injuries, such as internal trauma or nerve damage, may not become apparent immediately. In these cases, the deadline may begin from the date of diagnosis.
- Victims Who Are Minors — When a minor (under 18) is injured, the statute of limitations rules are different. Generally, the clock doesn’t start ticking until the child turns 18. At that point, they usually have two years to file their lawsuit. It’s important to note that a parent or legal guardian can file a lawsuit on behalf of the minor before the child reaches 18. This doesn’t necessarily mean the child must wait until 18 to have a claim filed.
Consider these deadlines for your potential claim. Contact an experienced LAX accident attorney to help you file on time and navigate the legal process.
Questions Clients Frequently Ask Our LAX Accident Lawyers
We answered commonly asked questions of airport accident victims. If you have additional or personal concerns regarding your case, our LAX accident lawyers will gladly answer your questions. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Long Do LAX Accident Cases Take To Settle?
There’s no set timeline when it comes to the resolution of LAX accident cases. As with all personal injury cases, the timeframe will depend on factors like:
- The severity of the victim’s injuries.
- The investigation process.
- The case’s overall complexity.
- Whether a lawsuit is necessary.
Victims can file LAX accident claims directly with the city. In straightforward cases, the parties involved may arrive at a resolution within six months or less. On the other hand, cases that proceed to trial can significantly extend the timeline, often taking several years before reaching a final verdict or settlement.
Your decision to get legal representation can also impact this timeline. Your LAX accident attorney’s legal strategy, negotiation skills, and experience can affect the settlement process.
What Is The Average Settlement For An Airport Slip-And-Fall Lawsuit?
If you sustained injuries in a slip-and-fall accident at LAX, you may be wondering how much compensation you can seek and whether pursuing a claim is worth it. The truth is that every accident is unique, and the amount others have received in similar cases may not reflect what you might be able to pursue. Additionally, out-of-court settlements are very common in personal injury claims, and confidential agreements often prevent disclosure of settlement amounts.
While there’s no set “average” settlement, our experienced LAX accident lawyers can evaluate your case, considering factors such as injury severity, liability, medical costs, and lost wages.
What Happens If You Get Injured On A Flight?
If you sustain an injury on a plane, you should immediately notify a flight attendant. Once you land, they can provide first aid or alert the airport medical team for further evaluation and treatment.
Depending on the circumstances, the airline may be legally responsible if a passenger suffers an injury while on a flight, during boarding, or while disembarking. Airlines have a duty of care to provide a safe and secure flying environment. Furthermore, under United States and international aviation laws, they can be held liable for injuries caused by negligence or hazards within their control.
Essentially, airlines are typically responsible if an injury occurs due to negligence by airline staff or unsafe conditions on the aircraft. Consider the following scenarios:
- A flight attendant hurriedly pushes a food cart down the aisle, and it slams into a passenger, resulting in injuries.
- A flight attendant failed to secure an overhead bin before the flight. The bin flew open during turbulence, and a bag fell over a passenger.
Can You Sue An Airline For Personal Injury? For What Reasons Can You Sue An Airline?
Airports and airlines have a legal obligation to exercise a high degree of care for passenger safety, and when they fail, passengers can seek compensation for their injuries. For example, an airline may fail to maintain aircraft safety or violate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Injured passengers may have a valid claim if their negligence results in an accident.
A settlement is intended to compensate for relevant property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and other forms of loss. If you ask, “Can I sue an airline for pain and suffering?” The answer is yes. Your LAX accident attorney will include this in your personal injury claim.
If you believe you have a potential claim for an injury, you should contact the airport or airline directly to initiate a claim. Compensation is not automatic, and you must follow their specific claims procedure. If you want to know how to file a claim against an airport, here’s the general process:
- Request an official incident report from airport staff or security.
- Gather evidence, including photos, witness statements, and medical records.
- Follow the claims process outlined by the airport or airline.
- Consult a personal injury attorney if your claim is denied or undervalued.
Passengers can also get compensation from an airline for reasons other than personal injury, including:
- Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage leads to financial loss and inconvenience.
- Controllable factors, such as staffing shortages or poor scheduling, cause flight delays.
- Refusing to refund a canceled flight or failing to provide agreed-upon accommodations.
- Discrimination, including unjust removal from a flight, mistreatment by crew, or refusal of service.
How Much Can You Sue An Airline For A Crash?
International air carriers are strictly liable for passenger injuries or deaths up to approximately $175,000 (USD). The airline must demonstrate it was not at fault for damages exceeding this amount. This liability limit, set by The Montreal Convention 1999, may fluctuate slightly. Actual compensation awarded can vary based on individual circumstances and applicable laws.
Does The Family Of A Victim Get Money After A Fatal Plane Crash?
The family of a victim in a fatal plane crash may be eligible to pursue financial compensation by filing a wrongful death claim against the airline or other responsible parties. Depending on the case, the compensation may cover:
- Loss of financial support.
- Loss of consortium.
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Medical fees if the victim received treatment before dying.
- Emotional damage.
The amount of compensation varies based on jurisdiction and circumstances. Our LAX accident lawyers have experience handling wrongful death lawsuits for families who have lost loved ones in preventable accidents. We can review your case and help you understand your rights. Call (888) 488-1391 to speak with an experienced aviation wrongful death attorney.
How Much Does An LAX Accident Attorney Cost?
You might wonder, “I need a personal injury lawyer, but can I afford one?” Our LAX accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. We only collect attorney fees if we are able to recover compensation for you. No recovery means no attorney fees. This structure gives you access to experienced legal representation when you need it most. We’ll walk you through the fee structure during your consultation and answer your questions before you move forward.
Consult Our LAX Accident Lawyers For Legal Guidance
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence at LAX, getting legal counsel is beneficial. Contact the experienced LAX accident lawyers at Arash Law for a free initial consultation. We offer legal advice to help you understand your rights and options.
Arash Law also consists of car accident lawyers, but our legal services extend far beyond auto collisions. Our LAX accident attorneys are capable of managing a wide range of injury cases. We can thoroughly investigate your case, identify responsible parties, and pursue compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, we proudly serve clients in Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Lancaster, Pasadena, and surrounding areas. We extend our services to the rest of California. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to get started.
