What Should I Do If I Was Injured At the St. Louis Lambert International Airport?

Stephen Schultz | February 21, 2024 | Premises Liability

Navigating an injury sustained at an airport, especially at a bustling hub like St. Louis Lambert International Airport, can be overwhelming. From slippery floors to luggage mishaps, hazards abound. Knowing the appropriate steps to take after an airport accident is vital to safeguard your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Examples of Injuries and Accidents at St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Airports are dynamic environments with many different hazards.

Travelers may encounter:

Slip and fall hazards
Escalator mishaps
Luggage handling accidents
Food poisoning from airport vendors

As a major metropolitan airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport is no exception. Even with rigorous safety standards, accidents can happen. It can be challenging to deal with an injury during travel, especially if one is not local to the St. Louis area. Travelers should know what to do if they are injured at the airport.

What Injuries Are Common at Airports?

Injuries sustained at airports can range from minor bruises, strains, or sprains to more severe issues such as fractures, head injuries, or spinal cord trauma. The severity often correlates with the nature of the incident, particularly in transportation-related accidents or falls from heights.

Bruises and Contusions

These are among the most common injuries. When an individual falls, they often hit the ground or nearby objects, resulting in bruises and skin discoloration. Escalator falls or slip and fall accidents from slippery surfaces can cause bruises and contusions.

Fractures and Broken Bones

More severe falls can cause severe impact on bones, leading to fractures or breaks. Hip fractures, wrist fractures, and arm fractures are quite prevalent in slip and fall incidents, especially among older adults. After musculoskeletal trauma, people may also sustain secondary injuries in uninjured tissue based on the body’s response to the initial injury.

Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Whether you trip and fall or have luggage fall on you from an overhead bin, you may sustain head injuries. Such injuries range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can have long-term implications and require immediate medical attention.

Food Poisoning

If food from airport vendors is not prepared hygienically, individuals may get food poisoning, which can last several days. Bacterial infections may also cause long-term complications. For instance, botulism and E. coli infections can cause damage to internal organs. Salmonella and Campylobacter can also trigger reactive arthritis.

Emotional Distress

In addition to physical injuries, accidents can result in emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the accident is severe or results in long-term consequences.

What Compensation Could I Recover After an Airport Accident in St. Louis, MO?

The compensation you could receive following an airport-related injury encompasses various aspects. This compensation might cover medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

The specific amount is contingent upon several factors, including:

The severity of the injuries
The duration and costs of medical treatment
The disruption to daily activities due to the injury
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
The pain and suffering that the injury has caused

There may be additional factors in your case. You should consult an attorney in order to identify any other applicable factors affecting your compensation.

What Should I Do if I’m Injured at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport in Missouri?

If you are injured at an airport, the best course of action can be uncertain. You may be on your way to your flight and afraid to miss it or at a layover far away from home. Injury preparedness is an important part of travel preparations.

Here are some steps to take if you are injured at the airport:

Prioritize Your Health: Seeking immediate medical attention is paramount. Airport personnel may be able to help you locate on-site aid or direct you to the nearest emergency room.
Report the Incident: Notify airport authorities promptly about the accident and obtain a copy of the incident report for your records.
Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident site and your injuries, and gather witness contact information, if possible.
Consult a Skilled Lawyer: Seek guidance from a personal injury lawyer with experience handling airport accident cases. They can evaluate your situation, protect your interests, and explore potential legal options.

These are the most important steps you can take following an airport accident injury.

If you’ve suffered injuries at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, the team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to assist you. We understand the intricacies of airport-related injury cases and are dedicated to advocating for your rights. Our team of experienced attorneys will stand by you, ensuring you receive rightful compensation for your injuries.