The Lawyer Injured Flight Crew Members Count
Contact San Diego, CA attorney Robert A. McLaughlin
When you work as part of a flight crew, you're spending a lot of your time bending, pushing and pulling. It's not unusual to strain your back after an awkward movement. There are other issues for flight attendants. You may be on your feet when turbulence suddenly hits, which may lead to a fall and a head injury.
A crew member injured from pushing or pulling a cart or hurt while moving around in an aircraft's tight spaces is entitled to workers' compensation. But without the help of an experienced lawyer, those injured may face pressure to return to work before their ready. Or they may not receive the proper benefits.
The main interest of workers' compensation is to minimize your payment and get you back to work as soon as possible. This can happen even if you haven't fully recovered from your injury. Our main interest is helping you make a complete recovery first, while getting the medical care you need and the financial compensation you deserve.
"Do you handle workers' compensation claims for flight crew members?"
Robert A. McLaughlin, APC knows that just as in any other workplace, accidents can happen on planes, and flight crew members can get hurt. If you've been injured while working on a flight crew, you deserve workers' compensation benefits. But you may not get full cooperation or understanding from the airlines.
San Diego International Airport is the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States. It serves 48,000 passengers each day, and planes depart to and arrive from cities through the world. It is the site of hundreds of flights each day. Each flight is staffed with a crew that works hard to transport passengers safely and keep them comfortable.
"What types of flight crew injuries can lead to a workers' compensation claim?"
An airline employee can be hurt in any type of workplace accident. For example, they can get hurt after slipping and falling. But they are also exposed to unique situations not seen in other industries. Airplane employees may experience:
Since flight crew members have so many responsibilities, any injury that affects mobility can affect their ability to do their jobs. In some cases, they may be left temporarily unable to work.
Some may choose to work through the pain, thinking they have no other choice. But if you are a flight crew member injured on the job, you have the right to file for workers' compensation benefits.
"How can you help flight crew members with workers' compensation claims?"
Robert A. McLaughlin, APC understands the challenges of working on a flight crew and knows the types of injuries that can occur. He knows that employers frequently challenge claims. He'll use his knowledge of workers' compensation laws and more than 20 years of experience to help you get the medical care that's needed for your injury, and the full compensation you should be receiving.
You should not be forced to return to work until you have fully recovered from your injury. We will work to ensure you are treated fairly by your employer and that your injury is taken seriously. We will stand with you through every step of the process and help you navigate the complicated legal system for a successful resolution.
Contact us for a free case review. Learn how Robert A. McLaughlin, APC can help you protect your rights. You owe us no fees until we come through for you.
"What is toxic 'bleed air' exposure?"
Anyone who has flown on an airplane has breathed in re-circulated air when flying, and knows how unpleasant it can be. But sometimes, it can also be dangerous. Normally, cabin air is re-circulated with air bled off the engines after it is cooled and compressed ("bleed air"). But if the system doesn't work properly, toxic chemicals from engine oil or hydraulic fluid can be introduced into the air that circulates throughout the airplane. This is called a "fume event."
Crew members who have been exposed to a fume event can suffer a range of symptoms. The symptoms reported after a fume event include sinus problems, swollen and itchy eyes, coughing, difficulty breathing, skin rashes, severe headaches and fatigue. Some people have also suffered memory loss, cognitive problems, speech impairment, vision loss and uncontrollable tremors.
If you are a flight crew member and have suffered similar symptoms, don't ignore them. You may have been injured at the workplace and need medical care. You may also be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Contact us to learn more about toxic "bleed air" exposure and how we can help you with your case.
"Is an injury caused by turbulence covered by workers' compensation insurance?"
Turbulence is a fairly common event when traveling by air. It's caused when two masses of air traveling at different speeds collide. This can cause the airplane to shake up and down or side to side, sometimes with great force. The experience can be frightening and also has the potential for injury, which is why passengers are asked to remain seated with their seat belts on.
Members of the flight crew are usually standing and working in the cabin when the turbulence hits. And they often walk down the aisle to check on the safety of passengers. This puts them at a greater risk of getting hurt. Since 2010, there have been 74 documented cases of crew members injured due to turbulence, and the numbers continue to grow.
When turbulence strikes, flight crew members can be hit by luggage or other items falling out of overhead containers. They can be thrown into service carts or against the side of the plane. They can fall onto the floor of the cabin. The result can be bruising, muscle sprains, broken bones or spinal injuries.
"Am I eligible for workers' compensation if I'm hurt while lifting in my airport job?"
Yes. Flight crew members do a lot of lifting. They help passengers lift bags into overhead compartments. They bend down and lift up boxes and containers to fill service carts. They lift trays filled with food. And all of this lifting is done in tight spaces, requiring them to sometimes twist their bodies while lifting. As with any lifting done in any workplace, there is a potential for injury.
Flight crew members can suffer injuries to their shoulders, neck, back or knees. They may suffer a strain or sprain, or tear a ligament. These injuries can cause significant pain and leave them unable to work.
If you've been injured while lifting as part of your job on a flight crew, you are eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Robert A. McLaughlin, APC can help you prove your claim and get the medical care you need.