Maison Law helps anyone that’s hurt in airplane accidents in California. Unfortunately, accidents aren’t limited to the skies. Busy airports like San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) are also common places where you and others can get hurt. No matter what the circumstances are, our team can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
Should You Get a Lawyer After an Accident at San Jose Mineta Airport?
It’s not surprising that accidents happen so often at busy places like San Jose Mineta Airport. With the constant flow of people coming and going, a variety of accidents could lead to injuries.
While minor injuries might not require legal action, serious injuries or cases with unclear liability make getting a lawyer much more beneficial for you. We have extensive experience with these cases, and can help you by:
- Explaining your legal rights and options
- Investigating the incident
- Gathering crucial evidence, especially things like surveillance footage
- Figuring out who is responsible for your damages
Although it’s important to be cautious, the airport has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. If they fail and you get hurt, you have legal options.
What Legal Options Do You Have If You’re Hurt at San Jose International Airport?
Legally, your options after an accident at San Jose Mineta International Airport are similar to other types of accidents. While the airport environment might present unique circumstances, your legal options are the same–you get to file an injury claim.
Typically, you’ll want to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit to recover financial support for your losses, which is known as “damages.”
In a typical airport injury claim, you can potentially recover things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income or future earnings if you’re unable to work
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged property
- Financial considerations for your emotional distress, mental suffering, and physical pain
- Support for a reduced quality of life
- Potential punitive damages for severe negligence by the airport or responsible parties
In California, if you’re partly responsible for the accident, it could impact your claim. Your settlement might be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you’re 15% at fault for not following posted safety guidelines, your damages would be reduced by 15%. This is known as “comparative negligence.”
While you have legal options, one of the most important things to understand about an accident at SJC International Airport is that liability is going to be especially confusing. Moreover, depending on how involved the airport itself is, it can change the entire process.
How Liable is SJC International Airport For an Accident?
Liability is one of the most important parts of any injury claim, but it’s even more important when an accident happens at the SJC International Airport. As a business, SJC is owned and operated by the City of San Jose.
In effect, this makes it public property. Yet, this doesn’t change its legal responsibility to keep the property safe. At the same time though, this can create a legal challenge. Cities and counties in California generally have “sovereign immunity” against lawsuits, but under the California Torts Claims Act (CTCA), government agencies and their related entities can be held liable for accidents caused by negligence on their property.
This includes almost any type of accident at SJC, from a car accident in the parking lot to a slip-and-fall inside the terminal. If SJC is liable for the accident, you have to file a Notice of Claim within six months of the accident date, and your damages have to meet a $10,000 threshold.
But it also depends on the circumstances. There’s a wide range of parties at the airport, from outside food vendors to private citizens. Any single one of these can be liable for an accident, like:
- Individual airport employees or workers
- Product manufacturers
- Contractors or maintenance workers
- Food service providers
- Private individuals
- Vendors
An accident at SJC may involve multiple parties who could be liable. Once liability is determined, you’ll know who is responsible for your accident and who should cover the costs.
What Accidents Can Happen to You at San Jose International Airport?
San Jose International Airport (SJC) can be a busy and chaotic environment, with thousands of people moving between the parking lots, terminals, and gates. Despite the hustle and bustle, your rights remain intact if you get hurt, especially when negligence is involved. Various types of accidents can happen at SJC, including:
- Slip and falls – Spills, wet floors, or uneven surfaces can cause slips and falls.
- Tripping or baggage accidents – Heavy or improperly handled luggage can lead to injuries. You might also be injured by baggage machinery or by tripping over unattended luggage.
- Vehicle accidents – Collisions in parking lots or shuttle areas involving cars, buses, or airport shuttles are common.
- Malfunctioning elevators or escalators – 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 or on your person are often targets for theft, and the airport environment can sometimes lead to altercations, especially if alcohol is involved.
These are just a few examples, but accidents at SJC can happen in many other ways, especially when negligence is involved. Still though, it’s vital to understand what you need to do after one of these accidents.
How Can You Protect Your Injury Claim After an Accident at SJC Airport?
An accident at San Jose International Airport (SJC) can be frustrating, though not really all that surprising given the busy environment. Despite the chaos, SJC Airport’s management takes numerous precautions to make sure travelers and others are safe. However, knowing what to do if you’re injured is crucial for protecting your claim. Here’s how you can do that:
- Get medical help – Your health comes first. Get help from airport staff or call 911 for serious injuries. Quick medical attention also supports your claim.
- Report the accident – Tell airport security or police what happened. This official report can be important evidence for your claim.
- Collect pertinent information and other details – Gather contact details from anyone involved and any witnesses. This information is vital for building your case, and for providing outside accounts of what happened.
- Document the accident scene – Take photos or videos of the accident area and any hazards. Visual evidence strengthens your claim.
- Watch your statements – When talking to officials or insurance reps, stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or speculate–it could harm your claim.
Following these steps strengthens your claim and helps protect your rights. Since accidents can happen anytime at SJC, being prepared is key. If you do get hurt, though our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Maison Law After an Accident at SJC International Airport
It’s frustrating being involved in any accident, but especially one at San Jose’s Mineta International Airport. You have enough to worry about when trying to catch a flight or just get home after a long trip, you shouldn’t also have to face injuries from someone else’s negligence. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence at SJC Airport. When this happens, you have options. Our team of California airplane accident lawyers at Maison Law will stand up for your rights and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
