Injured Flight Attendants

Flight attendants are often injured in the course of their employment. Common flight attendant injuries include herniated discs injuries from in-fight turbulence, shoulder injuries from lifting passenger bags and injuries suffered during flight layovers. If you sustain an injury while working as a flight attendant, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and benefits under your union contract.  Our law firm has handled the workers’ compensation cases of hundreds of injured flight attendants. Our attorneys are highly practiced in prosecuting these types of claims and dealing with the challenges that injured flight attendants face. We provide a free consultation to injured flight attendants. Call 312-724-5846 or send us an email.

The Common Types Of Workplace Injuries Flight Attendants Face

As an airline employee, your daily environment involves unique physical demands that often lead to severe physical harm. Common injuries flight attendants suffer on the job include the following:

• Turbulence-related harm: Sudden altitude shifts can throw you against hard cabin surfaces or heavy carts, leading to traumatic brain injuries and bone fractures. These incidents often occur while you are performing essential duties, making them clearly compensable under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
• Musculoskeletal strains: Years of pushing heavy beverage carts and reaching for overhead bins frequently result in chronic back, neck and shoulder issues. Because these repetitive strain injuries develop gradually, insurers may wrongly claim they are pre-existing or unrelated to your employment.
• Slips and falls: Navigating wet galley floors or cluttered aisles during a flight or aircraft movement often results in severe sprains and ligament tears. The confined space of an airplane cabin significantly increases the risk of these accidents occurring during your shift.

• Struck-by incidents: Falling luggage or shifting carts can hit you without warning, particularly during boarding or turbulence. These impacts can cause serious trauma, including head injuries and soft tissue damage.
• Thermal burns: Working with high-temperature galley ovens and hot beverage dispensers puts you at constant risk for painful burns. Even standard food service tasks can lead to permanent scarring or infections that require specialized treatment and time away from work.

While the law provides for benefits, the path to obtaining them is rarely direct, especially when insurers prioritize their bottom line over your recovery. This means that no matter the injury, you require immediate medical attention and thorough documentation to support a successful benefits appeal.

Workers’ Rights Of Injured Flight Attendants

When you file a workers’ compensation claim, there are certain rights afforded to you by Illinois law. For example, it is against the law for your employer or your employer’s agent to threaten, harass or fire you for exercising your right to file a workers’ compensation claim. We take swift action to remedy these situations. For example, for United Airlines flight attendants who experience this type of treatment, we contact Gallagher Bassett, United’s claim adjusting company, to push for an immediate emergency hearing. Additionally, you may have a civil case against your employer.

Getting A Lawyer Involved In Your Case

Our lawyers are highly knowledgeable about the rights of injured workers. We have been fighting for injured workers for over 60 years. Our firm offers clients more than just obtaining a maximum recovery of benefits. We also ensure that you are treated fairly by your employer, that your medical bills are paid promptly, that you are protected from collection activity and that your temporary total disability benefits are paid weekly. Failure to pay benefits in a timely manner can result in added penalties against your employer’s insurance company.

We bring an assertive, ethical approach to any of the above cases, helping ensure your voice is heard.

Flight Attendants, Start With A Free Consultation

We represent flight attendants from all over the state of Illinois, but particularly those based out of O’Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport. If you have been injured while working as a flight attendant, contact us to discuss your workers’ compensation claim and learn how our firm can help protect your rights. Call 312-724-5846 or email us today.