Common Airline Employee Injuries in Florida

Whether you are a pilot, flight attendant, baggage handler, or receptionist, working in an airline can be exciting and rewarding. You can network with people from diverse cultures, enjoy several company incentives, and many other incredible benefits. However, your job may also be demanding and expose you to specific work-related injuries. Sometimes, your job injuries may require that you visit a workers’ comp lawyer to pursue a workers’ compensation claim.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4,980 flight attendants sustained nonfatal work-related injuries in 2019. While the injuries weren’t life-threatening, they required the injured workers to stay off work for some time. In addition, airline employee fatalities usually occur during plane crashes.

As an airline worker in Florida, knowing what injuries you’re likely to sustain in a workplace accident is essential. You must also understand your rights and privileges and what to do after a work injury. We’ll discuss all that and more in this article.

What Causes Work Injuries for Airline Employees?

The following are common causes of work injures for airline employees:

  • Shift-Work Sleep Disorder

Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) usually affects employees with non-traditional work schedules. For example, flight attendants can quickly develop shift-work sleep disorder due to radical shift changes, long work hours, night flights, etc. This disorder can disrupt the worker’s circadian rhythm and cause sleeplessness, concentration, depression, etc.

  • Slips and Falls

The airport is always a beehive of activities with different machines and people working at the same time. Unfortunately, this kind of work environment typically predisposes airline workers to slip and fall accidents.

  • Heavy Lifting

Airport baggage handlers do a lot of heavy lifting while sorting, loading, and unloading baggage. They make use of lifting equipment, drive baggage trucks, and operate conveyor belts. These activities can quickly cause a strain on their muscles and lead to many other injuries.

  • Assaults

Flight attendants have to deal with angry passengers sometimes. In some cases, the disgruntled passengers resort to verbal and physical assaults. Unfortunately, physical violence can cause flight attendants some severe injuries.

  • Turbulence

Winds, storms, mountain ranges, jet streams, etc., can cause turbulence on flights. Such situations can inflict injuries on flight staff.

Common Injuries in the Florida Airline Industry

You’re at risk of the following work-related injuries as an airline staff in Florida:

  • Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) result from repetitive movements that cause too much stress on specific body parts. For airline workers, these repetitive movements include constant baggage handling, typing, and other repetitive work activities. Common RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tendonitis, bursitis, and tennis elbow. RSI symptoms include pain, weakness, numbness, etc.

  • Back and Spinal Injuries

Assaults, rough landing, falls, and in-flight turbulence can injure your spine and back. Improper lifting postures can also be a significant culprit. This type of injury can cause back/neck pain, numbness, and even paralysis.

  • Broken Bones

Fractures are one of the most common injuries airplane workers suffer. It usually results from a slip and fall accident. Fractures can be displaced, non-displaced, open, or closed.

  • Cuts and Abrasions

Cuts and abrasions happen when a sharp object scrapes or pierces the skin. They can be mild or severe and often result in some bleeding. Cuts and bruises are also likely effects of a slip and fall accident.

  • Hearing Loss

From loud airplane noises to noise from other airport equipment, you are at significant risk of hearing loss. However, noises don’t have to be continuous to cause hearing loss. Even a one-time loud sound is enough.

What to Do After an Airline Work Injury in Florida

Do the following immediately after you sustain a work-related injury at your airline:

  • Notify Your Employer

Report your work accident to your employer or supervisor as soon as you can.

  • Document Your Injuries

Take note of the date, time, and place of your accident. It’s also important to photograph and video your injuries as well as the accident scene.

  • Call For Medical Attention

Get medical care for your injuries immediately after your accident. Your doctors’ reports can help your case too.

  • Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Your work comp lawyer will protect your interests throughout the claims process.

Speak With an Experienced Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney Now!

As an airline worker with workplace injuries in Florida, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, the success of your claim lies in the strength of your case and your work comp lawyer’s expertise. That’s why you must only consult with our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys to achieve the best results. We’ll protect your rights and ensure that you get nothing less than what you deserve. So give us a call today.

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