Airline Injury Lawyer

Helping Passengers Injured on Flights Obtain the Maximum Compensation They Deserve

Most people expect air travel to be smooth and safe. But sometimes a flight can turn dangerous in just a few seconds—especially when a plane hits unexpected turbulence or a heavy bag falls from an overhead bin. Injuries on planes happen more often than many realize, and the aftermath can be painful, stressful, and expensive.

If you were hurt while flying, you have the right to explore and pursue your legal options. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our airline injury lawyers help injured passengers recover money for their medical bills, missed work, and pain. We handle every part of your case and charge no fees unless and until we win for you.

Understanding the Montreal Convention and How It Protects You

If you were injured during an international flight—or even on a domestic leg that was part of an international itinerary—you have important legal rights under the Montreal Convention, a treaty that governs airline liability for passenger injuries.

The Montreal Convention applies to international flights between countries that have signed the treaty, including the United States. It also covers roundtrip flights that begin and end in the same country if there is a planned stop in another country. That means even if you were flying from Florida to New York as part of a longer trip to Europe or Latin America, the treaty may still apply.

Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are strictly liable for injuries that occur due to an "accident" onboard the aircraft or during the process of boarding or disembarking. An “accident” means something unusual or unexpected—such as severe turbulence, a falling suitcase from an overhead bin, spilled hot coffee, or a sudden jolt that causes a fall.

The law does not require you to prove that the airline was careless. You only need to show that:

• You were injured
• The injury happened during international air travel
• The injury was caused by an accident

If those three things are true, the airline is automatically responsible for your damages up to a certain amount—currently about 128,821 Special Drawing Rights (roughly $170,000 USD, though the value can vary). For damages above that amount, the airline can only avoid further liability if it proves it was not negligent.

The Montreal Convention also sets a strict deadline. You must file a legal claim within two years of the date you arrived—or were supposed to arrive—at your destination. Miss that deadline, and your claim will almost always be denied, even if the facts are clear.

A skilled airline injury lawyer can help determine whether the Montreal Convention applies to your flight and make sure the claim is filed properly and on time. Because the treaty involves international law, it can be complex—and airlines often use that complexity to delay or deny valid claims. Having the right legal team levels the playing field.

Types of Injuries We Handle

Injuries on airplanes can happen in many different ways. Whether you were sitting quietly in your seat or walking through the aisle, airlines have a duty to keep you safe. Our team helps clients who were injured in:

• Airline turbulence injuries
• Sudden plane movements that throw passengers or crew off balance
• Overhead bin and falling luggage injuries
• Burns from spilled coffee or hot food during in-flight service
• Slips and falls while boarding, deplaning, or using the restroom mid-flight
• Fatal airline accidents involving crashes or emergency landings
• Situations where the airline did not provide appropriate medical attention for passenger in need

Even minor events—like turbulence or a careless food cart bump—can lead to serious harm. A fall can result in broken bones or head trauma. A dropped bag can cause spinal damage or concussions. Our airline injury attorneys take these cases seriously and work to prove that the airline, its employees, and/or another party was responsible.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you were injured due to airline negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Future medical treatment or surgery
• Lost wages or income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional stress or trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of travel or daily activities
• Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed in a crash or other airline-related accident)

The best airline injury lawyers will work with medical experts, economists, and accident investigators to understand the full impact of the injury and fight for the financial compensation you truly deserve.

Why Work with Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada?

Since 1976, our firm has helped injury victims. We understand the unique challenges of airline injury cases, especially when multiple airlines or international rules are involved.

When you work with us, you get:

• A clear explanation of your rights under U.S. law and the Montreal Convention
• An experienced team of lawyers and support staff that know how to handle airline claims
• No fees unless we win
• Bilingual staff who speak Spanish and Creole
• Respectful, one-on-one attention throughout your case

Whether you were hurt on a short domestic flight or traveling internationally, our firm is ready to help you secure the maximum recovery.

Talk to one of our Airline Injury Lawyers Today

You only have a limited time to file a claim, so do not wait to speak with an attorney – you may lose the right to bring a claim. Call Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada toll-free at 877-448-8585 for a free consultation today. Let the best airline injury lawyers handle the legal side while you focus on your recovery. You pay nothing upfront—our fee comes only if we recover money for you, and we cover all costs during the case, so you never face financial risk.

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