Case overview
$675,000 recovered for a client who tripped while deboarding an airplane onto the jet bridge. The platform was improperly leveled with the airplane doorway, causing an unexpected drop. As a result, our client fell, suffering fractures to his femur and hip.
A surprising element of this case is the seemingly minor discrepancy between the two levels, as depicted in the evidence gallery. However, airlines are held to a higher standard of care than ordinary people, as they are considered common carriers.
CACI No. 902. Duty of Common Carrier
Common carriers must carry passengers [or property] safely. Common carriers must use the highest care and the vigilance of a very cautious person. They must do all that human care, vigilance, and foresight reasonably can do under the circumstances to avoid harm to passengers[or property].
While a common carrier does not guarantee the safety of its passengers [or property that it transports], it must use reasonable skill to provide everything necessary for safe transportation, in view of the transportation used and the practical operation of the business.
To our client’s credit, he consistently presented as an honest and credible witness never exaggerating his injuries and demonstrating unwavering integrity throughout the case. After several years of litigation, it became clear that the airline recognized its obligation to fairly compensate him.
Next time you board or deplane, take a moment to notice whether the aircraft is properly aligned with the jet bridge.
Injury, evidence, and strategy
As a result of the incident, our client suffered significant orthopedic trauma, including fractures to both the femur and the hip. These are among the most serious types of skeletal injuries, often associated with high-impact trauma and typically seen in severe accidents. The femur, being the longest and strongest bone in the body, requires a tremendous amount of force to fracture. Similarly, a hip fracture can destabilize a person’s ability to walk and perform even the most basic daily activities.
Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts.