Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world. It has non-stop flights to 214 destinations in six continents and is considered the world’s most connected airport. It also ranks as the seventh biggest airport and the fourth busiest airport.
Being such a large hub also means that the Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a frequent location for injuries. Here is what you need to know about airport injuries and your legal options for financial recovery.
Common Types of Airport Injuries
Visitors can be injured at airports for various reasons. Slips and falls are a leading cause of injury at airports. Visitors can fall when they walk on slippery surfaces caused by recent polishings, rainy weather, or food spills that have not been cleaned up. Walkways with uneven surfaces, cracks, potholes, or inadequate lighting can also lead to these accidents.
Other common sources of injuries at airports include:
- Escalator and moving walkway injuries – When these devices malfunction or abruptly stop, passengers can slip and fall or have their clothing trapped inside, leading to serious injuries.
- Criminal attacks – Security lapses can cause conditions that allow airport customers to be robbed, assaulted, or otherwise victimized by criminal attacks.
- Defective equipment and facilities – Airports are required to conduct regular inspections and maintain their premises so they are safe for visitors. Failing to do so can cause hazardous conditions that injure visitors.
- Parking lot accidents – Airport parking lots receive a lot of traffic. Lots that are not properly maintained can result in potholes. Insufficient lighting can make late-arrival guests vulnerable to criminal attacks.
- Airport shuttle accidents – Negligent drivers of shuttle vehicles can crash or make sudden stops that endanger the passengers within.
If you were injured in an airport accident, seek medical attention. Not all conditions have immediate symptoms. Then, reach out to an experienced premises liability lawyer for help determining who is responsible for your injuries.
Potentially Responsible Parties
The party who is legally liable for your injuries is the party whose actions led to the accident. To prove your premises liability claim, you must be able to show the named defendant had a legal duty to avoid injuring you, violated this legal duty, and, in so doing, caused you to suffer damages.
Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be responsible for your injuries:
- The airport – The airport has a duty to maintain the premises, the parking lot, and other common areas.
- Airlines – Airlines can be responsible for areas under their control they fail to maintain, as well as the negligence of their employees.
- Businesses – Many businesses operate within Chicago O’Hare International Airport. If you were injured at a newsstand, food court, convenience store, or other shop, the business that leases the space may be responsible for your injuries.
- Other passengers – In some cases, another passenger may have acted negligently, leading to your injury.
If you have a claim against a negligent business, you can bring a claim against it in the same way as you would against any other business involved in a personal injury case.
Rules Pertaining to Claims Against the Government
The Chicago O’Hare International Airport is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. When an accident occurs at an airport, and you are seeking to hold the airport itself liable, special liability rules apply because the defendant is a governmental entity.
In Illinois, the Court of Claims is the court of exclusive jurisdiction for all legal claims filed against the state. You must file specific forms to provide proper notice to the government of your injuries.
You must also follow specific rules outlined in the Court of Claims Act, including providing written notice of the claim within one year of the date of injury. You must also file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the injury if you do not settle your case out of court before then.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer To Learn More
Personal injury cases involving airports can be complex. You may have claims against multiple parties that share in liability for your accident. An experienced premises liability lawyer from Zayed Law Offices of Personal Injury Attorneys can explain your legal rights and options during a free consultation. Call us today to get started.
Contact the Chicago Premises Liability Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago premises liability lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone:(312) 726-1616
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Chicago
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.8815493,-87.6327515
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 726-1616
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Joliet
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.5254295,-88.1381011
