Maison Law helps anyone that’s injured in an airplane accident in California. Unfortunately, you don’t have to just worry about accidents in the air. Airports like San Francisco International (SFO) are a common place where accidents can happen. If you or someone you care about is hurt at an airport, our team can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Do You Need a Lawyer After an Accident at San Francisco International Airport?
When you stop to think about it, it’s really not all that surprising that accidents are so common at places like SFO. With all of the hustle and bustle of people streaming in and out of the airport itself, there’s any number of potential accidents that could leave you injured.
But like any other area, you only need a lawyer under certain circumstances. Even if minor injuries don’t require legal action, more serious injuries or unclear liability–common at SFO–make having a lawyer helpful. Our firm will:
- Investigate what happened
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Collect important evidence
- Determine who’s responsible for your damages
While you should be careful, the airport must keep the area safe. If they don’t and you get hurt, you have legal options.
Who’s Responsible for an Accident at San Francisco International Airport?
Whether you’re dropping off a friend or catching a flight, California’s “premises liability” laws protect you from unsafe conditions at San Francisco International Airport. This means that the ownership of the airport itself has a legal responsibility to keep the property safe. In this case, SFO is owned and operated by the:
- City and County of San Francisco.
This, obviously, creates an issue. Cities and counties in California generally have “sovereign immunity” against lawsuits, but under the California Torts Claims Act (CTCA), government agencies and their related organs (like SFO) can be liable for accidents that are caused on their property by negligence. This includes virtually any type of accident that could happen to you at SFO, from a car accident in the parking lot to a slip-and-fall in the airport itself.
- Individual employees or workers
- Product manufacturers
- Contractors or maintenance workers
- Food manufacturers
- Private individuals
- Vendors
Obviously, an accident at SFO can have many different people that are liable. However, once you’re able to narrow down liability, you’ll know who’s responsible for your accident and who should cover the costs. However, liability depends on the specific circumstances, which will impact the claims process.
What’s the Claims Process Like After an Accident at SFO?
With an accident claim against SFO, the process is going to be a little bit different. First, you have to file a Notice of Claim that tells the government about the accident and that you want to take legal action. There are two main requirements that have to be met before you have standing to file the claim:
- Excess damages -The claim should be for damages under $10,000. If it’s above that amount–as is common in many accidents given the potential severity of injuries–you must file with the Government Claims Program.
- Timeframe – The claim must be filed within six months of the accident date, unlike the usual two-year statute of limitations for injury lawsuits in California.
Failing to meet these requirements means you cannot pursue a claim against the airport, potentially missing out on compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Once you submit the claim, San Francisco International Airport has:
- 45 days to respond in writing, allowing them time to investigate and evaluate the claim.
If you can prove negligence and the airport’s liability for your damages, you may recover normal accident damages, which include:
- Medical treatment costs
- Lost income, future wages, and benefits
- Reduced future earning ability
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Repair/replacement costs for any damaged property
- Loss of enjoyment in life
Remember, these damages are going to be specific to your particular accident. There’s also “comparative negligence”, where any percentage of fault you shared in the accident will reduce your overall damages. With this in mind, it’s very important to do what you can to strengthen your claim.
What Do You Need to Do After an Accident at SFO?
An accident at SFO can be pretty frustrating, if not all that surprising. Even with the sheer amount of chaos that’s generally happening there, the airport’s management still takes plenty of precautions to keep travelers safe. At the same time, though, understanding what you need to do if you get hurt is very important to how your claim plays out. So, if you’re hurt, here’s what you need to do:
- Get help – Like any accident, the first thing you should do is take care of your health. If you’re hurt, ask an employee or airport staff for help. They should be able to provide first aid or have medical care on site. If your injuries are more serious, you or them should call 911 for an ambulance.
- Call security or police – SFO has security guards and police on patrol to take care of any issues. If you get hurt, make sure to report it to the closest security guard you can find. If it involves further help, like for an assault or car accident, call the police so they can come and manage the scene.
- Gather information – It’s important to get all the information and evidence you can for an eventual claim. Get contact and insurance details from anyone else involved, as well as contact information from any witnesses that saw what happened.
- Document the scene – Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including anything that might have led up to or caused the accident.
- Be careful with statements – Whenever you talk to airport officials, the police, or especially insurance representatives, be careful. Just stick to the facts of what happened, and don’t admit fault.
Accidents can happen anytime you’re at SFO, so it’s important to be prepared. Part of this preparation is understanding what can happen to you.
What Accidents Can Happen to You at SFO?
The environment of SFO, with thousands of people streaming in from the parking lot and off of airplanes, trying to reach gates, and waiting for flights, is certainly chaotic at times. But this doesn’t change your rights when you get hurt, especially when negligence is a factor. At the same time, a lot of different accidents can happen there, usually involving things like:
- Slip-and-fall accidents – Spills, wet floors, or uneven surfaces can lead to slips and falls.
- Baggage injuries – Heavy or improperly loaded luggage can cause injuries during handling. You could also be injured by machinery that moves bags, or from tripping over luggage or suitcases that haven’t been properly stored away.
- Vehicle accidents – Accidents in parking lots or shuttle areas involving cars, buses, or airport shuttles are also common there.
- Escalator or elevator accidents – Malfunctions or sudden stops can result in injuries or collisions.
- Falling objects – Items falling from overhead bins or airport fixtures can cause harm.
- Assaults or robberies – Personal belongings in baggage and on your person are frequent targets of robberies at SFO, while the nature of the environment there can lead to altercations, especially if alcohol is involved.
These are just a few examples, but accidents at SFO and other airports can happen in many other ways, depending on the circumstances. Negligence, though, is key when thinking about your legal options. And our team will be there to help you through the process.
Get a Free Consultation After an Accident at SFO Airport
Suffering an injury at San Francisco International Airport is frustrating, especially when it’s caused by the airport’s negligence. Maison Law and our team of California airport accident lawyers are here to guide you through the recovery process. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards getting the help you need.
