Airline and Airport Worker Injuries

Working in the airline and airport industry is fast-paced, physically demanding, and often risky. Whether you’re handling heavy luggage, maintaining aircraft, or assisting passengers, there are countless ways you can get injured on the job. As an airline or airport worker in Florida, you face unique hazards that can lead to serious, long-lasting injuries. In fact, many airport workers miss extended periods of work after an injury, leading to financial hardship.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we have over 45 years of experience representing workers across Miami and South Florida, helping them secure the workers' compensation benefits they’re entitled to after an on-the-job injury. If you’ve been injured while working at an airport or for an airline, our dedicated team of Miami workers’ compensation lawyers can guide you through the process of filing a claim and pursuing the compensation you require—and deserve.

The airline and airport industry encompasses a wide range of jobs, each with its own set of risks. Ground crew members handle the heavy lifting of luggage and cargo, often in extreme weather conditions. Aircraft maintenance personnel work with large machinery and hazardous materials. Flight attendants spend long hours on their feet, assisting passengers and navigating the tight quarters of an aircraft. Even desk and ticketing staff face repetitive strain injuries and the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.

The physical demands of these jobs and the high-pressure environment make working in an airport or for an airline particularly dangerous. In fact, airline and airport workers are frequently exposed to a variety of hazards that can result in injuries severe enough to prevent them from working for extended periods.

Airline and airport jobs can be dangerous occupations, and workers face many risks. Below is a list of injuries you might encounter while working in the airline or airport industry:

Back and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Lifting heavy baggage, operating machinery, or standing for long periods can put significant strain on your back and joints, leading to chronic pain, muscle tears, or even herniated discs.

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Whether you’re working on a slippery tarmac, in the terminal, or on an airplane, uneven surfaces and wet floors pose a constant risk. A workplace fall can result in sprains, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries.

Injuries from Heavy Machinery

Working with conveyor belts, baggage carts, and aircraft maintenance equipment puts you at risk for machinery-related accidents, which can cause severe injuries such as fractures, amputations, or crush injuries.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Ticket agents, flight attendants, and other employees who perform repetitive motions can develop conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or bursitis over time, leading to significant pain and limited mobility.

Exposure to Hazardous Materials

Aircraft maintenance staff and ground crew workers often handle fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous substances. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory problems, skin conditions, or more serious health issues.

Hearing Loss

The constant noise from jet engines, machinery, and crowds at an airport can cause long-term hearing damage, especially if proper ear protection isn’t worn regularly.

Florida’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to help you recover after an on-the-job injury. If you’re injured as an airline or airport worker, you may be eligible for various types of compensation including lost wages as well as medical expenses. Some of the benefits you might receive include:

Medical Treatment: Workers' compensation covers the cost of reasonable and necessary medical care related to your injury, including surgeries, hospital visits, medications, physical therapy, and even home care if required.

Temporary Disability Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working for a temporary period, you may receive compensation for a portion of your lost wages while you recover. These benefits can last until you’re cleared by a doctor to return to work. The compensation rate is ordinarily ⅔ of your average weekly wage which is based on an average of the 91 days (13 weeks) prior to date of injury.

Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury results in a permanent impairment, you could be entitled to permanent disability benefits. The amount you receive depends on the severity of your injury and whether or not you are working.

Vocational Rehabilitation: In some cases, your injury may prevent you from returning to your previous job. Florida’s workers’ compensation program offers vocational rehabilitation benefits, which can help you get the training or education you need to find a new line of work.

If you or a loved one has been injured while working at an airport or for an airline, contact Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and South Florida. We do not charge for our services unless and until we have secured a financial recovery for you. You can reach us by calling 305-448-8585 or through our secure online contact form.