Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. In 2020, it ranked seventh in the world for airports with the most takeoffs and landings. In 2019, LAX served nearly 88.1 million passengers for a daily average of 241,000 and offered an average of nearly 700 daily nonstop flights to 113 destinations in 42 U.S. states as well as 1,200 weekly nonstop flights to 91 markets in 46 countries on 72 commercial airlines.
These numbers demonstrate the congestion at LAX and how that could significantly increase the risk of vehicle accidents, aviation accidents and slip and fall incidents. If you have suffered injuries as the result of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing at LAX, you may be able to seek monetary compensation for your injuries, damage and losses.
Common Causes of Injuries at LAX
Here are some of the common reasons for negligence (carelessness), injuries and wrongful deaths at LAX:
Crowd density
Although smaller airports like the Long Beach Airport can have accidents too, the volume of vehicle and people traffic is so great at LAX that even when individuals exercise caution and care, these dangerous conditions heighten the risk for a traumatic event such as a vehicle or pedestrian accident. These negligent actions may happen in crowded areas outside the terminal or inside, in the baggage handling areas.
Slippery floors or surfaces
When people are rushing to get through security or to their gates, spilled liquids or slick floors in the bathrooms could create significant slip-and-fall hazards. When airport management takes proper steps to prevent hazards or properly warn people by posting visible signs, the consequences can be devastating. Individuals may suffer severe injuries ranging from broken bones to head injuries or spinal cord trauma. The airport's management has a duty of care to make sure its premises are safe for travelers, visitors and others. For additional information, visit our slip and fall settlements page.
Defective or malfunctioning equipment
There are literally hundreds of moving parts, equipment and machinery in a large airport such as LAX. Elevators, escalators, baggage carousels, moving walkways, etc. are just some examples of machines and equipment, which could malfunction and potentially injure people. Airport management, maintenance companies and other parties have a responsibility to make sure that broken or defective parts are fixed or replaced and that all machinery and equipment are routinely maintained and repaired.
Distracted drivers
If you are outside the terminal trying to get to your destination, you can become the victim of distracted drivers who may be talking on their phones or looking for a person to pick up from the airport. LAX has a mix of passenger cars, buses and shuttles that crowd the area increasing the risk of distractions and serious injury collisions as a result.
Potential Liable Parties at LAX
Because so many agencies and parties are involved in the operation of LAX, there may be a number of parties that could potentially be held liable for your injuries and losses including but not limited to:
- The city of Los Angeles
- Public and private airline companies
- Pilots and aircraft crews
- Public and private equipment maintenance crews
- Manufacturers of defective equipment or machinery
- Retailers and other businesses including cafes, shops, bars and restaurants
- Bus and shuttle companies
- Drivers of passenger vehicles
- Taxi and rideshare operators such as Uber and Lyft
- Delivery vehicles such as UPS, FedEx and DHL
- Private security guards, LAPD Airport Police, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents and offices
Can You Recover Compensation?
If your LAX injury claim is successful, you may be eligible to receive monetary compensation. The worth of your claim will depend on the nature and extent of your injuries and the degree of negligence involved. Here are some of the losses you may be able to receive compensation for as part of your injury claim or lawsuit:
- Medical expenses including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, cost of medication, medical equipment, rehabilitation, etc.
- Cost of ongoing medical care
- Lost income and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent injuries and disabilities
- Punitive damages
- Legal costs and court fees
What Steps Should You Take If You Are Injured in LAX?
Whether you are injured in a vehicle accident, a slip and fall accident or some other type of traumatic event at LAX, here are some of the steps you can take to protect your rights:
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries. Specifically, take photos of the hazard that caused your injury.
- Get contact information for eyewitnesses.
- File an incident report and obtain a copy for your records.
- Maintain all medial records, evidence of property damage and lost income.
- Contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has experience successfully handling LAX injury cases.
Get a Free Consultation from LAX Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing at LAX, it is important that you contact the experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys, APC. Our LAX injury attorneys take all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any fees unless we secure compensation for you. We always offer free initial consultations and case evaluation. Call our law office at (323) 782-0535 to find out how we can help you secure maximum compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.
