Airport Injuries

Airports are massive complexes that present a variety of threats to anyone that wanders or rushes through en route to getting on a plane. These complexes, despite their size and the variety of agencies present, still have a duty to provide their customers with a safe environment.

One of the biggest problems in airports is the moving sidewalk, or horizontal escalator. These “sidewalks” can stretch on for quite some length. Some of those found in O’Hare are long enough that a person can forget that he or she is still moving. For this reason, they airports have recorded messages announcing that the sidewalk is ending and that people need to prepare to leave the escalator. Unfortunately, sometimes these recordings do not work. When an injury occurs on a moving sidewalk, the airport is still liable.

The carts used to ferry older people or individuals with mobility issues around can also be a significant hazard. Some of the drivers of the carts do not necessarily go through the airport at what is a safe speed. They fly through crowded terminals and risk hitting a small child that darts out or injuring the people on the cart if an accident should occur. Like any moving vehicle, precautions need to be taken to ensure that the cart is operated safely.

Jetways are also a problem. These too can stop working and provide a little too much of a gap between the end of the ramp and the door to the plane. A child can get stuck or injure him or herself in this area while embarking or disembarking.

Contact a Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer

If you have been injured in an airport due to someone’s error or negligence, contact the Chicago premises liability lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200.