Airport injury claims can be unusually complicated because an airport is not necessarily controlled by one entity.
A traveler may assume that the airport itself is automatically responsible for an accident. That is not always the case.
Different Parties May Control Different Areas
An airport can include:
- Terminal buildings
- Parking garages
- Rental-car facilities
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Security areas
- Escalators
- Elevators
- Walkways
- Roads
- Transportation areas
Different companies or government entities may be responsible for maintaining different locations.
Property Maintenance Can Be Important
If a person slips because of a dangerous condition, an investigation may examine who knew or should have known about the hazard.
Maintenance schedules, inspection records, employee reports, photographs, and surveillance video may become important.
Contractors May Have Responsibilities
Airports frequently rely on contractors for cleaning, maintenance, construction, security, transportation, and other services.
If a contractor created or failed to address a dangerous condition, that company’s role may need to be investigated.
Businesses Within Airports Can Create Separate Issues
A restaurant, store, or other concession may have control over its own space.
An injury inside such a business can raise different liability questions from an accident elsewhere in the terminal.
Government Entities Can Create Additional Complications
Some airports or airport facilities involve governmental entities.
Claims involving government defendants can have special procedural requirements and deadlines.
That makes it particularly important to identify the responsible entity early.
Evidence Should Be Preserved
Useful evidence can include:
- Incident reports
- Surveillance video
- Maintenance records
- Employee statements
- Photographs
- Witness information
- Medical records
- Security records
Ponton Law has an established airport injury practice and has previously written about steps injured travelers should take following an airport accident.
If an airport injury causes significant harm, identifying the correct defendant may be one of the most important early steps in the claim.