Airplane Slips and Falls

Slip and fall injuries are common on airplanes, and they often happen in places where airlines are responsible for safety—jet bridges, cabin aisles, or even near restrooms. Wet floors, loose carpeting, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways can lead to potentially life-changing falls. Some result in broken bones, back injuries, or even long-term mobility problems. If you were hurt while boarding, deplaning, or walking through the cabin, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our airline injury attorneys help injured passengers hold airlines accountable for preventable falls. Whether your injury happened before takeoff or during the flight, our team investigates what went wrong and who was responsible. We work with medical experts and aviation professionals to build strong claims, and we never charge fees unless and until we secure compensation for you.

Falls can occur anywhere passengers walk during the course of a flight, including:

• Jet bridges and boarding ramps
• Aisles between seats
• Lavatory areas
• Entrances to galleys
• Steps when exiting smaller planes
• Tarmac areas during outdoor boarding

In each of these spaces, the airline or ground crew has a duty to maintain safe, walkable surfaces. If you slipped because of spilled liquids, torn carpet, food debris, or poor lighting, the airline can be at fault for your injuries.

Many slip and fall injuries happen because safety procedures are ignored or corners are cut. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Wet or sticky cabin floors from drink spills
• Food debris left in aisles after service
• Torn or unsecured carpeting
• Poor lighting near lavatories or exits
• Unmarked step-downs or floor-level changes
• Crew equipment or bags left in walkways

Airlines are responsible for keeping walking areas free of hazards. If they fail to clean, warn, or secure these areas, they may be legally liable for any resulting injuries.

Slipping or tripping in a moving aircraft can lead to more than just a bruise. Common injuries include:

• Ankle sprains and fractures
• Wrist injuries from bracing during a fall
• Hip fractures in older passengers
• Neck and Back injuries or herniated discs
• Head injuries or concussions
• Torn ligaments or muscle strains

These injuries can result in hospital stays, physical therapy, or time off from work—especially for older passengers or those with prior health conditions.

If your flight was international—or part of a larger international itinerary—the Montreal Convention may apply. This treaty allows passengers to recover compensation for injuries that happen during boarding, in-flight, or deplaning, without needing to prove fault.

A slip caused by an unexpected condition—like a wet aisle or unmarked floor change—often qualifies as an “accident” under the treaty. This means you can have a valid claim for compensation even if the airline denies responsibility.

Our experienced attorneys can determine whether the Montreal Convention applies to your case and help preserve and pursue your right to recover damages under international law.

To hold the airline accountable, we move quickly to gather and preserve evidence. Our legal team may:

• Request crew reports and flight logs
• Gather surveillance footage (when available)
• Review maintenance and cleaning schedules
• Interview witnesses who saw the fall or hazard
• Work with your doctors to document your injuries

The airline may claim your fall was your fault or just an accident. We counter these arguments with photos, records, and expert opinions that show how the airline’s failure caused your injury.

Depending on your case, compensation may include:

• Emergency medical care and follow-up treatment
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Lost wages or reduced future income
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability or mobility challenges
• Emotional distress

We take much time to understand how the fall affected your life in the past and how it will affect your life in the future so we can demand a settlement that reflects the full extent of your harm.

If you slipped or fell on a plane—or while boarding or exiting—you may have a strong claim for compensation on account of your injury. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we have some of the best airline injury lawyers waiting to discuss your case. Call us today at 877-448-8585 for a free consultation. We only get paid if and when we obtain monetary compensation for you.