In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on “Can You Sue An Airline For Turbulence” to the legal options available to passengers.

Air travel is an essential aspect of modern life, but it’s not without its risks. Turbulence is a common occurrence during flights, and while it can be unsettling, it’s usually not dangerous.

However, there are cases where turbulence can cause injuries to passengers, prompting them to ask the question: Can you sue an airline for turbulence?

Understanding Turbulence: Causes and Effects

Turbulence is the term used to describe the bumpy, rough air that can occur during a flight. It is caused by the interaction between the aircraft and the surrounding air, which can be influenced by a range of factors, including weather conditions, air pressure changes, and altitude.

Turbulence can be classified into four types based on the cause and effect it has on passengers:

1. Light Turbulence: This is the most common type of turbulence, causing slight bumps and jolts that do not require passengers to fasten their seatbelts.
2. Moderate Turbulence: This type of turbulence can cause passengers to feel uneasy, but it is not usually dangerous. Passengers are advised to fasten their seatbelts during moderate turbulence.
3. Severe Turbulence: This type of turbulence can be very dangerous, causing passengers to be thrown around the cabin. Passengers are advised to stay seated and fasten their seatbelts until the turbulence subsides.
4. Extreme Turbulence: This is the rarest and most dangerous type of turbulence, causing the plane to undergo violent movements that can cause serious injury or even structural damage to the plane.

When Turbulence Causes Injuries: Liability and Negligence

Passengers who have suffered injuries due to turbulence may be wondering if they have any legal options available to them. The answer is yes, but it’s not always straightforward.

In general, airlines are not automatically liable for injuries caused by turbulence. This is because turbulence is considered an “act of nature,” which means it’s not within the airline’s control. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

If the airline knew or should have known that turbulence was likely to occur on a particular flight, and failed to take appropriate measures to minimize the risk of injury, they may be found negligent. For example, if the airline knew that a particular flight was likely to encounter severe turbulence but did not warn passengers to buckle up or secure their belongings, they may be liable for any injuries that result.

Passengers can also seek compensation if they can prove that the airline or its employees were directly responsible for their injuries. For example, if a flight attendant negligently spilled hot coffee on a passenger during turbulence, the airline may be liable for the resulting burns and injuries.

What You Need to Prove to Sue an Airline for Turbulence

If you have suffered injuries due to turbulence and are considering suing the airline, there are several factors you will need to prove in order to be successful. These include:

1. Duty of Care: The airline owed you a duty of care, which means that they had a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety while you were on board the flight.
2. Breach of Duty: You will need to prove that the airline failed to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety, either by failing to warn you of the risk of turbulence or failing to take appropriate measures to minimize the risk of injury.
3. Causation: You will need to prove that the airline’s breach of duty was the direct cause of your injuries.

Conclusion

Turbulence can be a scary experience for air travelers, and in some cases, it can lead to injuries. While airlines are not automatically liable for injuries caused by turbulence, passengers may have legal options available to them if they can prove that the airline was negligent or directly responsible for their injuries. It’s essential to understand the factors that can affect your ability to seek compensation and to seek the advice of an experienced aviation attorney if you are considering legal action.

FAQ – Can You Sue An Airline For Turbulence

Reference

• https://injury.arnoldsmithlaw.com/lawyers-can-assist-persons-who-have-suffered-injuries-in-air-tur.html#:~:text=Entities%20can%20Face%20Liability%20for,that%20the%20airline%20acted%20negligently.